Table of different laboratory apparatus and their functions.

Back to: O level chemistry notes full Uganda syllabus

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The Bunsen Burner
This is a piece of apparatus that is used for heating substances in the laboratory.
Structure

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Functions of the labeled parts
Chimney/barrel: is a long metallic pipe through which the gas passes to be lit.
Collar/metal ring: is a metallic ring with a hole in it that regulates the amount of air entering the air hole.
Jet: is a tiny hole through which the gas enters the chimney. It is narrow so that the gas enters the chimney at high pressure.
Gas inlet: it connects the Bunsen burner to the gas supply.
Base: it is a heavy metal and used as a stand for the Bunsen burner i.e. it supports the Bunsen burner in an upright position.
How to light a Bunsen burner

  1. Connect the Bunsen burner to the gas tap.
  2. Close the air hole.
  3. Open the gas on fully.
  4. Light the Bunsen burner at the top of the chimney.
  5. Open the air hole to get a hot non luminous flame used for heating.
    Bunsen burner flames
    A flame is a burning gas that produces heat and light. A Bunsen burner produces two types of flames i.e. luminous and non luminous flames.
    Luminous flame
    This type of flame is produced when the air hole of the Bunsen burner in closed. The flame is large, bright, yellow and not very hot. Examples of luminous flame include; candle flame, bush fire flames and lantern flame.
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