test tube
Definition
A test tube is a cylindrical glass or plastic tube with a closed end and a rounded bottom. It is a common piece of laboratory equipment used to hold small amounts of liquids or solids for chemical reactions, mixing, or heating.
Test tubes are typically made of borosilicate glass, which is a type of glass that is resistant to heat and chemicals. They can also be made of plastic, which is less expensive but not as durable.
Test tubes come in a variety of sizes, with the most common being 15 millilitres (mL) and 50 mL. They are also available in different shapes, such as conical test tubes and U-shaped test tubes.
Test tubes are used in a variety of scientific experiments, including:
- Chemistry: Mixing chemicals, heating chemicals, and storing chemicals
- Biology: Growing bacteria, culturing cells, and storing biological samples
- Physics: Conducting experiments with liquids and solids
- Medicine: Testing blood and other bodily fluids
Test tubes are a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of experiments. They are an essential piece of equipment in any science lab.
How can the word be used?
The doctor examined the blood sample in the test tube.
Different forms of the word
Noun:
a small, narrow glass tube with a rounded bottom, used in laboratories for chemical experiments.
Adjective:
relating to or used in test tubes.
Etymology
The word "test tube" comes from the combination of the words "test" and "tube".
The word "test" comes from the Old French word "teste", which means "a small, narrow-necked bottle".
The word "tube" comes from the Latin word "tubus", which also means "a small, narrow-necked bottle".
The first recorded use of the word "test tube" in English was in 1809.
The word "test tube" is a compound word, made up of the words "test" and "tube". The word "test" means "to examine or try something", and the word "tube" means "a long, narrow container".
The literal meaning of the word "test tube" is "a small, narrow-necked bottle used to examine or try something".
The word "test tube" can be used to refer to the physical object, as well as to the act of using the object to conduct experiments.
The word "test tube" is a common word that is used in everyday speech. It is a useful word for describing laboratory equipment and for talking about the act of conducting experiments.
Question
Why are test tube important?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Discuss the importance of test tubes in laboratory experiments. Explain how test tubes are used to hold, mix, and heat substances during scientific investigations. Provide an example of an experiment where test tubes play a crucial role in conducting chemical reactions or observations.
Answer:
Test tubes are indispensable tools in laboratory experiments, serving as versatile containers for holding, mixing, and heating various substances. Their small size and cylindrical shape make them ideal for handling small volumes of liquids or conducting reactions on a small scale.
Test tubes are used to perform a wide range of tasks, from simple observations to complex chemical reactions. They can hold liquid samples for analysis, allow scientists to mix reagents to initiate reactions, and provide a controlled environment for heating substances over a flame.
In a chemical experiment involving the reaction between hydrochloric acid (HCl) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3), test tubes play a crucial role. By placing calcium carbonate in a test tube and adding hydrochloric acid, students can observe the effervescence of carbon dioxide gas being released. The gas can be captured and tested, confirming the presence of carbon dioxide through its ability to extinguish a flame.
Test tubes enable precise and controlled manipulation of substances, facilitating observations and measurements. Their utility extends across various scientific disciplines, from chemistry to biology, allowing researchers to conduct experiments safely and efficiently. The proper use of test tubes contributes to accurate data collection and analysis, promoting the advancement of scientific knowledge.