How to Use Beakers

Beakers are found in most labs.
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A beaker is a cylindrical container used to store, mix and heat liquids in laboratories. Most are made of glass, but other non-corrosive materials, such as metal and heat-resistant plastic, are also used. Beakers usually have a flat bottoms and a lip around the top. They range in size from one millimeter to multi-liter. Bunsen burners, heat plates, stirrers, safety tongs, safety goggles, gloves and lab coats are tools commonly used when working with beakers.

    Pour liquid into the beaker; pour slowly to avoid splashing the liquid. Use the measuring lines on the beaker to approximate the volume of liquid in the beaker.

    Stir the liquid inside the beaker with a spoon or stirrer.

    Center the beaker on a burner or over an open flame to heat the liquid, if necessary; don't fill the beaker more that 1/3 when heating and always use safety tongs when handling a hot beaker.

    Pour liquid out of the beaker by using the spout in the lip around the top of the beaker.

    Things You'll Need

    • Beaker
    • Stirrer
    • Burner or open flame
    • Safety tongs

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