Lab Equipment

Meter Stick

Meter sticks are used to measure length. The metric unit for length is the meter.

Measurements may include prefixes such as centi- or kilo-.

Stopwatch

Stopwatches are used to accurately measure time. The metric unit for time is seconds.

Thermometer

A thermometer is used to measure the temperature of a liquid, solid, or gas. The thermometer shown here is a digital thermometer. The metric unit for temperature is degrees Celsius.

Graduated Cylinder

Scientists use a graduated cylinder to measure the volume of a liquid, or how much space the liquid takes up.

The metric unit for volume is the liter and is often used with prefixes such as milli- or deci-.

Erlenmeyer Flask

Scientists use a flask to mix and measure liquids and pour them into other containers. The type of flask shown here is called an Erlenmeyer flask.

Beaker

Beakers are used to measure the volume of liquids.

Electronic Balance

Electronic Balance is used to find the mass of objects.

The metric unit for mass is the gram and is often used with prefixes such as milli- or kilo-.

Magnifying glass

Magnifying Glasses produce enlarged images of specimens.

Test Tubes

Test tubes are designed to hold a small amount of a liquid or solid.

Test Tube Racks

Test Tube Racks are used to hold and organize test tubes during an experiment.

Tongs or Test Tube Holders

• Tongs, or test tube holders, are used to grasp and carry hot glassware.

Test Tube Brush

Test tube brushes are used to thoroughly clean test tubes.

Pipette

Scientists use a pipette to transfer known amounts of liquids from one container to another.

Funnel

Scientists use a funnel to transfer material from one container to another. When used with filter paper, funnels can also separate solid particles from liquids.

Forceps

Forceps, or tweezers, are used to pick up or move items.

Bunsen Burner

Scientists use a Bunsen burner or gas burner to heat and boil non-flammable liquids and to melt solids.

Ring Stand

Used to hold equipment...often used with a Bunsen burner

Wire Gauze

A wire gauze is placed on the rings of a ring stand to hold a beaker or flask.

Pipe Stem Triangle

A pipe stem triangle is a piece of laboratory apparatus that is used to support items being heated by a Bunsen burner or other heat source.

Watch Glass / Evaporating Dish

A watch glass has a couple of different functions. It can be used to evaporate liquids, to observe samples or to cover a beaker.

Well Plate

A well plate is used to mix small amounts of chemicals together…usually with a pipette.

Glass Stir Rod and Scoopula

A glass stir rod is used to stir (duh!) and the scoopula can be used to stir or transfer small amounts of solids.