Common Lab Equipment Names to Know for Intro to Chemistry

Understanding common lab equipment is key in chemistry. These tools help us mix, measure, and analyze substances accurately. Familiarity with each item enhances your ability to conduct experiments and grasp essential concepts in the world of chemistry.

1. Beaker

   • Used for mixing, stirring, and heating liquids.
   • Typically made of glass or plastic with a spout for easy pouring.
   • Available in various sizes, usually marked with volume measurements.

2. Erlenmeyer flask

   • Features a conical shape with a flat bottom and narrow neck.
   • Ideal for mixing solutions by swirling without risk of spillage.
   • Can be used for heating and is often used in titrations.

3. Graduated cylinder

   • Tall, narrow container used for accurately measuring liquid volumes.
   • Marked with graduation lines for precise volume readings.
   • Typically made of glass or plastic and comes in various sizes.

4. Pipette

   • A slender tube used to transport a measured volume of liquid.
   • Can be manual or automatic, allowing for precise liquid handling.
   • Essential for transferring small amounts of liquids in experiments.

5. Burette

   • A long, graduated glass tube with a stopcock at the bottom.
   • Used for dispensing precise volumes of liquid, especially in titrations.
   • Allows for controlled release of liquid, enhancing accuracy.

6. Test tube

   • A cylindrical glass or plastic tube used for holding small amounts of liquid.
   • Commonly used for mixing, heating, or observing chemical reactions.
   • Can be placed in a test tube rack for stability during experiments.

7. Watch glass

   • A circular, shallow glass dish used to cover beakers or evaporate small amounts of liquid.
   • Helps prevent contamination and evaporation of samples.
   • Can also be used as a surface for weighing small solids.

8. Crucible

   • A small, heat-resistant container used for heating solid substances to high temperatures.
   • Often made of ceramic or metal, suitable for chemical reactions.
   • Used in processes like melting, calcining, or burning materials.

9. Bunsen burner

   • A gas burner used for heating substances in the lab.
   • Produces a single open flame, adjustable for temperature control.
   • Essential for various heating applications, including sterilization.

10. Ring stand

    • A metal stand with a vertical rod and various attachments.
    • Provides support for holding equipment like burettes or flasks during experiments.
    • Enhances stability and safety when conducting reactions.

11. Thermometer

    • An instrument used to measure temperature in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.
    • Can be digital or glass, with a scale for easy reading.
    • Essential for monitoring temperature-sensitive reactions.

12. pH meter

    • An electronic device used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.
    • Provides precise pH readings, crucial for many chemical processes.
    • Often used in titrations and quality control in laboratories.

13. Analytical balance

    • A highly sensitive scale used for measuring mass with great precision.
    • Typically enclosed to prevent air currents from affecting measurements.
    • Essential for preparing solutions and conducting quantitative analysis.

14. Volumetric flask

    • A glass flask with a long neck and a flat bottom, designed for precise volume measurements.
    • Used for preparing standard solutions and dilutions.
    • Marked with a single graduation line for accuracy.

15. Distillation apparatus

    • A setup used to separate components of a mixture based on differences in boiling points.
    • Typically includes a distillation flask, condenser, and receiving flask.
    • Essential for purifying liquids and analyzing chemical compounds.