Chemistry
Chemistry is the scientific discipline that investigates matter in terms of its properties, composition, structure, reactions, behavior, and interactions. It serves as a bridge connecting physics with various other scientific fields such as geology, biology, and astronomy, earning it the title of the “central science.” Traditional chemistry examines atoms, particles, chemical substances, molecules, and crystals across all states of matter, including gaseous, solid, and liquid forms.
Tools Utilized in the Chemistry Laboratory
- Chemical Balance: This tool comes in various types, depending on its purpose. There are two main methods of weighing:
- Direct Weighing: The balance is zeroed, then the weighing container is placed on it, followed by the substance to be weighed. The difference displayed reflects the weight of the material.
- Weighing by Difference: The substance is weighed while still in the container; it is then transferred to a beaker, and the weight is measured again.
- Centrifuge: This device is used to balance test tubes during operation. It is essential to keep the lid closed while in use to prevent the tubes or their contents from being ejected, as well as to maintain equilibrium among the tube contents.
- Pipette: A glass tube with a bulged middle and a mark indicating the fill level, it operates via a specific rubbery motion (pipetting). The letters on it represent functions: (A) for air expulsion, (S) for solution uptake, and (E) for solution dispensing.
- Standard Flask: Available in various sizes, this flask features a neck engraved with a circular symbol denoting the liquid’s surface level.
- burette: This graduated glass tube measures liquid volumes accurately, featuring a spout at the bottom controlled by a stopper, utilized for dispensing different volumes by dripping.
- Conical Flask: A plastic or glass vessel designed for transferring solutions or materials via a pipette, frequently used for storing and preparing chemical solutions.
- Beaker: A glass cup employed for stirring and mixing materials in the lab, available in sizes ranging from 10 milliliters to 1000 milliliters.
- Graduated Cylinder: This instrument measures liquid volume with precision, making it ideal for chemical reactions, proving to be more accurate than a flask.
- Test Tube: A glass container with an open top to allow for the pouring or mixing of solutions and liquids, available in various sizes and dimensions.
- Condenser: A glass tool used for cooling liquids or vapors; it consists of two tubes, one larger with a smaller tube running through it, allowing hot liquids to flow through.