www.scienceisnthard.com

Four Common Lab Flasks: Filter, Florance, Erlenmeyer and Volumetric

admin — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Four of the most commonly used flasks in scientific procedures and experiments are: Erlenmeyer, filter, volumetric, and Florence flasks. Knowing some of the basic differences between these flasks can help ensure a successful outcome of the experiment. The Erlenmeyer flask can be used for general measuring, mixing and heating and is available in a range of sizes. This flask is scored to various increments to give an approximate volume. The filter flask resembles an Erlenmeyer but has a connector on the upper side to connect to a vacuum. These are typically used for catching the liquid coming through the filter and are not recommended for mixing solutions as it is possible for the solution to splash out of the side opening. Volumetric flasks are more exact in their measurements, and each size will only create one amount of solution. These flasks are intended to make exact solutions, although some of the larger ones may be used for mixing and heating as well. Florence flasks resemble volumetric flasks with the long, narrow neck but may have a rounded bottom instead of the flat bottom. These are used primarily in mixing and heating and are not graded to measure out solutions. The rounded bottom Florence flasks will need to be supported to prevent them from falling over and rolling. Considering the needs for each procedure should help when deciding which flask will be the most suitable.

Tips for Using a Bunsen Burner in Lab Experiments

admin — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Bunsen burners can be terrifying tools for new users. However, with proper instruction and knowledge of the burner, the Bunsen burner’s flame is turned into a “friend” instead of an “enemy.” Following these tips when igniting and using Bunsen burners will keep science laboratories and experimenters safe.

1.Make sure that the tube connecting the burner and the gas does not have any cracks that would result in leaked gas. Not only is this unsafe when working with an open flame, but it also hampers the burner’s ability to work properly.

2.Be sure to turn on the gas before attempting the light the burner. When turning on the gas, be careful to not turn it to maximum flow immediately.

3.Realize that not all “strikers” are created equally. If you’re having difficulty in getting a spark out of the striker you are using (and you know that you’re properly scraping the metals together), then try another striker to start the flame.

4.Remember to use the collar at the base of the burner’s chimney to adjust the flame’s heat. A thin blue flame is indicative of a very hot flame, while a larger orange flame is not as hot.

Common Lab Equipment Used in Scientific Experiments

admin — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

There are many different pieces of lab equipment used each and every day in laboratories. The equipment utilized will of course always depend upon the experiment in question, but there is no doubt that labs are always full of different things, mainly to make sure that if a tool is needed, it is always right there waiting for the experts to grab it. From microscopes to burners and even lasers, there is a never-ending need for the latest technology when it comes to scientific laboratories.Didn’t catch that? This explains it. There are also a variety of chemicals which are used from time to time as variables in experiments.

For most scientific experiments, the most important tool is the microscope. Often, the lab experts conducting the experiment are working with tiny, microscopic particles which need to be magnified in order to see them well enough to conduct the experiment. This is especially true when working with viruses in an attempt to learn more about them so cures can be found.

Typical computers are also very important to help the experts calculate and analyze data from the experiments in question. Computers are becoming more and more common in labs as the years go by. They are also the most important tool a scientist can have.

The Three States of Matter: Solid, Liquid and Gas

admin — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The three states of matter are solid liquid and gas. This is a fairly basic idea in science that people learn as early as middle school. However, there is much more behind this concept than most people ever know about. One of the best ways to explain the very complex science behind the three states of matter is by presenting an example that everyone is familiar with: water. Not everyone (and sometimes no one) gets to see all three states of a substance. However, everyone has seen water as a solid (ice), and as a liquid, and although it is much harder to see water vapor (gas) we all have experience of it.
The biggest difference between these states of water are the assembly of the water molecules and their interaction with each other. Lots of complex thermodynamics enters into this explanation, but the simple version is simply as follows. Molecules like to be as free to move around in as many ways as possible. They can do this best by being in the form of a gas. When water molecules are in the form of ice they are rigidly held together by strong interactions which is why gas is always the “preferred” state to be in.