Glass, plastic, metal, ceramic

Measurement, heating, separation, containment

Calibrated volumetric material, graduated material

General material, specialized material

Glass used in laboratories is mainly borosilicate glass, which presents special characteristics:

• Low coefficient of thermal expansion: Resists thermal shock
• High chemical resistance: Inert to most reagents
• Transparency: Allows observation of contents
• Easy cleaning: Smooth and non-porous surface
• Dimensional precision: Allows exact manufacturing

• Design: Pear shape with narrow neck and graduation line
• Function: Prepare solutions of exact concentration
• Precision: ±0.1-0.2% of nominal volume
• Typical capacities: 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000 mL
• Use: Fill to graduation line at specific temperature

• Design: Tube with central bulb and single graduation
• Function: Transfer fixed volume with high precision
• Precision: ±0.2-0.3% of nominal volume
• Use: With pipette bulb or rubber bulb, never with mouth

• Design: Cylindrical tube with multiple graduations
• Function: Measure variable volumes with lower precision
• Precision: ±0.5-1% of dispensed volume
• Advantage: Flexibility in volumes

• Design: Graduated tube with stopcock at base
• Function: Dispense variable volumes precisely in titrations
• Precision: ±0.5% of total volume
• Capacities: 25, 50 mL typically
• Characteristics: Graduation every 0.1 mL, read at bottom of meniscus

• Design: Cylindrical shape with pouring spout
• Function: Contain, mix, and heat liquids
• Advantages: Facilitates pouring, easy stirring
• Capacities: 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000 mL
• Graduation: Approximate, not for precise measurements

• Design: Conical base with narrow neck
• Function: Reactions, cultures, titrations
• Advantages: Reduces evaporation and splashing during stirring
• Ideal for: Titrations, where vigorous stirring occurs

• Design: Cylindrical tubes with rounded bottom
• Function: Small-scale reactions, qualitative tests
• Typical capacity: 10-20 mL
• Use: With test tube rack for organization and stability

• Design: Inverted pear shape with stopcock
• Function: Separate immiscible liquids
• Principle: Density differences
• Capacities: 125, 250, 500 mL

• Types: Simple funnel, Büchner funnel, fluted funnel
• Function: Separate solids from liquids
• Use: With appropriate filter paper

• Precision: 0.1 mg (0.0001 g)
• Use: Exact quantitative analyses
• Characteristics: Weighing chamber, temperature compensation
• Care: Regular calibration, vibration-free environment

• Precision: 0.1 g
• Use: Approximate weighing, general preparations
• Advantage: Higher capacity, more robust

• Function: Heat source with adjustable flame
• Parts: Base, vertical tube, air inlet, regulating needle
• Flame types: Luminous (cool) and blue (hot)
• Use: With tripod and wire gauze for indirect heating

• Function: Controlled electric heating
• Advantages: Precise temperature control, safety
• Use: Ideal for flammable solvents

• Universal stand: Heavy base with vertical rod
• Clamps and bosses: Material clamping
• Tripod: Support for heating
• Test tube racks: Organization of test tubes

• Crucible tongs: Manipulate hot material
• Spatulas: Transfer solids
• Glass rods: Manual stirring
• Pipette bulbs: Suction with pipettes

• Immediate rinse: Wash after use
• Appropriate detergent: Neutral soap or laboratory detergent
• Final rinse: Distilled water to remove residues
• Drying: Air dry or in oven for volumetric material
• Storage: In dry and organized place

• Verify absence of cracks or breaks
• Check calibration of volumetric material
• Ensure complete cleanliness
• Verify functioning of stopcocks and connections

• Precision: Reproducibility of repeated measurements
• Accuracy: Closeness to true value
• Calibration: Verification and adjustment of instruments
• margin: Maximum permitted error

• Temperature of liquid and environment
• Reading technique (eye position, meniscus)
• Material cleanliness
• Instrument calibration
• Operator experience

Proper maintenance of laboratory materials is essential to guarantee precise measurements and extend equipment life.

• Volumetric material: Wash with distilled water and air dry
• Glassware: Avoid sudden temperature changes
• Measuring instruments: Calibrate regularly according to specifications
• Electrical equipment: Disconnect after use and keep dry