Apparatus in a Laboratory - their functions (Part 1)

'Apparatus' -- sounds like 'rempah-ratus' (malay words meaning spices). There are many types of rempah-ratus in the kitchen; similarly, there are a lot of different apparatus used in a laboratory. Here, you will find out the commonly seen apparatus in a laboratory and their functions.

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A) Boiling tube and test tube

A boiling tube is a cylindrical vessel with one end open and the other end closed. It is used to heat substances in the flame of a Bunsen burner. 

Meaning, a test tube, which look like a boiling tube, is used to hold small samples or chemical substances. 

To differentiate a boiling tube and a test tube, do not assume but simply read the labels on their surfaces -- although -- in general, a boiling tube is bigger than a test tube in approximately 50%.

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B) Beaker

A beaker is a commonly seen container in laboratories. There are a wide range of sizes. You can find markings to measure the volume of substances they contain. However, it is not a precise way to measure liquids.

Beakers are mainly used for mixing, stirring and/or heating chemicals. Most beakers have spouts on their rims. It is designed to aid in pouring. 

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C) Conical Flasks

Conical flask is also known as Erlenmeyer flask (name after its inventor). It was invented in 1861. A conical flask a narrow neck and expands toward its base. This design enables easy mixing and swirling of substances without worrying about the risk of spilling.

It is something clamped to a stand for heating purpose or being shaken mechanically.

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D) Flat-bottom Flask

Florence flask (sometimes known as flat-bottom flask) is a glassware used as container to hold liquid substances. 

It is designed for uniform heating, boiling, and ease of swirling. Florence Flasks are often made of borosilicate glass for heat and chemical resistance. 

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E) Round-bottom Flask

Round-bottom Flask is also called in short RB flask. Just like Florence flask, it is also made of heat-resistant borosilicate glass.

It is often used when heating solutions, particularly for distillation. Its uniform wall thickness distribution makes the flask ideal for heating applications.