COMMON LABORATORY APPARATUS AND THEIR USES

1. Burette – It is usually graduated between 0 to 50cm3 (cm3 is the same as ml) at

0.10cm3 apart. It can be used for accurate measurement of any volume ranging
between 0 to 50cm3, for example 12.00, 12.10, 12.20, 30.60 cm3 etc

Final = 10.20 Initial = 0.00 Volume of HCl added = 10.20 – 0.00 = 10.20 cm3

Final = 25.90 Initial = 5.50 Volume of HCl added = 25.90 – 5.50 = 20.40 cm3
Final = 36.10 Initial = 14.90 Volume of HCl added = 36.10 – 14.90 = 21.20 cm3

2. Pipette – Usually, the total volume is 25cm3 with no graduations in-between. It is

used to accurately measure 25cm3 volume

3. Measuring cylinder – 25cm3 capacity and 50cm3, usually at 1cm3 apart.

Measuring cylinders are less accurate compare to burette and pipette.
A measuring cylinder filled with water and inverted over a water trough can be used for
collection of gases which are not soluble or partially soluble in water. For example,
4. Beaker – usually comes in 100cm3 and 250cm3 capacities. For approximate
measurement of liquids during practicals

5. Conical flask – used for holding liquids for titrations, for reacting solid and liquids for
production of gases to be collected in appropriate apparatus

6. Thermometers – For measurement of temperature and temperature changes.

Usually graduated between -10oC to 110oC at 1oC apart.
Initial Final Increase in
temperature / oC temperature Temperature
/ oC / oC

23
24

23 26

24 29

10

26 36
7. Clock or Stop watch
Clock diagram Time/ seconds

14

30
 82

Funnel, filter paper, residue

Mortar, Pestle

Stirrer, beaker, wire gauze, tripod stand, Bunsen burner

Teat pipette or dropper, conical flask
 Funnel, Filter paper, Residue, Conical flask, filtrate

Condenser, Beaker, Fractionating column,