What is an erlenmeyer flask and how is it used?

Answer

It's similar to a beaker, except that it gets narrower at the top. It is used to hold liquids and do reactions in it.

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SOME MORE INFORMATION

The triangular shape of the Erlenmeyer flask aids in the mixing of the liquid inside. When you swirl the flask, the liquid moves up the sides without coming out the top.

They are used in applications where solutions must be mixed multiple times. When doing a Titration analysis, small amounts of reactant are added to a solution, usually until an indicator changes color, and the solution must be mixed after every addition. When making a dilution of a stock solution, the easiest way is to add a measured amount of stock to a measured amount of solvent in an Erlenmeyer and swirl to ensure thorough mixing. Dissolving a solid to make a solution is easier in an Erlenmeyer than a straight sided beaker using a stirring rod, especially if it takes a long time, because you can put a magnetic stir bar in the Erlenmeyer, place on a stir plate at a gentle to vigorous stir setting and walk away, confident that the solution won't splatter all over the lab bench, and the mixing action will be correct.

First answer by An8thg. Last edit by Mothergaia. Contributor trust: 64 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 27 [recommend question]