Laboratory Equipment and Their Functions in Scientific Experiments

Wash bottle

Holds distilled water to use in experiments or wash glassware.

buret

Used to precisely measure a liquid or aqueous solution as part of a reaction, particularly in a titration.

funnel

Used to accurately and cleanly add chemicals OR to filter a solid from a liquid using filter paper.

Test tube

Small container used to hold and/or mix small amounts of chemicals.

Test tube clamp

Securely holds a test tube, particularly when heating.

Test tube rack

Holds many test tubes.

Graduated cylinder

A precise measuring tool to determine the volume of a liquid or aqueous substance.

Pipet

Simple tool used to transfer small, approximate volumes of liquid from one container to another.

Dropper

Used to slowly add very small quantities (i.e. drops) of aqueous chemicals.

Erlenmeyer Flask

Conical flask that is used in mixing, heating, and storing solutions. Is particularly useful in titrations for storing the reacting solutions.

Rubber stopper

Securely seals a flask or test tube.

Evaporating dish

Tool used to remove excess liquid (solvent) from a solution by evaporation, leaving behind a concentrated solution or a solid precipitate.

Watch glass

Multifunctional tool used for evaporating liquids, weighing solids, covering beakers, and observing crystallization.

Bunsen Burner/Lab burner

Heats a substance using an open flame.

Hot plate

Provides a flame-free method for heating reagents, samples, and chemicals. May also contain a magnet to stir reagents.

Thermometer

Measures temperature.

Ruler

Measures length.

Balance

Measures the mass of a sample.

Test tube brush

Used to clean glassware.

Stirring rod

Used to stir and mix reagents.

Forces (tweezers)

Picks up small amounts of solid that should not be touched by hand.

Mortar and pestle

Grinds large pieces of solids into smaller fragments and powder.

Scoopula or Spatula

Transfers solid, granular, or powdered substances, such as chemicals, from one container to another, particularly for weighing, mixing, and other experimental procedures.

Wire gauze

Helps distribute heat evenly.

Tongs

Used to touch and/or move hot glassware.

Ring stand

Secure device that is used to hold glassware.

Ring clamp or iron ring

Clamps to a ring stand to hold equipment for heating.

Utility clamp

Used to hold various devices to a ring stand.

Beaker

Versatile container used for holding, mixing, heating, and stirring liquids/aqueous substances. Measured approximate volume but is not used for accurate measurements.