test tube

A test tube, also known as a culture tube or sample tube, is a common piece of laboratory equipment consisting of a finger-length of glass tubing. Test tubes are widely used by chemists to hole, mix, or heat small quantities of solid or liquid chemicals.

test tube rack

A test tube rack is a wooden, metal, or plastic storage grid used to keep test tubes upright.

test tube brush

A test tube brush is a device, made with nylon bristles attached to a twisted-wire shaft, used to clean the inside of test tubes.

test tube holder

A test tube holder is a set of metal tongs made specifically to hold test tubes, particularly when they are hot.

Balance (or scale)

A balance is a device used to determine mass of a sample or solid object.

spatula

A spatula is a metal or plastic scoop, sometimes with a flattened end, used for transferring solid material.

weighing dish

A plastic or glass dish, often disposable, used for weighing solid substances on a balance.

apron

A fabric covering used to prevent chemicals from getting on clothing or skin. Heavy duty aprons used in labs are made from rubber.

Erlenmeyer flask

A type of laboratory flask which features a conical body, and a cylindrical neck. The conical shape allows the contents to be swirled or stirred during an experiment, the narrow neck keeps the contents from spilling out. The small neck reduces evaporative losses compared to a beaker.

burette

A burette (also buret) is a vertical cylindrical piece of glassware with volumetric markings on its side and a stopcock for dispensing known amounts of liquids.

transfer pipet

A plastic laboratory tool used for dispensing or transferring liquids.

Volumetric flask

A laboratory flask that is calibrated to contain a precise volume at a particular temperature. Usually used to make solutions.

wash bottle

A squeeze bottle with a nozzle used to rinse glassware in a lab.

filter paper

A semi-permeable paper barrier used to separate solids from liquid solutions.

funnel

A pipe with a wide, conical mouth and narrow stem. It is used to channel liquid into a small-mouthed container.

400 mL beaker

A simple container measuring 400 mL for stirring, mixing and heating liquids.

hot plate

A portable heating device used to warm solutions.

stirring rod

A glass cylinder used to mix solutions.

100 mL beaker

A simple container measuring 100 mL for stirring, mixing and heating liquids

alcohol burner

A wickless lamp used for laboratory experiments. Used to heat substances.

utility clamp

A spring-loaded clamp that can be used to hold lab glassware, particularly flasks or test tubes. Clamps can be adjusted on a ring stand to sit at different heights. Usually used to suspend a piece of glassware over a flame.

tongs

Large pincers for grasping and lifting vessels of heat resistant materials used in high-temperature chemical reactions.

ring stand

A metal stand consisting of a long, upright rod attached to a base. Rings and utility clamps may be attached.

wire gauze

A wire screen placed over a ring on a ring stand, and used to support a beaker when being heated.

thermometer

A device consisting of a glass tube, and containing alcohol, that is used to measure changes in temperature.

graduated cylinder

A hollow tube of glass with markings on the side, used to measure the volume of a liquid.

Litmus paper

A type of thick paper treated with an indicator, that when in contact with a solution, will identify the solution as an acid or a base by changing color.

dropper bottle

A bottle with a lid that contains a small tube with a suction bulb, and is used for dispensing liquid in small amounts.

gloves

Plastic, vinyl, or latex. For protecting the hands during experiments.

eye wash

A device that diverts water upwards toward the face, used for rinsing eyes when chemicals have accidentally splashed in.

goggles

Plastic shields to protect the eyes.

goggle sanitizer

An appliance which bathes goggles in UV light to kill germs.