A flask is a type of laboratory glassware used for containing, mixing, and heating liquids. Flasks come in various sizes and shapes, but the most common shape is a pear-shaped vessel with a flat bottom and a narrow neck. Flasks are designed to be used with stoppers or rubber septa to prevent contamination and evaporation.
There are several types of flasks used in laboratories, including:
Erlenmeyer flask: This is a cone-shaped flask with a flat base and a narrow neck. It is commonly used for mixing solutions and titrations.
Round-bottom flask: This is a round-shaped flask with a flat base and a long, narrow neck. It is commonly used for distillation and reflux.
Florence flask: This is a bulbous-shaped flask with a long neck. It is commonly used for heating liquids and as a boiling flask.
Filtering flask: This is a flask designed for use with a vacuum filtration apparatus. It has a sidearm for connecting to a vacuum source and a flat base for stability.
Volumetric flask: This is a flask used for precise measurement of a specific volume of liquid. It is calibrated to contain a precise volume of liquid at a specific temperature.
Flasks are made of borosilicate glass, which is resistant to thermal shock and chemical corrosion. They can also be made of plastic for disposable use.