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Common Laboratory Apparatus Uses

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Laboratory Apparatus

Laboratory equipment refers to the many devices of equipment used in a laboratory to carry out specific tasks. These tools are meant for use by scientists, students, professors, and medical professionals. Some scientific lab equipment is used for weighing materials, mixing and creating solutions, and cleaning containers. 


Any experiment must be performed with care to prevent injury. To ensure safety and properly carry out an experiment, it is essential to understand the names and purposes of lab equipment.


20 Common Laboratory Apparatus Names and Their Uses:


common laboratory apparatus list


Common Laboratory Apparatus List


Microscope:

A microscope is a common laboratory instrument used to observe items that are too small to see with the human eye. A light microscope examines a small object by using lights and a set of magnifying lenses. An electron microscope uses electrons to magnify an image.


Test Tube: 

A test tube is a lab vessel often used to carry and mix liquid chemicals. A test tube is shaped like a finger and has one open end. There are many various sizes of test tubes, but the common size is 18 x 150 mm.


Watch Glass:

A watch glass is a common kind of chemical lab tool. It is a concave piece of glass that's often used to store solids, evaporate liquids, and heat tiny amounts of a substance.


Crucible: 

The crucible is a tiny container generally constructed of porcelain. Some laboratory glassware is unsuitable for heating because it may get damaged or break. A crucible is a tiny container generally constructed of porcelain. It also includes a cover that is designed to keep smoke particles inside.


Volumetric Flasks:

Volumetric flasks are another popular part of chemistry laboratory equipment. It is a form of glassware calibrated to retain certain amounts of liquid at specific temperatures. It is used in chemistry to make standard solutions and accurate dilutions. This flask comes in several sizes, and the capacity is generally specified. Depending on how many solutions you want to make, you may use a 50ml, 125ml, 250ml, 500ml, or 1000 ml volumetric flask.


Beakers: 

Similar to test tubes, beakers are used to heat, mix, and store different types of materials. Beakers are cylindrical containers without rounded bottoms and have a spout and a flat base. They are also available in several sizes.


Bunsen Burner: 

This device is used for sterilising and heating things. Natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas, such as methane, could be utilised.


Spatula: 

A laboratory spatula is similar to a kitchen spatula, except it is considerably smaller. Spatulas are tiny, hand-held instruments for scooping and transferring solids. They can also be used to apply paste-like treatments. Most spatulas are used with various chemicals, typically resistant to heat and acid.


Magnifying Glass: 

This specific piece of lab equipment creates a magnified image of an object. It is a convex lens covered with a handle-equipped frame.


Spring Balance: 

A spring balance is also known as a newton metre. The tension of a spring on the scale is used to calculate the object's weight. On one side, there is a spring, and on the other, there is a hook.


Dropper: 

A dropper is also known as a Pasteur pipette. It is a small glass or plastic pipe with a rubber tip on one end. Its purpose is to give little volumes of liquids one drop at a time.


Measuring Cylinder: 

This typical laboratory instrument is used to determine the volume of a liquid. It is calibrated, with each marker indicating the quantity of chemical used. This glassware is cylindrical and narrow, as the name indicates.


Thermometer: 

We all have used thermometers at home, so we are all familiar with them. Laboratory thermometers are almost identical in that they measure the temperature of substances (instead of body temperature) and have a high level of accuracy.


Burette: 

A basic piece of chemical laboratory equipment used to dispense volumes of material. It is often used in titrations. The stopcock is located at the bottom of the long-graded tube. The burettes are 50ml, 25ml, and 10ml.


Balance:

Because certain experiments demand correct quantities of ingredients, solids are often weighed before use. A balance is a device that is used to consider materials. The most popular balance types are analytical and top loading balances.


Funnels: 

Funnels are another essential kind of device. They are used to transfer chemicals into small-mouthed receptacles. Filter, thistle, and falling funnels are some of the various types, and each has a specific purpose. Büchner and Hirsch's funnels are excellent examples of organic chemistry laboratory gear.


Wash Bottle: 

A wash bottle is a squeeze container used to clean and rinse glassware. The majority of wash bottles are plastic. Depending on the task, you may fill it with ethanol or deionised water.


Tongs: 

You are often exposed to chemicals, heat, and other potentially harmful substances when working in a laboratory. Tongs are used to grab dangerous things and handle hot containers. Each sort of tong is intended for a particular purpose. Beaker, utility, and crucible tongs are common examples.


