What is an analytical chemistry laboratory?

Analytical chemistry uses instruments to quantify and understand different properties of matter. Analytical chemistry relies heavily on different analytical machinery, so there is plenty of specialized lab equipment for this purpose. Some of these are:Gas chromatographers: Used to separate and analyze samples that have been vaporizedHigh-powered liquid chromatographers: Used to separate and analyze components in a mixture Mass spectrometers: Measures the mass-to-charge ratio of molecules/elements in a sample

Chemistry Lab Equipment

Chemical Analysis

Chemical Reactions

Inorganic Chemistry

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Kinetics

Making Measurements

Nuclear Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

Physical Chemistry

The Earths Atmosphere

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When you step into the lab for the first time, you may be overwhelmed with all the different equipment available to you. While the sheer amount of equipment may be overwhelming, don't fret! Today we will be walking through the different common chemistry lab equipment, so by the end, you can tell the difference between a pipette and a buret like a pro!

This article covers chemistry laboratory equipment.
First, we will look at a list of the different common lab equipment based on their category: glassware, devices, and miscellaneous.
Next, we will cover the important lab safety equipment.
Finally, we will look at some advanced chemistry equipment used in organic chemistry labs and analytical chemistry labs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chemistry Lab Equipment

You should always handle your glassware and equipment with care. For glassware, you can clean it with either distilled water, acetone, ethanol, or a strong base bath for stronger chemicals.

Depending on the discipline of the lab, different equipment are used. In general, here are some common equipment in a chemistry lab:

Bunsen burner
Hot plate
Magnetic Stirrer
Microscope

An apparatus is a fancy name for equipment with a specific use. In chemistry, this can mean anything from an Erlenmeyer flask to a Bunsen burner.

To set up a chemistry lab, you need to first understand what experiment is being performed and what materials are needed. Once you have made sure that each piece of equipment has been cleaned and dried, you can set up your glassware at your station to be used later.

Analytical chemistry uses instruments to quantify and understand different properties of matter. Analytical chemistry relies heavily on different analytical machinery, so there is plenty of specialized lab equipment for this purpose. Some of these are:

Gas chromatographers: Used to separate and analyze samples that have been vaporized
High-powered liquid chromatographers: Used to separate and analyze components in a mixture
Mass spectrometers: Measures the mass-to-charge ratio of molecules/elements in a sample

Final Chemistry Lab Equipment Quiz

Question

What is glassware?

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Answer

Glassware refers to the different measuring tools made of glass. These can be used just for measurement, but also to contain different reactants/products.

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Question

Which of the following can be used as both a container and measurement device?

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Answer

Beaker

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Question

What is the purpose of a graduated pipette?

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Answer

Used to dispense specific volumes of liquid

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Question

True or False: Pipettes are always made of glass

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Answer

False

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Question

What is a Büchner funnel used for?

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Answer

Buchner funnels are used to separate solids from liquids. Filter paper is added to the funnel so the liquid passes through while the solid is "captured"

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Question

What are the steps for washing glassware?

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Answer

Remove organic residues by rinsing with an organic solvent (acetone or ethanol)
Use warm, soapy water to clean the glassware
Rinse with deionized water to avoid harsh water stains

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Question

True or False: Organic waste can be washed down the sink

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Answer

False

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Question

True or False: Your glassware should be dried by air drying

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Answer

True

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Question

Why would you use a hot plate over a Bunsen burner?

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Answer

Hot plates are more precise than Bunsen burners since they often can be set to a specific temperature and/or have a temperature display

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Hot plates often have what other device built into them?

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Answer

Magnetic stirrer

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What is the purpose of crucible tongs?

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Answer

To grab hot substances

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Question

Which of the following is NOT a piece of personal protective equipment (PPE)?

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Answer

Eyewash station

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What is the purpose of a safety shower?

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Answer

To wash harmful irritants off the skin

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Question

Which of the following is NOT a piece of specialized equipment?

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Answer

Fume hood

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Question

True or False: Different subtopics of chemistry can share equipment (i.e, certain devices can be used for many disciplines)

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Answer

True

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