Boiling tube facts for kids

A boiling tube looks much like a test tube.

A boiling tube is a special glass tube used in science labs. It's designed to heat substances very strongly, even making them boil! Think of it like a bigger, tougher test tube. Its larger size helps liquids boil without bubbling over too much.

Sometimes, boiling tubes are used instead of regular test tubes when scientists need to work with a larger amount, or volume, of a liquid or chemical.

Most boiling tubes are made from a special kind of glass called Pyrex. This glass is super strong and can handle very high temperatures without breaking. This makes them perfect for experiments that need a lot of heat!

What Are Boiling Tubes Used For?

Boiling tubes are mainly used for heating things in a lab. Because they are made of strong Pyrex glass, they can be placed directly over a Bunsen burner flame. This allows scientists to heat liquids or solids to very high temperatures, even to their boiling point.

They are also useful when you need more space than a regular test tube offers. For example, if an experiment creates a lot of foam or bubbles, the wider opening and larger size of a boiling tube can prevent spills.

How Are Boiling Tubes Different from Test Tubes?

While boiling tubes look a lot like test tubes, there are a few key differences.

• Size: Boiling tubes are generally larger and wider than test tubes. This extra space is important for boiling liquids safely.
• Strength: They are built to withstand more intense heat. Test tubes can be heated, but boiling tubes are specifically designed for strong, direct heating.
• Purpose: Test tubes are often used for mixing, holding, or observing small amounts of chemicals. Boiling tubes are focused on the task of heating and boiling.

Images for kids

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  Louis Lumière with a microscope and some test tubes

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  An illustration of a setup using an ignition tube. The ignition tube is being heated by the Bunsen burner on the left, with the heated gas escaping from the tube to the pan via the delivery tube on top and at right.

See also

In Spanish: Tubo de ebullición para niños