The scientific method of research and learning

CHEMISTRY LABORATORY COMMON EQUIPMENT

Functions of common pieces of laboratory equipment.

In most labs, you’ll encounter the same basic apparatus. Here, the use for each is explained. You will learn about:

• Safety goggles and safety equipment
• Beakers
• Erlenmeyer flasks, AKA conical flasks
• Florence flasks, AKA boiling flasks
• Test tubes
• Watch glasses
• Crucibles
• Funnels
• Graduated cylinders
• Volumetric flasks
• Droppers
• Pipettes
• Burets
• Ring stands, rings, and clamps
• Tongs and forceps
• Spatulas and scoopulas
• Thermometers
• Bunsen Burners
• Balances

The first and foremost rule of any laboratory is to be safe! This may seem obvious, but people often disregard safety protocols for one reason or another, putting themselves and those around them in danger. The best thing you can do is to make sure you follow all safety protocols at all times.

Safety goggles are required wear in all chemistry labs. Not wearing them puts you in danger of eye irritation and possibly blindness in the case of an accident. A small droplet of acid could splash out of the container at any time. Better safe than permanently blinded!

Latex gloves should be used when there is a possibility of corrosive chemicals spilling onto your hands.

A lab apron or coat can also prevent injury in case of spills or splashes.

Never wear open-toed shoes or sandals in a lab.

Learn more about Chemistry Laboratory apparatus in the video below:

EVALUATION

l. Which branch of pure chemistry deals with the study of compounds associated with non-living sources?

(a) Physical chemistry             (b) Organic chemistry

(c) Biochemistry                      (d) Inorganic chemistry

2. Which of the following is not a applied chemistry?

(a) Geochemistry         (b) Biochemistry

(c) Radiochemistry      (d) inorganic chemistry.

3. In order to design new drug, a chemist has to seek the help of

(a) Engineer                 (b) Geologist

(c) Zoologist               (d) Physician.

4. The branch of chemistry which deals with the study of hydrocarbons is called

(a) Organic chemistry              (c) Radiochemistry

(b) Inorganic chemistry           (d) Nuclear chemistry.

II. Fill in the Blanks

5. Complete the following sentences by supplying appropriate words:

(i) Ecologist and chemist work together to ….. .

(ii) The branch of pure chemistry which deals with study of fundamental laws and principles is called  …..

(iii) Qualitative analysis deals with  ….. .

(iv) Radiochemistry deals with the study of  …..  substances.

(v) The phenomenon of metamorphosis of rocks is studied by ….. branch of chemistry. m.

Discussion Questions

6. Define chemistry and its various disciplines.

7. Comment on the statement that chemistry is a central science discipline.

8. Write the names of various disciplines of applied chemistry. Define any two of them.

9. Name and define various branches of pure chemistry.

10. Give a brief account of various career options of degree holder in chemistry.