What is a lab beaker, and what is it used for?
A beaker is a cylindrical container with a flat bottom, typically made of glass, plastic, or stainless steel. It is used in laboratories for mixing, stirring, heating, and holding various chemicals and liquids. Beakers are versatile and commonly used for simple measurements, reactions, and sample preparation.
What are the different types of lab beakers available?
Common types of beakers include:
Glass Beakers: Made of borosilicate glass (like Pyrex), resistant to thermal shock, suitable for heating as can withstand high temperatures up to 400 degrees.
Plastic Beakers: Usually made of polypropylene or polyethylene, resistant to chemicals but not suitable for high temperatures. Extra care should be taken when choosing plastic beakers as you will need to ensure compatibility with the heat and chemicals being used. LDPE, HDPE, PP & PMP should be used with weak or concentrated chemicals.
| Type | Temperature Range |
| LDPE | -100° C to 80° C |
| HDPE | -100° C to 120° C |
| PP | 0° C to 135° C |
| PMP | 20° C to 175° C |
| PTFE | -100° C to 260° C |
Stainless Steel Beakers: Durable, heat-resistant, and resistant to corrosion; suitable for heating and holding corrosive substances.
Other materials also available include:
- Aluminum
- Borosilicate glass
- Copper
- Globe Glass
- HDPE
- Nickel
- Paper
- PFA
- Pink Colorware
- pmp
- Polymethylpentene
- Polypropylene
- Polystyrene
- Polytetrafluoroethylene
- PP/PP Homopolymer
- PS
- PTFE/PTFE Fluoropolymer
- Quartz
What sizes do lab beakers come in?
Beakers come in a variety of sizes, often categorized into low-form and tall form. In terms of capacity, they can range from small (10 mL) to large (several liters). Common sizes include 50 mL, 100 mL, 250 mL, 500 mL, 1 L, and 2 L. The choice of size depends on the volume of liquid you need to work with.
There’s also Griffin beakers, named after John Joseph Griffin an English chemistry enthusiast, which are low-form short beakers with a pouring spout.
How do I choose the right beaker for my experiment?
This will depend on the use you require it for, but you should consider the following when choosing the right beaker:
- Material: Glass for heating, plastic for chemical resistance and lightweight needs, stainless steel for durability and heat resistance.
- Size: Based on the volume of liquids you need to handle.
- Shape: Standard beakers are cylindrical, but some have a spout for easy pouring.
- Accuracy: if accuracy of the contents is essential, choose beakers with measuring lines
How do I clean lab beakers properly?
To clean beakers:
- Rinse with distilled water immediately after use to remove residues.
- Use a mild detergent and a brush for thorough cleaning.
- For stubborn stains or residues, use a suitable cleaning solution (e.g., acid wash for glass).
- Rinse thoroughly with distilled water to remove any soap or cleaning agents.
- Allow to air dry or dry with a lint-free cloth.
What precautions should I take when using beakers in the lab?
- Avoid using cracked or chipped beakers, as they can break easily.
- When heating, use appropriate supports (like wire gauze) and heat gradually.
- Be cautious of spillage when pouring; use a beaker with a spout to minimize mess.
- Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, goggles) when handling hazardous materials.