Lab Materials, Lab Safety, Nomenclature

• What instrument is used for obtaining the mass of an object and chemical substance?

  Triple Beam Balance
• How does an Analytical (Electronic) balance measure mass?

  The sample displaces the pan downward by a force equal to the product of the sample’s mass and the acceleration due to gravity.
• What is the primary use of beakers in the laboratory?

  Beakers are used for holding liquids and mixing solutions.
• What are test tubes primarily used for?

  Test tubes are small cylindrical vessels for holding small amounts of liquids for mixing and heating.
• What is the function of an Erlenmeyer flask?

  An Erlenmeyer flask is used to transport, heat, or store substances.
• What is the purpose of a graduated cylinder?

  A graduated cylinder is used for measuring approximate amounts of liquids.
• What is a volumetric flask used for?


  A volumetric flask is calibrated to contain a precise volume at a particular temperature.
• How does a Florence flask differ from other flasks?

  A Florence flask has a round body and flat bottom, used to hold and heat liquids evenly.
• What is the function of a pipet?

  A pipet is used to deliver a specified volume of solution.
• What are the two types of pipettes mentioned?

  Graduated pipettes and volumetric pipettes.
• What is the purpose of a burette?

  Burettes are used for measuring specific amounts of liquids during titration.
• What is a Leibig condenser used for?


  A Leibig condenser is used to condense vapor by passing cool water through a jacket surrounding the inner tube.
• What is the function of a filter funnel?

  A filter funnel is used to pour liquids into containers with small openings and to hold filter paper.
• How is a Buchner flask used in vacuum filtration?

  A Buchner flask is used in conjunction with a Buchner funnel for a quicker vacuum filtration process than gravity filtration.
• What is the purpose of a separatory funnel?

  A separatory funnel is used for separating solutions or liquids of different densities.
• What is the function of an evaporating dish?

  An evaporating dish is used to evaporate excess solvents to create more concentrated solutions.
• What is the purpose of a mortar and pestle?

  A mortar and pestle are used to grind chemicals or substances into powder form.
• What is the use of a watch glass in the laboratory?

  A watch glass is used for keeping the contents in a beaker from splattering.
• What is the function of a wash bottle?

  A wash bottle is used to wash down specific pieces of equipment with water or keep materials moist.
• What are micropipets used for?

  Micropipets are used to measure and dispense very small amounts of liquids.
• What is the purpose of a dropper (Pasteur Pipet)?

  A dropper is used to measure and obtain small amounts of liquids, though not precisely.
• What is the function of a ring stand?

  A ring stand is used to support the Bunsen burner, iron ring, pipestem triangle, and other items while heating a substance.
• What does a pipestem triangle do?

  A pipestem triangle supports the crucible when being heated over an open flame.
• What is the purpose of a Bunsen burner?

  A Bunsen burner is used for heating chemical mixtures or contents in the lab.
• What does an iron ring do?

  An iron ring supports a beaker over a Bunsen burner.
• What is the function of a utility clamp?

  A utility clamp is used to hold a test tube or other piece of equipment in place on a ring stand.
• What is the purpose of wire gauze?

  Wire gauze is used for suspending glassware over the Bunsen burner.
• What are tongs used for in the laboratory?

  Tongs are used for transporting a hot beaker and removing lids from crucibles.
• What is the function of forceps?

  Forceps are used in dissection to grasp tissues or pick up small items.
• What is the purpose of a file in the laboratory?

  A file is used to grind down materials or sharpen items.
• What is the function of a wire brush?

  A wire brush is used to clean the inside of test tubes or graduated cylinders.
• What is the purpose of a test tube rack?

  A test tube rack is for holding many test tubes filled with chemicals or for drying after washing.
• What is the function of a test tube clamp?

  A test tube clamp is for heating contents in a tube.
• What is the purpose of a spatula in the laboratory?

  A spatula is for measuring and/or removing small amounts of solids or powders when obtaining mass.
• What is the function of corks in the laboratory?

  Corks are used to seal or stop flasks and tubes.
• What is the purpose of a thermometer?

  A thermometer is used to measure temperature.
• What is the function of a hot plate?

  A hot plate is used for consistent heat, used to heat substances that may be flammable.
• What are well plates used for?

  Well plates are for mixing very small amounts of chemicals together and comparing results.
• What are the general classes of glassware?

  1. Qualitative Glassware
  2. Quantitative Glassware
  3. Procedural Glassware
• What should be worn in the laboratory for safety?

  Laboratory gowns, safety goggles, closed-toe shoes, long pants, and tied long hair (for ladies).