biochem lab equipment

Question 1

hold solids or liquids that will not release gases when reacted, or are unlikely to splatter if stirred or heated.

Very poor to measure volume with (+/-5%) accuracy

Note the size capacity (250 mL in this case)

Answer 1

Beakers

Question 2

hold solids or liquids that may release gases during a reaction or that are likely to splatter if stirred or heated.

Answer 2

Erlenmeyer flasks

Question 3

Rarely used in first year chemistry, it is used for the mixing of chemicals. Narrow neck prevents splash exposure.

Answer 3

Florence Flask

Question 4

r is used to measure volumes of liquids – probably your best everyday measuring tool – there are three sizes in your desk.

Note the rubber “bumpers”, and also the size.

Answer 4

A graduated cylinder

Question 5

are used to mix chemicals, and also to heat chemicals.

Answer 5

Test tubes

Question 6

is useful for holding a test tube which is too hot to handle.

Knowing where to hold this piece of equipment is important.

Answer 6

A test tube holder

Question 7

are for holding and organizing test tubes on the laboratory counter, and are found in the wall cabinets.

Answer 7

Test tube racks

Question 8

are used to clean test tubes and graduated cylinders.

Forcing a large brush into a small test tube will often break the tube. Don’t worry about drying the inside of a test tube.

Answer 8

Test tube brushes

Question 9

are used to close containers to avoid spillage or contamination.

Containers should never be heated when there is a stopper in place.

Answer 9

Rubber stoppers (also cork)

Question 10

are used when we want to perform many small scale reactions at one time.
It is like having lots of test tubes available at one time.

Answer 10

Well plates

Question 11

is used to hold a small amount of solid, such as the product of a reaction.

Can also be used as a cover for an evaporating dish or beaker.

Answer 11

A watch glass

Question 12

is used to:
a) manually stir solutions;
b) assist in pouring liquids; and
c) to transfer a single drop of a solution.

Rubber policeman tip is used to remove precipitates.

Answer 12

The stirring rod

Question 13

is used to transfer a small volume of liquid, usually one drop at a time.

On top of each dropper is a “rubber bulb” – never put your mouth on the dropper to provide suction

Answer 13

A dropper pipet

Question 14

is used to identify bases:

Red turns blue,
Blue stays blue

Answer 14

Red litmus paper

Question 15

is used to identify acids:

Blue turns red,
Red stays red

Answer 15

Blue litmus paper

Question 16

are used to hold or pick up small objects.

Answer 16

Forceps

Question 17

is used to aid in the transfer of liquids from one vessel to another, and will hold filter paper while filtering.

Answer 17

A funnel

Question 18

measures and delivers exact volumes of liquids – uses a rubber bulb for suction.

Answer 18

A graduated pipet

Question 19

are very accurate, highly dependable, and rugged.

The digital display makes the mass value very easy to determine.

Answer 19

Electronic balances

Question 20

are used to dispense solid chemicals from their containers.

Chemicals should never be transferred with your bare hands.

Answer 20

Spatulas

Question 21

are used to move beakers containing hot liquids.

Note the rubber coating to improve grip on the glass beaker - do not hold this in a burner flame.

Answer 21

Beaker tongs

Question 22

are used for the heating of nonvolatile liquids and solids.

Hot plates will be used to gently heat any flammable chemicals.

Answer 22

Burners

Question 23

is used for heating stable solid compounds and elements, as well as for evaporating nonvolatile solutions.

Answer 23

The evaporating dish

Question 24

are used for heating certain solids, particularly metals, to very high temperatures. The cover can be used to contain any smoke particles.

Answer 24

Crucibles and cover

Question 25

used as a support for crucibles when being heated over a lab burner.

It can also be used to support a funnel when filtering.

Answer 25

The clay triangle

Question 26

For handling hot crucibles; also used to pick up other hot objects - NOT to be used for picking up beakers!

Answer 26

Crucible Tongs

Question 27

are a safe and convenient way to perform reactions that require heating using a lab burner.

Can also be used as an insulating pad to place hot objects while they cool.

Answer 27

Ringstands

Question 28

connect to a ringstand, and provide a stable, elevated platform for a beaker to be heated.

Will also hold a clay triangle and funnel during filtering.

Answer 28

Ring clamps

Question 29

are used to secure test tubes, distillation columns, and burets to the ringstand.

Answer 29

Test tube clamps

Question 30

are used to secure burets (long graduated tubes used in titrations) to the ringstand.

Answer 30

Double Buret clamps

Question 31

sits on the iron ring to provide a place to stand a beaker.

Answer 31

Wire gauze

On older wire gauze, the white material was asbestos – currently it is a ceramic.

Question 32

These strikers are used to light lab burners.

The flints on strikers are expensive. Do not operate the striker repeatedly just to see the sparks!

Answer 32

Lighter

Question 33

Used to hold a flask by the neck after being heated.

Answer 33

Flask Tongs