Laboratory glassware facts for kids

A gas washing bottle, a type of lab glass tool

Laboratory glassware is a name for the many tools and containers used in science labs, especially in chemistry and biology. Most of these items are made of glass. However, some are now made from plastic. Plastic versions are often cheaper and easier to use.

Things like pipettes, petri dishes, and test tubes are common examples. Scientists use these tools for many tasks. They can store materials, measure how much liquid there is, mix different liquids, or hold a chemical reaction.

What is Lab Glassware?

Lab glassware includes all the special containers and tools made of glass that scientists use. You would find them in places like school science rooms or big research labs. These items are designed to be very precise and safe for experiments.

Why Use Glass?

Glass is a great material for lab tools because it has some special qualities. It can handle heat well, which is important for many experiments. Glass is also clear, so scientists can easily see what is happening inside. Plus, it doesn't react with most chemicals, which keeps experiments pure.

Common Lab Tools

There are many different kinds of glassware, each with a special job. Here are a few you might see:

• Beakers: These are like simple glass cups with a spout for pouring. They are used for mixing and holding liquids.
• Erlenmeyer Flasks: These flasks have a flat bottom and a narrow neck. They are good for mixing liquids without spilling.
• Graduated Cylinders: These tall, thin cylinders have markings on the side. They are used to measure liquid volumes very accurately.
• Test Tubes: Small, finger-shaped tubes used for holding small amounts of liquids and observing reactions.
• Pipettes: Tools used to measure and transfer very small, exact amounts of liquid.
• Petri Dishes: Flat, round dishes with lids, often used to grow tiny living things like bacteria.

How Lab Glassware is Used

Scientists use glassware for many important tasks. They might use a beaker to mix two chemicals together. A graduated cylinder helps them measure exactly 50 milliliters of water. Test tubes are perfect for seeing what happens when two liquids combine. Some glassware is also used to heat liquids safely or to store chemicals for a long time.

Over time, some lab tools have started to be made from plastic. Plastic can be lighter and less likely to break. But glass is still very important for many precise and high-temperature experiments.

Images for kids

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  Three beakers, an Erlenmeyer flask, a graduated cylinder and a volumetric flask

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  Late 17th-century laboratory glassware in a painting by Cornelis de Man (National Museum in Warsaw).

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  Brown glass jars with some clear lab glassware in the background

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  Cleaning laboratory glassware in a dishwasher

See also

In Spanish: Material de vidrio (química) para niños