Laboratory Equipment for Physical Science

PS-1.2 Use appropriate laboratory apparatuses, technology, and techniques safely and accurately when conducting a

scientific investigation.

Equipment to measure mass

Triple beam balance

Instruments to measure volume

Graduated Cylinders

Always measure to the center of the meniscus.

Equipment to measure volume

Droppers

If the amount doesn’t have to be very accurate we can use a dropper. For example, when you only need a “few drops” of a liquid.

Beakers

Equipment to measure volume

Erlenmeyer Flasks

Equipment to measure volume

Florence Flasks

Equipment to measure volume

Test tubes

Equipment used to hold and/or heat substances

Test Tube Brush

Used to clean the inside of test tubes

Larger versions of these brushes are used to clean flasks.

Test Tube Racks

Test tube racks are used to hold test tubes upright when in use (place them in the holes) and give them a place to dry out (upside down on the pegs) when you are done.

Hot plate

Hot plates are also used to heat substances in the laboratory. It works like a burner on your electric stove.

Bunsen Burner

Bunsen burners are used to heat things in the laboratory. They use an open flame. The fuel source is gas.

Flint Striker

used to light a Bunsen burner

Wire Gauze

The ceramic center of the pad helps to protect glassware from high heat.

Beaker Tongs

Used to move hot beakers. Rubber coating protects the glassware.

Test Tube Tongs

Used for handling hot test tubes

Always point the open end of the test tube away from you and others.

Alcohol Thermometer

Used to measure temperature (⁰C)

Forceps(not tweezers!)

We can separate largish pieces in a mixture by picking them out with forceps.

Funnels

Funnels along with filters are useful with separating smaller particles from liquids.

Funnels are also helpful when pouring liquids into containers with small openings.

Filter Paper

Filter paper folded inside a funnel can help to separate very small particles from a liquid.

Scoopulas and Spatulas

Are useful when we have to remove a small amount of chemical from a jar or other sample in order to find its mass or add it to our experiment.

Glass Stirring Rod

Used to stir a solution