Question

What is the use of cork in the laboratory?
(This question has multiple correct answers.)
A. It is used as plug so that the volatile substances do not go out of the container
B. It also serves as a stopper
C. Very helpful in fraction distillation
D. Both A and B

Answer 1

Hint: When we perform an experiment in the laboratory we use too many apparatus to perform an experiment such as pipette, Burette, conical flask, Beaker and etc. Cork is one of them; it is also an apparatus which is required in many experiments.

Complete answer:
Cork is a material which is required mostly in the laboratory. It has so many uses in the laboratory. These are the following use of cork;
It is used as a plug so that the volatile substances do not go out of the container because it cover empty surface of a container or conical flask
It also serves as a stopper because it stops the flow of compounds in the gas phase.
Cork is widely used in the fractional distillation. It prevents the vapour of the container from going out and restricts moisture to come in contact with the solution.

So, the correct options are A, B and C.

Additional information:
Properties of cork: cork is elastic, lightweight and a good insulator, also impermeable and durable. We can squeeze it into small pieces and it will form a tight seal. It is a poor conductor of heat and does not absorb water based liquid. They are ideal for stopping bottles, test tubes and flasks and course as under flooring.

Note:
As we know cork is a good insulator and conducts heat very poorly. This property of cork makes it a good material for line clamps that are used to support test tubes and flasks that need to be heated. It’s also hypoallergenic which makes it good for storing food and drink.