Beaker Talk: A Guide to Beakers

Beakers are a type of graduated cylinders. Graduated cylinders are laboratory glassware used to measure liquids and chemicals for use in reactions. Beakers, however, are simpler than graduated cylinders. They have a flat bottom and are generally cylindrical in shape.

Not to be mistaken for flasks, beakers have rather sides that are straight rather than sloping. They are used more often in general chemistry experiments than flasks are. They are available in a wide range of volumes and sizes, from the smallest of 1 milliliter, to the biggest at several liters.

Like graduated cylinders, beakers also have calibrated markings on the side to indicate the volume contained. The accuracy of such marks varies from one beaker to another. A 250 milliliter beaker, for example, can be marked with lines in multiples of 50, 100, and 150 until 250 milliliters is reached.

Most beakers are made of glass, usually Pyrex. These Pyrex beakers are made with uniform thickness, and are thermal shock resistant. They are mechanically strong and sturdy, and will not break easily.

Teflon and other materials resistant to corrosion are also utilized in making beakers used for handling acid solutions and other corrosive chemicals. One such type of materials is the borosilicate glass, which is a heat-resistant glass first developed by German glassmaker Otto Schott during the late 19th century. It was originally marketed under the brand name Duran in the 1800s.

Some beakers are also molded using polypropylene, more commonly known as hard plastic. These beakers are extremely clear and have high chemical resistance. They have embossed graduations on the outer surface and heavily tapered spouts for accurate pouring. They can also be used with the autoclave, same way with Pyrex beakers.

To prevent contamination or evaporation of its contents, beakers may be covered, usually by using watch glasses.

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