Laboratory Apparatus and Equipment: Identification and Uses
Introduction:
If you look at a
mechanic’s tool chest, you
will find a variety of
tools. A skilled mechanic
will use the correct tool
for each different job
that he must perform.
Chemistry uses the same
idea.
Each fundamental
laboratory technique
requires a different
“tool” or piece of lab
equipment to complete
the process. Lab
SAFETY requires that
the correct equipment or
“tool” be used for each
different technique.
In the first few
experiments, you will
become familiar with
different pieces of lab
equipment and their uses.
In turn, this familiarity
will enable you to
complete other
experiments efficiently
and well.
What’s in the
picture?
Examine the photo.
Identify and list as many
pieces of lab equipment
as you can find.
Laboratory Apparatus & Equipment with Their Functions
Use the table on the next page, along with the drawings, as a reference source for your
laboratory work. If you have any questions about which piece of equipment to use or how to use
the equipment, start here. Then, if you still have questions, ask your instructor.
Read the information in the list. Compare the description/function of each piece of equipment with
the diagram. As you go through the list, ask yourself if “the form follows the function”?
Will it do what it is supposed to do, based on its design?
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Laboratory Apparatus & Equipment with Their Functions
Name
apron (38)
beaker (6)
beaker tongs (1)
(identified by the curved, rubbercovered arms)
Bunsen burner (26)
burette (34)
clamp (22)
clay triangle (20)
cobalt glass (2)
crucible tongs (21)
crucible/lid (5)
deflagration spoon (25)
dropper (8) or transfer pipet (8a)
Erlenmeyer flask (10)
evaporating dish (29)
Florence flask (28)
forceps (3)
funnel (23)
goggles (33)
graduated cylinder (27)
iron ring (12)
mortar and pestle (30)
pipette (36)
pipette filler (37)
reagent bottle (19)
ring stand (7)
rubber stopper (11)
stainless steel scoop (32)
stirring rod (15)
striker (or matches) (31)
test tube (16)
test tube brush (18)
test tube holder (17)
test tube rack (4)
thistle tube (24)
tongs (9)
wash bottle (35)
watch glass (14)
wire gauze pad (13)
wooden splint (39)
Function or Use
Protect clothing from chemical spills. LAB SAFETY!!
Holding and heating liquids. Can also hold solids. If the temperature of
the beaker is higher than boiling water, do not use beaker tongs. See (1),
Used for picking up hot beakers containing ONLY boiling water. DO NOT
pick up anything hotter than a beaker with boiling water. The rubber on
the beaker tongs can burn at higher temperatures. DON’T DO IT!
For heating. Open flame REQUIRES SAFETY MEASURES. Especially
goggles and long hair tied back.
Measure liquid volume during an acid-base titration.
Support. Needs to be attached to a ring stand
Support crucibles (or evaporating dishes) for high temperature heating.
Dark blue glass used in flame tests.
Used to pick up hot crucibles and evaporating dishes.
High temperature heating of materials. Lid may be used to prevent
splattering. Use crucible tongs ONLY! (21)
Special spoon for deflagration reactions. Not used in our labs.
Deliver drops of liquid. Used in Small Scale Chemistry Labs.
Holding and heating liquids.
Evaporation of small amounts of liquid. It should be covered with a
watch glass to prevent splattering. Use crucible tongs ONLY! (21)
Holding and heating liquids.
Tweezers. Manipulate small objects.
Used for filtration. Transfer liquids without spilling.
Eye protection—REQUIRED when chemicals are used.
Measure liquid volume. Use an appropriate size that is only a little larger
than volume to be measured.
Support a clay triangle or wire gauze. Also used to support a funnel while
filtering. Needs a ring stand.
Grinding up dry chemicals or other materials.
Accurately measure and deliver small volumes of liquid.
Fill a pipette SAFELY—can be plastic (37a) or rubber (37b).
Contain liquid or solid chemicals.
Support. Used with iron ring or clamp.
Close a test tube, flask or reagent bottle. DON’T heat a “stoppered”
(closed) container.
Scoop out chemicals. Also for stirring chunky mixtures (e.g., ice water).
Glass. Used for stirring liquids. Care required when used in a test tube.
Lighting the Bunsen burner by producing a spark.
Hold and perhaps heat various liquids. USE CAUTION.
DON’T point test tube at anyone while heating.
Clean/wash/scrub out test tubes.
Hold test tubes while heating. USE REQUIRES CARE.
Hold up test tubes. Made of metal, plastic or wood.
Specialized funnel used for unique cases. Not used in our labs.
Not used. Use special purpose tongs only—see (1) and (21).
Rinse out beakers during filtration, rinse other things.
Transfer dry chemicals. Also a cover for an evaporating dish.
Support evaporating dish (or crucible) while heating. Can be used as a
“hot pad” for a hot crucible or evaporating dish when placed on lab bench.
No illustration. Used for flame tests. Burns longer than a match.
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Laboratory Apparatus and Equipment
8a
34
33
35
36
37a
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37b
38
39 —
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