Bunsen burner

Bunsen Burner

The Bunsen burner is a common piece of laboratory equipment that produces a single open gas flame, which is used for heating, sterilization, and combustion. It was named after Robert Bunsen, a German chemist who contributed significantly to the development of the burner in the mid-19th century.

History

The Bunsen burner was developed by Robert Bunsen in 1855, in collaboration with his laboratory assistant, Peter Desaga. The design was an improvement on the existing laboratory burners, and it quickly became a staple piece of equipment in laboratories around the world.

Design and Function

The Bunsen burner consists of a metal tube on a base, with a gas inlet at the bottom of the tube. The gas inlet is connected to a gas source, such as a propane or natural gas supply. The top of the tube is open, allowing the gas to be ignited by a spark or a flame.

The Bunsen burner is designed to produce a hot, soot-free, non-luminous flame by mixing the gas with air in a controlled manner. This is achieved by adjusting the gas and air supply. The air supply can be controlled by opening or closing the air holes at the base of the tube.

Uses

The Bunsen burner is used in a variety of laboratory applications. It is commonly used for heating or sterilizing lab equipment, for combustion reactions, and for flame tests in inorganic chemistry.

Safety

When using a Bunsen burner, safety is of utmost importance. It is essential to ensure that the burner is correctly set up and that the gas supply is properly controlled. It is also important to use heat-resistant gloves and safety goggles to protect against burns and eye injuries.

See Also

• Laboratory equipment
• Robert Bunsen
• Chemistry