Bunsen burner facts for kids

A Bunsen burner is a common tool found in a laboratory. It is used for many things, like heating different chemicals. It can also be used to make things germ-free, a process called sterilization. Another use is for combustion, which means burning things.

This useful device works by burning a special type of gas that catches fire easily. It is named after a German chemist named Robert Wilhelm Bunsen. He made important improvements to an earlier burner that was invented by Michael Faraday.

How a Bunsen Burner Works

A Bunsen burner is designed to create a very hot flame. What's special about it is that you can change the flame. You can make it very hot without it giving off much light.

This special flame lets scientists see different colors. When certain chemicals are put into the flame, they glow with unique colors. This helps scientists learn what elements are in the chemicals.

Parts of a Bunsen Burner

A Bunsen burner has a few main parts. At the bottom, there is a base that keeps it steady. A tube, called the barrel, stands up from the base. Gas flows into the burner through a hose connected to the gas inlet.

There are also small holes, called air holes, near the bottom of the barrel. You can open or close these holes. This changes how much air mixes with the gas. More air makes the flame hotter and bluer. Less air makes the flame cooler and more yellow.

Different Types of Flames

The flame from a Bunsen burner can look different depending on how much air is mixed with the gas.

• Yellow Flame: If the air holes are closed, the flame will be yellow and smoky. This flame is not very hot. It is often called a "safety flame" and is used when you are just lighting the burner or not actively heating something.
• Blue Flame: When the air holes are open, the flame becomes blue and much hotter. This is the flame used for most heating tasks in the lab. The hottest part of this flame is at the tip of the inner blue cone.

Safety in the Lab

Working with a Bunsen burner requires care. Always make sure you know how to use it safely before you begin. Your teacher will show you the right way to light it and adjust the flame. It is important to wear safety goggles to protect your eyes. Also, keep anything that can easily catch fire away from the burner.

Images for kids

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  Bunsen burner flames depend on air flow in the throat holes (on the burner side, not the needle valve for gas flow): 1. air hole closed (safety flame used for lighting or default), 2. air hole slightly open, 3. air hole half-open, 4. air hole fully open (roaring blue flame).

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  A Bunsen burner situated below a tripod

See also

In Spanish: Mechero Bunsen para niños