Glasses

Glasses

Beakers are extremely common tools in chemical laboratories, mainly used as containers to collect liquids, dissolve substances and create solutions. They are also referred to as 'beakers' or, in English-speaking nomenclature, 'beakers'.

Beaker structure

Beakers are glass containers with a generally cylindrical shape and flat bottom. There are also variations of the typical cylindrical shape, such as the conical shape. Many models are equipped with a spout in the upper section, the purpose of which is to assist the instrument in pouring substances into it. The presence of the spout indicates that beakers cannot be supplied with a lid. However, in order to prevent contamination or dispersal of the contents, the beakers can be covered with a glass. Some beaker models are also fitted with a handle, especially the larger models.
Glasses are graduated and available in different sizes, from millilitres to several litres.

The standard height of shallow beakers is 1.4 times the size of their diameter. This is the standard and most common model of beakers, also called Griffin beakers after the name of its inventor.

The tall model of beakers is 1.4 times the size of their diameter.
The tall beaker model, on the other hand, is characterised by its height measuring 2 times that of its diameter.
Finally, the flat model of tumblers is instead very wide and low in height, generally not graduated.

Gauge

As indicated above, tumblers are graduated. For example, a 250 mL glass might have its capacity marked along its height every 50 mL. However, this graduation is not intended to provide an accurate measurement of the capacity of the beaker, but a general estimate. In fact, beakers have an estimated measurement within 10% error and are not used for the precise measurement of their contents.

Usages

Standard, or low, beakers are the most common and widely used models in the laboratory. From preparing solutions, to containing waste fluids before disposing of them, or for simple reactions, low beakers are the most universal model. Tall beakers, on the other hand, are more commonly used for titration. Finally, the flat beaker model is especially used for crystallisation.

Materials

Beakers are commonly made of glass. In modern chemistry they are usually made of borosilicate glass as this allows them to be used at high temperatures. However, other beakers made of metal, e.g. stainless steel or aluminium, or plastics such as polythene, polypropylene and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are also common.