Laboratory Equipment

Test Tube

A container used to hold small amounts of chemicals during heating or other reactions.

Hot Plate

A heat source for laboratory experiments

Volumetric Flask

A round bottomed flask typically used to make a solution of fixed volume.

Bunsen Burner

A small, widely used piece of laboratory equipment which produces an adjustable gas flame for the purpose of heating chemical reaction and the short-term sterilization of other small pieces of laboratory equipment.

Watch Glass

Can be used like an evaporating dish for very small amounts of liquid. It can also be used to cover beakers.

Goggles

Eye protection.

Ring Stand

Holds/supports lab equipment above the surface of the table with the use of iron rings or utility clamps.

Triple beam or electronic balance

Measure the mass of an object in grams.

Thermometer

Measures the temperature; we typically use the Celsius scale

Crucible & Crucible Cover

Small, porcelain container used to strongly heat substances; typically used to dehydrate (remove water from) substances.

Test Tube Rack

Supports/hold test tubes

Erlenmeyer Flask

The most commonly used flask in the lab. It is typically used for mixing and/or heating solutions.

Beaker

The most versatile glassware in the lab, this can be use for just about anything. The volume graduation on beakers should be used for "ballpark" estimates only.

Wire Gauze

Used as a support for containers (beakers, etc.) when placed across an iron ring; when a Bunsen burner flame is beneath it, the wire gauze helps to spread the flame/heat out evenly.

Buret

Used to disperse accurate measurements of liquids/solutions when conducting titration experiments.

Beaker Tongs

Used to hold a hot beaker

Test Tube Holder

Used to hold test tubes for short periods of gentle heating.

Crucible Tongs

Used to hold/move a crucible.

Striker

Used to ignite the flame of a Bunsen burner.

Graduated cylinder

Used to make accurate measurements of liquid volumes. The bumper ring on large cylinders is to prevent breakage if tipped over.

Evaporating Dish

Used to recover dissolved solids by evaporation. While it can be heated, it should not be used for string heating.

Stirring Rod

Used to stir liquids and mix solutions;we use glass stirring rods.

Clay triangle

Used to support a crucible while heating.

Chemical Spoon or Spatula

Used to transfer solids from their original container to a balance for weighing.

Utility Clamp

When attached to the ring stand, this clamp is used to hold a large test tube.

Iron ring

When attached to the ring stand, this ring is used to support glassware above the lab table.