Some Common Laboratory Glassware
• Please be careful when using glassware in the
laboratory. Wet glassware and wet gloves are
slippery.
• Always read a volume at the bottom of the
meniscus. The meniscus should be at eye
level to avoid parallax error. See Figure 1.3 on
page 7 of the lab manual (12th ed.)
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Beaker
Beakers come in different
sizes. The total volume of
the beaker is written on
the outside.
Some beakers have
graduation marks on them.
These graduated volumes
are approximate volumes
only.
When an experimental
procedure states that an
approximate volume of
liquid is needed, a beaker
can be used to measure
the volume.
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Pipet
NEVER PIPET BY MOUTH !
The pipet is used to deliver an
exact volume of liquid.
Pipets handle aqueous
solutions well. Pipets do not
handle thick, viscous liquids
well. They do not handle
volatile organic liquids well.
Pipetter
TC – to contain: All of the
liquid inside the pipet is
transferred to the receiving
vessel (including the last
drop).
TD – to deliver: The liquid in
the pipet is drained into the
receiving vessel, the last drop
remains inside the pipet.
Pipet
Pipet
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Volumetric Flask
The volumetric flask is used to
measure an exact volume of
liquid inside of the flask.
Each volumetric flask has its
own unique calibration mark
on the narrow neck. The flask
is filled to an exact volume
when the bottom of the
meniscus sits exactly on the
graduation mark.
Graduation Mark
Fragile
The part of the flask where
the narrow neck meets the
bulb is fragile. Always hold
the flask by the bulb part,
especially when there is liquid
in the flask.
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Buret
The buret is used to deliver an
exact volume of liquid.
The volume is read to 2 digits
after the decimal place
(example: 21.00 mL)
The calibration numbers seem
upside down; 0.00 mL is at
the top, and 50.00 mL is at
the bottom of the calibration
range. Be careful reading the
volumes.
Buret Clamp
Buret
Never let the liquid get
outside of the calibration
range while measuring a
volume.
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Erlenmeyer Flask
The Erlenmeyer flask is
used to hold liquids. Its
narrow mouth and sloped
sides help keep liquid from
splashing outside of the
flask.
The graduation marks on
the flask are approximate.
The Erlenmeyer flask
cannot be used to
measure out exact
volumes of liquid
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Graduated Cylinder
The graduated cylinder is
used to measure and
dispense known volumes of
liquids.
The number of significant
figures to use for a volume
reading depends on the
graduated cylinder and its
calibration marks.
Always read the volume at the
bottom of the meniscus; have
the meniscus at eye level.
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