Use of erlenmeyer flask

Answer 1

Physical Description

An Erlenmyer Flask (named after Emil Erlennmeyer) is a common piece of laboratory glassware since 1861. It is also known as as a conical flask or E-flask. It has a conical body, flat base and a narrow cylindrical neck. The flask is usually marked to indicate the approximate volume of their contents.

The flask is chosen to replace a beaker if there is a need to stopper the contents. The narrow neck is sized to accept standard rubber stoppers or corks.

The conical shape and narrow neck facilitates stirring by swirling.

The small neck reduces evaporates losses. The neck may be fitted with side tubes to allow the extraction of produced gases

The flat bottom improves stability on lab benches. A Florence flask has a similar overall use but is more unstable because the body is round and the base is smaller.

Uses

Erlenmeyer flasks are used for:

• pH tit rations
• the preparation of mixtures which must be mixed without Starr

Answer 2

Erlenmeyer flasks are used to measure, mix, and store liquids.

Erlenmeyer flasks are often used to heat liquids, e.g. with a Bunsen burner. For that purpose, the flask is usually placed on a ring held to a ring stand by means of a ring clamp. A wire gauze mesh or pad is usually placed between the ring and the flask to prevent the flames from directly touching the glass. An alternative way to set up the apparatus is to hold the flask by the neck with a test tube clamp fixed to the stand.

If the flask is to be heated in an oil or water bath, a 'C' shaped lead or iron weight may be placed over the conical part of the flask to prevent it from floating in the bath.

Erlenmeyers are also used in microbiology for the preparation of microbial cultures. Plastic Erlenmeyer flasks used in cell culture are pre-sterilized and feature closures and vented closures to enhance gas exchange during incubation and shaking.

There are pictures of erlenmeyer flasks at the related link.