Hotplate/Magnetic Stirrer

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The hotplate/magnetic stirrer is a single device that can heat liquids and stir them with a magnetic stir bar. One knob controls the rate of stirring, and one knob controls heating.

What is the object in this picture? Answer

Place the magnetic stir bar into the flask or beaker by gently sliding it along the wall of the vessel. Make sure that the plate is relatively cool initially, and that the stirrer is off before placing the vessel onto the plate.

Video ( 1.62 M ) Can you think of a better way to check to see if the plate is hot? Answer

Place the flask onto the plate and turn on the stirrer. Use a low setting at first, and increase the rate of stirring if necessary. Do not stir the solution too rapidly.

If you use a thermometer, clamp it in place so that the thermometer's tip does not come into contact with the stir bar or the sides of the vessel.

Place the vessel containing the liquid to be heated on the plate. If the liquid should be stirred while it is being heated, the vessel should contain a magnetic stir bar. Turn on the hotplate using the heating control knob. The red light to the left of the knob flashes to indicate the heat setting.

Video: Flashing red light ( 2.79 M )

Common errors:

Related module: Thermometer