Basic chemistry lab apparatuses and their uses

A thermometer is an instrument used for measuring temperature. It is made of thin glass.

Mass is measured using a beam balance or electronic balance.

It is measured using a stopwatch. Sometimes a digital watch is used.

Burners

There are various types of burners such as Bunsen burner, spirit burner, and gas stove. The Bunsen burner is the most frequently used as a source of heat in the laboratory.

Test tube

There are two types: those used for mixing chemicals and those used for heating.

Boiling tube

Used for heating large amounts of substance that could not fit in an ordinary test tube.

Tripod stand

Used to support apparatus during heating.

Wire gauze

Square wire meshes that are placed on a tripod stand. They support beakers.

Evaporating dish

A shallow dish used for evaporating solutions.

Crucible

A small container used to heat solid chemicals at very high temperatures.

Retort stand

Used to support apparatus such as burettes and test tubes during experiments.

Funnel stand

Used to hold funnels.

Test tube holder

Used to hold test tubes during heating.

Pair of tongs

Used to hold objects and apparatus.

Test tube rack

Used to store and support test tubes.

1. Winchester bottles: are strong and heavy bottles commonly used in laboratories for storing chemicals.
2. Reagent bottles: are used for keeping small amounts of chemicals ready for use.

Beaker

A cylindrical glassware used for holding and mixing chemicals and observing their reactions.

Conical flask

Used in filtration and for carrying out reactions.

Round bottomed flask

Used to carry out reactions at high temperatures.

Flat bottomed flask

Used for carrying out reactions at room temperature. Also used for holding solutions when carrying out reactions.

Thistle funnel

Used to add liquids slowly to chemicals in reaction vessels.

Droppers

Used to add liquid reagents to reaction vessels drop by drop.

Watch glass

A small shallow glass used for observing chemical reactions, evaporating some liquids, and covering beakers to prevent contamination.

Spatulas

Used for scooping powdered or crystalline chemicals.

Glass rods

Used for stirring liquids when carrying out reactions.

Trough

A flat-bottomed vessel used for collecting gases.

Delivery tubes

Used to deliver gases during gas collection.

Gas jar

Used for collecting gases.

Distilling flask

Made of hard glass with a long neck and a side arm. Used to separate mixtures of two liquids.

Liebig condenser

Consists of a large outer glass tube and a smaller inner glass tube through which hot vapor passes and cools.

Mortar

A small bowl used for holding things that are being crushed and ground.

Pestle

A tool for crushing and grinding things.

Filter funnel

Used with filter paper for filtering.

Filter paper

Paper that allows water to pass through. Used in filtration to separate fine solids from liquids.

A separation funnel is used to separate liquids that do not mix. For example, separation of water from a mixture of water and oil.

1. Laboratory coat: used to protect your skin against corrosive chemicals.
2. Gloves: keeps your hands clean and safe when carrying out experiments.
3. Goggles: keeps your eyes safe from chemical splashes, spills, and vapors when handling dangerous chemicals.