Bunsen Burner

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Methane (CH₄) gas is fed into the burner through the gas inlet. The gas control needle valve controls the rate at which methane enters the burner. The rate at which air enters the burner is adjusted with the air control vent. Methane and oxygen mix in the burner tube and, when ignited, produce a flame.

Warning: Burns are the most common form of laboratory accident. After heating an object be extremely careful to let it cool before grasping it. Temperatures in the hottest region of the burner flame approach ~1500°C.

Before using a Bunsen burner, be certain that no flammable materials are present in the laboratory. Also be careful to make sure that your face, clothing and hair ( 2.06 M ) are not above or near the opening of the burner tube.

Video: Lighting the burner ( 9.11 M ) Text description

This person is planning to light a Bunsen burner. List the safety hazards she should eliminate before proceding. Answer

After lighting the burner, it must be properly adjusted.

In a properly adjusted Bunsen burner, there will be a blue flame containing two or more cones.

When adjusting the air vent, be careful not to extinguish the flame or disassemble ( 2.36 M ) the burner.

Video: Adjusting the burner ( 3.26 M ) Text description

Never use your fingers to hold an object in the Bunsen burner flame. Instead, use a pair of tongs to hold a small, solid object.

If the object is large or a liquid in a flask, use a ring stand and a triangle or wire gauze to hold the object in the flame.

You need to heat a nonflammable liquid in an Erlenmeyer flask. Could you simply hold the flask in the flame with a tongs, or should you set the flask on a wire gauze on a ring stand over the flame? Answer

After you are finished using the burner, turn the gas completely off to extinguish the flame.

Video: Closing the gas valve ( 1.42 M ) Text description

Be sure to completely close the gas supply to prevent accumulation of methane in the laboratory- a fire and explosion hazard.

Related module: Hotplate / Magnetic Stirrer