What is a Beaker?
A beaker is a common piece of laboratory glassware characterized by its cylindrical shape, flat bottom, and a small spout or "beak" for pouring. Beakers are typically made of heat-resistant glass, like borosilicate glass, allowing them to withstand rapid temperature changes. They come in various sizes, from a few milliliters to several liters, and usually have volume markings along the side.
Section 2: Key Features of a Beaker
The primary features of a beaker are its simple cylindrical design and flat base, which provides stability. The lip or beak allows for easy and controlled pouring of liquids, minimizing spills. The volume markings, or graduations, on the side are for estimation purposes only and are not meant for precise measurements. For accuracy, other glassware like graduated cylinders or volumetric flasks should be used.
Section 3: A Practical Example
A common use for a beaker is preparing a simple solution. For example, a chemist might add 200 mL of water to a 400 mL beaker, then slowly stir in a solid chemical, like salt, until it dissolves. The beaker's wide opening makes it easy to add the solid and stir with a glass rod. The solution can then be heated gently over a Bunsen burner if required.
Section 4: Importance and Common Uses
Beakers are indispensable in almost any science lab due to their versatility. Their main functions are holding and mixing reagents, carrying out chemical reactions, heating liquids over a flame, and collecting liquids during experiments like titrations or filtrations. While not precise for measuring volume, their simplicity and stability make them the workhorse for many general laboratory tasks.