This document provides descriptions and proper uses of common chemistry lab equipment. It includes images and explanations of various pieces of glassware, balances, burners, and other tools used for heating, measuring, transferring, and observing chemical substances in a lab setting. Key items described are beakers, flasks, graduated cylinders, Bunsen burners, ring stands, balances, crucibles, test tubes, pipets, and other small equipment for safely handling chemicals. Proper techniques are emphasized, such as using tongs or holders for hot glassware and never placing chemicals directly on analytical balances.

1. NCS Chemistry
Lab Equipment
Adapted from presentations by Stephen L. Cotton, Charles Page High School and Mrs. Parris, Galax High School

2. Where in the Lab?
Aprons
Small, non-
metallic
equipment
Beakers,
Erlenmeyer
Flasks,
and soap
Graduated
cylinders
and test
tubes
Bunsen
Burner
and Ring
Stand
Small,
metallic
equipment
Cloth
towels for
hot stuff
Computer
chargers &
cables

3. Aprons, Burner, and Ring Stand

4. Small Non-Metallic Items Drawer

5. Small Metallic Items Drawer

6. Apron
• Used to protect
clothing

7. Beaker
• Beakers hold solids or liquids.
• Very poor accuracy – should only be used to
estimate volume
• Note the
size
capacity
(250 mL
in this
case)

8. Beaker Tongs
• Beaker tongs
are used to
move beakers
containing hot
liquids.
• Note the rubber
coating to
improve grip --
do NOT hold
this in a burner
flame.

9. Bunsen Burner
• Make sure
the hose is
snug on
the gas
outlet and
that there
are no
cracks in
the hose.
• Bunsen burners are used for heating
nonvolatile liquids and solids.

10. Centigram Balance
• Make sure
balance is
zeroed
before
beginning.
• Never place chemicals directly
onto the balance pan.
• Always
return the
riders to
zero when
you finish
massing.
• Used to
find mass

11. Ceramic Fiber Square
(Heat Resistant Mat)
• Used to
protect hot
glassware
placed on
lab stations
• Placing hot
glass on a
cool counter
can cause it
to crack.

12. Crucible and cover
• Used for heating
substances to very
high temperatures.
• The cover can be
used to contain any
smoke particles.

13. Crucible Tongs
• Used for handling hot objects
• NOT to be used for picking up beakers!

14. Deflagrating Spoon
• Used for heating small amounts of
substances until they burn away.

15. Erlenmeyer Flask
• Holds solids or liquids
that may release
gases or that might
splatter
Note the size

16. Evaporating Dish
• Used for
evaporating
solutions
• Also used for
heating solid
substances

17. Forceps
• Used to hold or pick up small objects.

18. Funnel
• Used to transfer
of liquids
• Used in filtration
• May be glass or
plastic

19. Graduated Cylinder
• Used to most
accurately
measure
volumes of
liquids (in your
lab)
• Three sizes are
at your lab:
10 mL, 50 mL
and 100 mL

20. Litmus Paper
• Used to identify
acids and bases:

21. Pasteur Pipet
• Used to transfer a
small volume of
liquid, usually one
drop at a time.
• On top of each pipet is a “dropper bulb” – never
put your mouth on the dropper to provide suction

22. Pipe Stem (Clay) Triangle
• Used to support a
crucible being heated
• Used to support a
funnel.

23. Reaction Plates
• Used to perform
many small reactions
at one time
• Also called multi-well
plates

24. Ring Stand
• Used with a Bunsen
burner in heating
substances.
• Never put them in
the cabinet if they
are too hot to hold
as it can cause a
fire.
Image source enasco.com

25. Iron Ring
• Connect to a ring stand
to hold a beaker to be
heated.
• Will also hold a pipe
stem triangle and
funnel during filtering

26. Strainer
• Used in the sink to
keep solids from
going down the
drain.
• Very useful when
you need to rinse or
pour liquids off of
small solids.

27. Test Tube Clamps
• Used to connect
a test tube to a
ring stand.
Image source xump.com

28. Wire Gauze
• Place on the iron ring
to provide a place to
stand a beaker or
evaporating dish.
• The ceramic center
spreads the flame
across the bottom for
uniform heating.

29. Scoopula/ Spatula
• Spatulas are used to transfer solid chemicals.
• Never insert a spatula directly into a reagent
bottle.
• Chemicals should never be transferred with your
bare hands.

30. Stirring Rod
• Used to stir solutions

31. Striker / Sparker
• Used to light lab
burners
Image source bluffton.edu

32. Test Tubes
18 x 150 mm
13 x 100 mm
• Used to mix and
heat chemicals
• Only heat test
tubes that are
Pyrex or Kimax
• We commonly
use 2 sizes

33. Test Tube Brushes
• Used to clean test
tubes and graduated
cylinders.
• Forcing a large brush
into a small test tube
will often break the
tube.
• Don’t worry about
drying the inside of a
test tube.

34. Test Tube Holder
• Used for holding
a test tube that is
too hot to handle.
• Hold at the end!

35. Test Tube Racks
• Used for holding test tubes on the lab station
Image sourcehttps://sciencekitstore.com

36. Thermometer
• Never shake thermometers. Never place a
thermometer directly into a flame.
• Used to measure temperature

37. Thin Stem Pipet
• Used to transfer a small volume of liquid

38. Watch Glass
• Used as a cover
for an evaporating
dish or beaker.
• Also used to hold
a small amount of
solid, such as the
product of a
reaction.

39. Weigh Boat
• Used to mass solids
• Can also be used to
mix small amounts of
substances.