flask
Definition
A flask is a laboratory glassware that is typically cylindrical in shape with a narrow neck and a flat bottom. Flasks are often used in chemistry experiments to hold liquids, gases, and solids. They can also be used to heat or cool substances.
The most common type of flask is the Erlenmeyer flask, which is named after its German inventor, Emil Erlenmeyer. Erlenmeyer flasks have a conical bottom, which makes them easy to swirl without spilling the contents. They are also often used to hold titration solutions.
Other types of flasks include round-bottom flasks, which are used for distillation; pear-shaped flasks, which are used for vacuum distillation; and conical flasks, which are used for boiling liquids.
Flasks are made from a variety of materials, including glass, plastic, and metal. Glass flasks are the most common type, as they are inert and do not react with most chemicals. Plastic flasks are less expensive than glass flasks, but they are not as durable. Metal flasks are used for high-temperature experiments.
Flasks are an essential tool in chemistry laboratories. They are used in a wide variety of experiments, and they come in a variety of sizes and shapes to meet the specific needs of each experiment.
How can the word be used?
The chemist carried a flask of chemicals.
Different forms of the word
Noun: flask, flasks.
Adjective: flask-shaped.
Verb: flask, flasked, flasking.
Etymology
The word "flask" is derived from the Middle Dutch word flaske, which means "a small bottle". The Middle Dutch word flaske is thought to be cognate with the Old Norse word flaska, the German word Flasche, and the Latin word flasco.
Question
What is a flask?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the purpose and types of flasks used in scientific laboratories. Describe the design and functionality of each flask type and the specific experiments they are suitable for. Provide real-life examples of experiments in which different flasks are commonly utilised.
Answer:
Flasks are essential laboratory vessels used for various scientific experiments. Erlenmeyer flasks have a conical shape, allowing for easy mixing and swirling of liquids. They are commonly used in titrations and chemical reactions due to their stability and space-saving design. Florence flasks, also known as boiling flasks, have round bottoms and are used for heating and boiling liquids, making them ideal for distillation and reflux processes. Volumetric flasks have precise volume measurements and are crucial for preparing accurate solutions in quantitative analysis. They are frequently employed in chemistry labs for dilutions and standard solutions.
Real-life examples include using Erlenmeyer flasks to conduct acid-base titrations, Florence flasks for the distillation of liquids in the purification of chemicals, and volumetric flasks to prepare precise concentrations of solutions for analytical testing. Each flask type is designed for specific functions, making them indispensable tools in scientific laboratories for a wide range of experiments.