Lab Equipment Overview

Overview

This lecture introduces the essential equipment found in a chemistry laboratory, explaining their functions, proper usage, and safety considerations.

Beakers are multipurpose containers (10–400 mL common) for reactions, transport, and water baths, but not for precise measurements.
Graduated cylinders measure liquid volumes; always read the meniscus at the bottom.
Test tubes are small vessels for reactions; use racks for storage and holders for heating.
Erlenmeyer flasks are conical vessels for mixing and running reactions, designed to minimize spills.
Buchner flasks have a side arm for vacuum filtration; use only for this purpose.
Buchner funnels (with rubber adaptors) are used with Buchner flasks for vacuum filtration.
Filter funnels are used for gravity filtration with filter paper or cotton wool.
Powder funnels are for adding solid reagents and are usually plastic.
Spatulas transfer solids; stirring rods stir solutions but are not thermometers.

Pipettes transfer small amounts of liquid using a pipette bulb.
Burettes dispense precise liquid volumes, commonly for titrations; read the scale from the top down.
Volumetric flasks prepare standard solutions; fill carefully to the calibration mark.

Separatory funnels (sep funnels) separate immiscible liquids using a valve and require a proper clamp.
Dropping funnels add reagents under controlled conditions, especially for sensitive reactions.
Mortar and pestle crush solids into powders.
Round-bottom flasks are ideal for heating and mixing reactions, require a cork ring or clamp for stability.

Reflux condensers allow boiling without loss of liquid by condensing vapors back into the reaction vessel.
Clamps and clamp stands secure equipment; distribute weight evenly.
Columns are used for chromatography to separate mixtures.

Filter paper is used for filtration and drying solids; grade chosen by required particle size.
Watch glasses hold or weigh solids.
Evaporating dishes dry wet solids.
Melting point tubes determine a substance’s melting point (sealed at one end).
NMR tubes are used to contain samples for nuclear magnetic resonance analysis.

Fume hoods provide ventilation for reactions; many instruments remain inside for safety.
Hot plate and magnetic stirrer combos heat and mix solutions; use a Teflon stir bar.
Scales (balances) measure solids accurately; always tare with the container.
Always learn the location and use of eye wash, showers, and disposal containers for safety.

Meniscus — The curve at a liquid's surface in a cylinder; volume read at the lowest point.
Tare — To zero a balance with the weighing vessel, ensuring accurate sample mass.
Vacuum Filtration — Separation technique using reduced pressure to filter mixtures rapidly.
Chromatography — A method to separate components of a mixture.

Familiarize yourself with all lab equipment and their safe, proper use.
Learn procedures for emergency equipment and waste disposal specific to your laboratory.
Prepare for demonstrations of filtration, extractions, titrations, and chromatography in future sessions.