Using a Bunsen

Burner

Bunsen Burners

Bunsen burners are used to heat

substances in the lab. You should be
familiar with the following parts of the burner:
burner tube
air control vent
gas inlet nozzle

Bunsen Burner Parts

burner tube
air control vent
gas inlet
nozzle

Striker

Strikers create a spark

to ignite the burner.
These are the parts:
flint
file

Lighting the Burner

1.

2.

3.

Connect the tubing to the burner's gas inlet

nozzle and to the gas outlet nozzle at the
bench.
Turn on the source of the methane gas.
The handle should be parallel to the nozzle
when on.
Ignite the gas using a striker: hold the
striker at the side of the outlet of the burner
tube and squeeze and release until a spark
ignites the flame.

Adjusting the Burner

Turn the gas control handle to control the

height of the flame.
Twist the air control vent until the burner
has a blue flame and has 2 or more distinct
cones visible. The blue cone should be
about 1-2 inches tall.
When the flame is properly adjusted, a
slight buzzing sound will be audible.

Adjusting the Burner

CAUTION!!!
When adjusting the air
vent, be careful not to
extinguish the flame or
disassemble the burner.

Adjusting the Burner

1540C

1560C

350C

Heating Substances

Never use your fingers to

hold an object in the
Bunsen burner flame.
Instead, use a pair of tongs
to hold a small, solid object.
If the object is large or a
liquid in a flask, use a ring
stand and a triangle or wire
gauze to hold the object in
the flame.

Extinguishing the Burner

After you are finished using the burner, turn

the gas completely off to extinguish the
flame.
Be sure to completely close the gas supply
to prevent accumulation of methane in the
laboratory - a fire and explosion hazard.

Whats Wrong with this Picture?

1.
2.

3.
4.

She should tie back her

long hair.
She should roll up her
sleeves or wear a shirt
with tighter fitting sleeves.
She should put on safety
goggles.
She should move the can
of acetone away from the
burner.