Bekerglas

Bekerglas, or beaker glass, is a common piece of laboratory glassware used to hold, mix, and heat liquids. The term bekerglas is used in Dutch and some other languages to refer to the same item; in English the term is beaker. A bekerglas is typically a cylindrical vessel with a flat bottom, an open top, and a pouring lip. It may include graduation marks indicating volume, but these marks are approximate and not suitable for precise measurement. Common sizes range from about 25 mL to several liters, with widely used capacities such as 100 mL, 250 mL, and 500 mL.

Materials and forms vary. Most bekerglases are made from borosilicate glass because of its resistance to thermal shock and chemical exposure, though cheaper versions may use soda-lime glass. Beakers come in several shapes, including low-form (wide and squat) and tall-form variants, and some feature a spout for easier pouring. They are designed for general-purpose tasks rather than exact volumetry, unlike volumetric flasks or graduated cylinders.

Uses and limitations. Beakers are employed for mixing solutions, carrying out simple reactions, heating liquids on hot plates or under controlled heating, and as containers during filtration or decanting. They are not reliable for precise measurements.

Care and safety. Avoid rapid temperature changes to minimize cracking, particularly with borosilicate glass under thermal stress. Use appropriate handling for hot beakers and select materials compatible with the chemicals used. Clean according to manufacturer recommendations; many beakers are dishwasher-safe, but care should be taken with coatings or residues.

See also: Erlenmeyer flask, volumetric flask, laboratory glassware.