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Beaker Chemistry - What it is and How it is Used

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Last updated date: 27th Mar 2024
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An Overview of Beaker Chemistry

Before starting this article first we will learn what a beaker is and what a beaker looks like. A beaker is typically a cylindrical container with a flat bottom used in lab equipment. Most also have a tiny spout (or "beak") to enable pouring, as seen in the image below. Beakers come in a huge variety of sizes, ranging from one millilitre to several litres. 


Because its sides are straight as opposed to sloping, a beaker can be distinguished from a flask. The Philips beaker, a beaker with slightly conical sides, is an exception to this rule. In most drinkware, the beaker shape is present. We are also going to discuss what a beaker is used for, what beakers are used for in science, and beakers used in chemistry labs.


Beaker used in Chemistry Lab


Beaker used in Chemistry Lab


What does a Beaker Look Like?

Beakers are frequently made of glass but they can also be made of metal (such as stainless steel or aluminium), or some plastics. Beakers used in laboratories are vessels in which liquid is kept so that it can easily be mixed or heated.


The bottom of the beaker is flat in appearance. On the tip, a small depression is made for pouring liquid or solutions. Low-form beakers have a height of about 1.4 times the diameter. It is also known as the Gryphon beaker. These are used for different purposes. Tall form beakers have a height of about twice their diameter. Flat beakers are known as crystallizers.


What is Beaker Used for in Science?

Beakers can be used to hold liquid or solid samples or as a container for reactions. They are also used to collect filtrates from filtering operations as well as liquids from titrations.  It is used for stirring the liquid. It is useful as a reaction container. They are also used to catch liquids. 


Beaker Attached on the Stand


Beaker Attached on the Stand


Beaker Used in Chemistry Lab

Different types of beakers used in chemistry lab are the following:

  • Gryphon beaker

  • Berzelius beaker

  • Crystallizer

 

Beaker Facts

  • Some beakers have marks present on them to represent how much volume of liquid they hold.

  • Beakers commonly have the same width as their height.

  • Beakers are also used to make solutions.

  • Beakers are the most used laboratory equipment.

  • The liquid is slowly poured into the beaker to avoid splashing.

  • The liquid inside the beaker is mixed with the help of a stirrer.

 

Lab Safety Rules for Kids While Using Beaker

  • Do not touch any chemicals present in the beaker unless you are allowed to do so.

  • Never work in a science lab in the absence of your lab attendant.

  • Please follow all the written and verbal instructions before and during using a beaker.

  • Do not touch your face, eyes, or any body parts after touching the beaker in which any kind of chemical or solution is present.

  • Always wear a lab coat when you are doing any type of experiment in the laboratory.

  • Never touch a hot beaker with your hands, let them cool down.

  • If any accident happens while using a beaker, tell your teacher about that. Please do not panic.

 

Summary

Beaker is laboratory equipment. It has many different uses and purposes. There are many other laboratory devices also present like beakers. Here, in this article, we have discussed all the details about beaker chemistry. We have already mentioned how beakers are used. Beakers can be made up of different materials, in this article, all those materials have been explained. Different sizes of beakers are available and sizes are selected according to the use. All the beakers used in the chemistry lab are also declared in this article. This article is very beneficial to you as you are getting all the detailed knowledge about the beaker.

FAQs on Beaker Chemistry - What it is and How it is Used

1. Who discovered the beaker?

The Gryphon beaker's name refers to John Joseph Gryphon (1802–1877), an English chemistry enthusiast. His interest in bringing chemistry to the common man led him to publish popular works on the subject and eventually to begin supplying scientific apparatus, including his eponymous beakers.

2. Is a beaker a cup?

A beaker is a beverage container, typically of non-disposable plastic, or a ceramic cup or mug without a handle, much like a laboratory beaker.

3. Is a beaker used to measure volume?

Beakers are used for approximate determination of the volume of liquids and thus are not necessarily classified as measuring tools. They are used especially for dissolving compounds, diluting liquids, heating, and other operations.