Laboratory glassware

Laboratory glassware refers to a variety of equipment, traditionally made of glass, used for scientific experiments and other work in science, especially in chemistry and biology laboratories. Some of the equipment is now made of plastic for cost, ruggedness, and convenience reasons, but glass is still used for some applications because it is relatively inert, transparent, heat-resistant, and easy to customize.

Types of Laboratory Glassware

Beakers

Beakers are simple cylindrical shaped containers used to hold reagents or samples. They may also be used for stirring, mixing, or heating samples. Beakers are characterized by their wide opening and spout, which make pouring easier.

Flasks

Flasks are a type of laboratory glassware that feature a narrow neck and a body of various shapes. The most common types of flasks are Erlenmeyer flasks and Florence flasks.

Test Tubes

Test tubes are common in both chemistry and biology labs. They are used for holding, mixing, or heating small quantities of liquid or solid chemicals for assays and reactions.

Pipettes

Pipettes are used to transfer precise volumes of liquids. They come in several different varieties, including volumetric and graduated pipettes.

Burettes

Burettes are used in titrations to measure the amount of liquid dispensed. They are characterized by their long length and a stopcock at the bottom for controlling liquid flow.

Condensers

Condensers are used in distillation procedures. They cool hot vapors or gases, causing them to condense into liquids.

Materials

Laboratory glassware is often made from borosilicate glass, quartz, or a special type of plastic. Borosilicate glass is able to withstand thermal stress, has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, and is resistant to chemical reactions.

Safety

Handling laboratory glassware safely is crucial to prevent accidents in the lab. This includes using the right glassware for the task, checking for chips or cracks before use, and handling glassware carefully to prevent breakage.

See Also

• Laboratory equipment
• Scientific method
• Chemistry
• Biology