A Comprehensive Guide to Essential Lab Equipment Names and uses

Overview

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• Source: Microbioz India


• Date: 13 Sep,2023

Labs are standard in schools and colleges, where students conduct scientific experiments relating to their studies and fields. Labs are also a part of commercial, government, and military buildings. Some devices may be unique to a specific sort of laboratory, depending on the type of laboratory.

In addition to labs offering a constrained atmosphere favorable for experimentation, there is laboratory equipment available for use by researchers or anyone wishing to perform a study in a laboratory. Laboratory equipment refers to the various instruments, devices, and tools that can be observed and utilized inside a laboratory. There are no guidelines for categorizing laboratory equipment. These tools, however, can be classified based on their intended application and the material utilized to create them.

Various experiments may require specific lab equipment. Numerous incidents might occur due to inappropriate use of lab equipment while working in a lab.

Working in laboratories can be risky at times, thus it is always important to utilize the lab equipment correctly to avoid accidents. Furthermore, professionals must be completely familiar with the lab’s equipment. While working with anything, it is critical to use the proper equipment, especially when dealing with chemicals.

Some equipment commonly used in the labs for experimentation and research are listed below along with their uses:

Microscopes:

Labs employ microscopes to obtain a precise, broad view of the product or sample being seen and analyzed. A microscope examines a microscopic specimen using natural or artificial light and a succession of magnifying lenses.

Bunsen burner:

A Bunsen burner is a scientific instrument that produces a single open flame for heating, sterilizing, and combustion. A Bunsen burner combined with a tripod support will be able to produce a steady heating station.

Glassware

Glassware instruments are many varieties of containers, such as flasks and funnels, utilized in labs to conduct research. The glassware device has several purposes, including the storage and transfer of solutions and other liquids.

1. Erlenmeyer flask: The Erlenmeyer flask is meant for simple stirring, where mixing is accomplished by manually twirling the flask via hands.
2. Beaker: The Beaker is constructed to contain varied amounts of fluid, and the mouth provides for effortless liquid dispensing.
3. Test tubes: Test tubes serve the purpose of containing and mixing a limited amount of fluid samples. This apparatus is also frequently used in qualitative studies.
4. Volumetric Flask: As the name implies, the Volumetric Flask detects the volume of a fluid contained within the flask. Because it is usually linked with a stopper, this equipment also enables simple solution mixing.
5. Graduated cylinders: Graduated cylinders are frequently employed for measuring various volumetric measurements of a liquid sample. The spout also makes it simple to pour liquid.

Measurement equipment in the lab:

Equipment under this category is used to analyze the different measurements of volume, mass, weight, temperature, and time.

1. Pipettes: Pipettes are commonly used for measuring and transferring little volumes of liquid.
2. Analytical balance: Precision measuring equipment used in qualitative chemical analysis is an analytical balance. This is also used to determine the weight of solid materials, fluids, and many other things.
3. Lab thermometers: These are typically used to measure the temperature of chemicals and determine their boiling and freezing temperatures.
4. Lab stopwatch: It is used to record time intervals to determine precise activation and deactivation points.

Holding equipment in the lab:

1. Test Tube Rack: A test tube rack is a device that holds numerous test tubes standing at the same time. Test tube racks are generally useful for organizing tubes carrying various solutions.
2. Ring Stand: A ring stand is a type of instrument that is used to hold other units of equipment or instruments.
3. Tongs: These are used in laboratories to carry heated crucibles, flasks, or other equipment components.
4. Tripod: Lab containers are supported by a tripod. With three legs, this is often built of stainless steel or aluminum and helps in supporting flasks and beakers.

Miscellaneous Laboratory Equipment

1. Funnels: A funnel is a tool used to aid in the transferring or dispensing of fluids. The shape of a funnel is conical which makes it easier to transfer liquids through it.
2. Filter papers: In labs, filter paper is used to remove solid particles from gases or liquids.
3. Burettes: These are frequently used for titration or distributing small volumes of liquid. Burettes, like pipettes, serve the same purpose.
4. Desiccators: These are employed to both dry or protect a substance from becoming damp. Desiccants are found in desiccators. A desiccant is a material utilized to prevent or maintain the environment’s dryness.
5. Spatula: These lab spatulas are nearly identical to kitchen spatulas seen in our homes, however, they are much smaller in size. Spatulas are often impervious to temperature and acids, making them ideal for wide-ranging applications in lab research. They can be used as measuring spoons for substances and chemicals.
6. Wash Bottle: A wash bottle is a plastic container fitted with a nozzle. This is used to clean glassware like glass vials and flasks.

Conclusion:

One can use science lab equipment to perform research instead of merely reading about them. Regular care of lab equipment ensures that studies are conducted effectively and avoids unnecessary repair costs simultaneously. A clean lab free of dust and filth serves as the foundation for proper equipment. For a successful experiment, the best lab equipment must be used. It is also critical to purchase equipment from reputable manufacturers. Aside from that, all lab workers must be knowledgeable to complete work properly and avoid any unwanted incidents in the lab.