Common Laboratory Apparatus

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering common laboratory equipment, their specific functions, and core scientific investigation concepts based on the provided activity notes.

Erlenmeyer flask

An apparatus used for mixing, heating, and storing liquids.

Florence flask

Used for uniform heating, boiling, and distillation of liquids.

Beaker

A container used for mixing, heating, and holding liquids.

Test tube

Used to mix, heat, and hold small liquid or solid samples.

Wash bottle

Equipment used for rinsing glassware, dispensing solvents, and washing precipitates.

Graduated cylinder

An apparatus used to measure the volume of liquids, capture gases, and find the volume of solid objects.

Burette

Used to precisely dispense and measure variable volumes of liquids or gases.

Pipette

Used to measure and transfer exact volumes of liquid.

Watch glass

Used to evaporate liquids, weigh solids, and cover beakers.

Spot plate

A small laboratory tool featuring multiple bowl-like depressions or wells used to conduct micro-scale chemical reactions, color tests, and qualitative analysis.

Petri dish

A shallow, round, clear glass or plastic dish with a loose-fitting lid used by scientists to grow and study bacteria, fungi, and cell cultures.

Glass funnel

Used to transfer liquids or powders safely, filter mixtures with filter paper, and separate unmixable fluids.

Glass tubing

Used to add liquid reagents into a system, safely pour liquids into a reaction vessel without losing gas, and add small volumes of liquid to an exact position.

Dropper

Used to transfer or measure small amounts of liquid drop by drop.

Thistle tube

Adds liquids or reagents into a closed system without allowing gases to escape.

Spatula

A hand tool used for scraping, transferring, mixing, or applying powders and paste-like chemicals or treatments.

Triple beam balance

An instrument used to measure the mass of an object accurately.

Stirring rod

Used to stir and mix liquids.

Mortar and pestle

Used to crush and grind solid substances.

Thermometer

An instrument used to measure precise temperatures during experiments.

Iron stand

A piece of scientific equipment used to hold, support, and elevate glassware and other hardware safely above a work surface or heat source.

Iron clamp

Used to securely hold, mount, or elevate glassware and other equipment on a metal support stand during experiments.

Iron ring

Used to support and stabilize glassware like flasks and funnels above the work surface during experiments and heating.

Test tube holder

A hand-held metal tool with spring-loaded jaws used to securely grip, transport, and heat a single test tube.

Crucible tongs

Used to safely lift, move, and handle hot crucibles, lids, and evaporating dishes during high-temperature laboratory procedures.

Test tube rack

Used to hold, organize, and transport multiple test tubes upright at the same time.

Tripod

A three-legged metal platform used to support beakers, flasks, and wire gauze during heating experiments.

Wire gauze

A heat-resistant metal mesh used to spread heat evenly, protect glassware from cracking, and support containers during laboratory heating.

Bunsen burner

A standard laboratory tool that mixes flammable gas with air to produce a single open flame used for heating.

Alcohol lamp

A standard benchtop tool used for low-heat heating.

Water bath

Used to heat samples gently and evenly at a constant, controlled temperature over a set period of time.

Evaporating dish

A shallow, heat-resistant laboratory container used to heat liquids, remove excess solvents, and concentrate dissolved solids.

Accuracy

In scientific investigation, it means how close the result or measurement is to the correct value.