This page details common laboratory equipment and their appropriate use. Knowing the proper use will help ensure safe laboratory practices.
Balance
Used for measuring mass.
Beaker
Used to hold, mix, and heat liquids.
Beaker Tongs
Used to pick up beakers.
Bunsen Burner
Frequently used as a heat source in the absence of flammable materials.
Buret
Used for dispensing an accurate volume of a liquid.
Clay Triangle
Used to support a crucible during heating.
Crucible
Used for holding chemicals during heating to very high temperatures.
Crucible Tongs
Used to hold crucibles.
Erlenmeyer Flask
Used to hold and mix chemicals. The small neck is to facilitate mixing without spilling.
Evaporating Dish
Used to heat liquids for evaporation.
Forceps
Used to pick up or hold small objects.
Funnel
Used to transfer liquids or fine-grained materials into containers with small openings. Also used for filtration.
Graduated Cylinder
Used to measure a precise volume of a liquid.
Mortar and Pestle
Used to crush and grind materials.
Pipet Bulb
Used to draw liquids into a pipe.
Ring Clamp
Used with a ring stand to hold glassware, such as a beaker or a funnel.
Ring Stand
Used to hold or clamp laboratory glassware and other equipment in place, so it does not fall down or come apart.
Scoopula
Used to transfer solids.
Striker
Used to light a Bunsen burner.
Stirring Rod
Used for stirring and mixing.
Test Tube
Used to hold and mix liquids.
Test Tube Clamp
Used to hold a test tube, particularly when hot.
Test Tube Rack
Used to hold several test tubes at one time.
Thermometer (digital or alcohol, not mercury)
Used to measure temperature in Celsius.
Utility Clamp
Used to secure glassware to a ring stand.
Volumetric Flask
Used to prepare solutions to an accurate volume.
Volumetric Pipet
Used to measure small amounts of liquid very accurately. Never pipet by mouth! Use pipetting aids.
Wash Bottle
Used to rinse pieces of glassware and to add small quantities of water.
Watch Glass
Used to hold solids while they are being weighed or to cover a beaker.
Wire Gauze
Used to support a container, such as a beaker, on a ring stand while it is being heated. May have a fiberglass or ceramic center.
