Beaker (laboratory equipment)

Beaker
Beakers of several sizes
UsesLiquid volume containment
and measurement
Related itemsLaboratory flask

In laboratory equipment, a beaker is generally a cylindrical container with a flat bottom.[1] Most also have a small spout (or "beak") to aid pouring, as shown in the picture. Beakers are available in a wide range of sizes, from one milliliter up to several liters. A beaker is distinguished from a flask by having straight rather than sloping sides.[2] The exception to this definition is a slightly conical-sided beaker called a Philips beaker. The beaker shape in general drinkware is similar.

Beakers are commonly made of glass (today usually borosilicate glass[3]), but can also be in metal (such as stainless steel or aluminum) or certain plastics (notably polythene, polypropylene, PTFE). A common use for polypropylene beakers is gamma spectral analysis of liquid and solid samples.

Beakers of different sizes
  1. ^ Oxford English Dictionary 1989 edition
  2. ^ "Understanding Lab Beakers: A Comprehensive Exploration".
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference BS6523 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).