Ammeter: 

This is a piece of equipment that is present in every physics lab. An ammeter is a tool to gauge how much electricity moves across a circuit.


Brushes For Test Tubes: 

Without a cleaning tool, our laboratory equipment list would be incomplete. Test tubes, flasks, and beakers are cleaned using cleaning brushes. After usage, all equipment should be cleaned and safely stored.


Conclusion

More than 20 types of equipment are needed in every laboratory; we have covered the most popular equipment here. About safety, the first and most important rule in any laboratory is to be safe! You must dress appropriately to avoid injury from dangerous lab chemicals. Always wear an extra coat or apron, closed shoes, latex gloves, and eye protection goggles. The greatest thing you can do is ensure that you always follow all safety standards while performing any experiment.

FAQs on Common Laboratory Apparatus Uses

1. What are laboratory apparatus and why are they important in science?

Laboratory apparatus refers to the various tools and equipment used by scientists and students to conduct experiments. They are essential for performing tasks such as measuring, mixing, heating, and observing substances accurately and safely. Using the correct apparatus ensures that experiments are reliable, repeatable, and conducted without accidents.

2. What are some of the most common laboratory apparatus and their main uses?

Some of the most common apparatus found in a science lab include:

  • Beaker: A cylindrical container used for holding, mixing, and gently heating liquids.
  • Test Tube: A small, thin glass tube used for holding and mixing small amounts of substances.
  • Graduated Cylinder: A tall, cylindrical container with markings (graduations) used to measure the volume of liquids accurately.
  • Bunsen Burner: A gas burner that produces a single open flame, used for heating, sterilisation, and combustion.
  • Microscope: An instrument used to see objects that are too small to be seen by the naked eye.
  • Funnel: Used to channel liquid or fine-grained substances into containers with a small opening.

3. What is the main difference between a beaker and a conical flask (Erlenmeyer flask)?

The main difference lies in their shape and specific use. A beaker has straight, vertical sides and is ideal for general holding, mixing, and gentle heating. A conical flask, or Erlenmeyer flask, has a flat bottom, conical body, and a narrow neck. This narrow neck makes it superior for swirling liquids without splashing, making it perfect for titration experiments and for safely heating volatile liquids.

4. Why are most glass apparatus like beakers and test tubes made from borosilicate glass?

Most laboratory glassware is made from borosilicate glass because of its superior properties. Unlike regular glass, it has a very low coefficient of thermal expansion. This means it can withstand rapid changes in temperature without cracking, a property known as thermal shock resistance. This makes it safe to heat directly with a Bunsen burner. It is also highly resistant to chemical corrosion.

5. What instruments are used for measuring mass and volume accurately in a lab?

For accurate measurements, specific instruments are used:

  • Mass: An electronic balance or a triple beam balance is used to measure the mass of a substance precisely.
  • Volume: While a beaker can give a rough estimate, for accuracy, a graduated cylinder is used. For even higher precision, especially in chemistry, a burette or a pipette is used to measure and dispense exact volumes of a liquid.

6. What is the function of a Bunsen burner, and what is the most important safety rule when using it?

The primary function of a Bunsen burner is to provide a controllable source of heat for experiments. The most important safety rule is to never leave a lit Bunsen burner unattended. Additionally, you should always ensure long hair is tied back, loose clothing is secured, and flammable materials are kept far away from the flame.

7. Can you use a graduated cylinder to heat a liquid? Why or why not?

No, you should never use a graduated cylinder to heat liquids. Graduated cylinders are calibrated 'To Contain' (TC) a precise volume at room temperature and are not made from heat-resistant borosilicate glass. Heating them can cause the glass to break or expand, making the volume markings inaccurate and creating a significant safety hazard.

8. How are laboratory apparatus broadly categorised based on their function?

Laboratory apparatus can be broadly grouped into several functional categories to understand their purpose:

  • Measuring Apparatus: Used for measurement (e.g., graduated cylinder, balance, thermometer).
  • Holding and Reaction Vessels: Used to contain substances for mixing or reacting (e.g., beakers, test tubes, conical flasks).
  • Heating Apparatus: Used to supply heat (e.g., Bunsen burner, hot plate, spirit lamp).
  • Support Apparatus: Used to hold or support other equipment (e.g., tripod stand, test tube rack, retort stand).