How to use a Bunsen Burner

Wits University OFFICIAL
30 Jul 201803:19
EducationalLearning
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TLDRThis instructional video offers a step-by-step guide on safely using a Bunsen burner in a laboratory setting. It emphasizes the importance of safety precautions such as tying back long hair, tucking in loose clothing, and clearing the workspace of flammable materials. The video demonstrates how to properly light the burner, adjust the gas supply for a non-luminous flame suitable for heating substances, and the correct method to extinguish the flame. It also advises against leaving the Bunsen burner unattended and the necessity of asking for assistance if needed, ensuring a safe laboratory experience.

Takeaways
  • 🔥 Always observe safety protocols when using a Bunsen burner to prevent hazards.
  • 👔 Secure long hair and tuck away loose clothing to maintain a clear workspace.
  • 🧪 Ensure the bench area around the Bunsen burner is clear of flammable substances.
  • 🔧 Check that the gas taps on the bench are closed before opening the gas supply.
  • 🔗 Verify that the tubing is properly connected to the gas supply and the Bunsen burner.
  • 🔥 Ignite the Bunsen burner by closing the air hole and slowly opening the gas tap with a lit match.
  • ✋ Do not cross your arms while lighting the burner; maintain a consistent hand position based on the burner's location.
  • 🌪️ Blow out the match before proceeding to adjust the flame.
  • 🔄 Adjust the gas supply to achieve a suitable flame size for heating substances.
  • 🔵 Aim for a non-luminous, pale blue flame for heating in the lab to avoid soot deposition.
  • 💨 Rotate the collar to open the air hole to achieve the non-luminous flame with proper air supply.
  • 🚫 Never light the Bunsen burner with the air hole open to prevent safety risks.
  • 🧪 When heating solutions, use a wooden stage or toothpick holder and ensure the test tube is not over half-full.
  • 👀 Never leave a Bunsen burner unattended; always close the gas tap when leaving the bench.
  • ❓ Seek assistance from a demonstrator if needed when using a Bunsen burner.
Q & A

  • What is the primary purpose of a Bunsen burner in a laboratory setting?

    -A Bunsen burner is primarily used to heat substances in a laboratory. It provides a controlled flame for various heating applications.

  • Why is it important to follow safety protocols when using a Bunsen burner?

    -Safety protocols are crucial when using a Bunsen burner because an open flame is a potential hazard. Observing correct procedures ensures personal safety and prevents accidents.

  • What should you do with long hair and loose clothing before lighting a Bunsen burner?

    -Long hair should be tied back, and any loose clothing should be tucked away safely inside a lab coat to prevent them from catching fire.

  • What should be checked before lighting the Bunsen burner to ensure a clear working area?

    -The area around the Bunsen burner on the bench should be clear, and there should be no flammable substances such as alcohols near the bench.

  • What are the main components of a Bunsen burner?

    -A Bunsen burner consists of an airhole, a barrel, and a base with tubing connected by the base.

  • Why should all gas taps on the bench be closed before opening the gas tap applied to the bench?

    -Closing all gas taps prevents gas leakage and ensures that only the intended Bunsen burner receives gas, reducing the risk of accidental ignition or asphyxiation.

  • How should the tubing be checked before igniting the Bunsen burner?

    -The tubing should be checked to ensure it is properly connected to the gas supply and to the Bunsen burner to prevent gas leaks and ensure proper ignition.

  • What is the correct method to ignite a Bunsen burner as described in the script?

    -The correct method involves closing the air hole, lighting a match, holding it over the barrel, and slowly opening the gas by lifting up the tap and turning it anti-clockwise without crossing your arms.

  • Why is it necessary to blow out the match before proceeding to the next step after lighting the Bunsen burner?

    -Blowing out the match before proceeding ensures that there are no additional sources of ignition, reducing the risk of fire and maintaining safety.

  • What type of flame should be used for heating substances in the lab, and how is it achieved?

    -A non-luminous flame, which is a pale blue flame, should be used for heating substances in the lab. It is achieved by rotating the collar to the open air hole position, ensuring the right amount of air supply for a clean, soot-free flame.

  • What are some safety measures to follow when heating a test tube with a Bunsen burner?

    -The test tube should not be more than half-full, should not remain stationary in the flame, and the Bunsen burner should never be left unattended. Always close the gas tap when leaving the bench.

  • What should you do if you need assistance with using a Bunsen burner?

    -If you need assistance, you should ask your demonstrator for help to ensure you are using the Bunsen burner correctly and safely.

Outlines
00:00
🔥 Proper Use of a Bunsen Burner

This video will guide you through the correct method of using a Bunsen burner. Bunsen burners are commonly used to heat substances in the lab, and it's important to know how to light and use them safely. An open flame can be hazardous, so always follow the correct protocol to ensure safety. Before lighting your Bunsen burner, tie back long hair, tuck in loose clothing, and clear your bench of any flammable substances like alcohols. Ensure the area around the burner is clear and that the gas supply is properly connected.

🛠️ Preparing to Light the Bunsen Burner

A Bunsen burner consists of an air hole, collar, barrel, base, and tubing connected to the gas supply. Before opening the gas, make sure all gas taps on the bench are closed. Check that the tubing is securely connected to the gas supply and the burner. The following steps outline the correct method of igniting a Bunsen burner: Step 1 involves closing the air hole, lighting a match, and holding it over the barrel while slowly opening the gas tap.

🚀 Igniting the Bunsen Burner

Step 1: Close the air hole by rotating the collar. Light your match and hold it over the barrel as you slowly open the gas tap. Make sure not to cross your arms during this process. The gas will ignite, producing an orange-yellow luminous flame due to the air supply being closed off. Step 2: Once the burner is lit, blow out the match before proceeding.

🔄 Adjusting the Flame

Step 3: Adjust the gas supply to get a suitable flame size. At this point, the flame is still luminous and not suitable for heating substances because it deposits soot on the apparatus. Step 4: To achieve a non-luminous, pale blue flame, open the air hole by rotating the collar. The non-luminous flame has the perfect amount of air supply and is ideal for heating, showing two distinct phases. Ensure not to light the burner with the air hole open, as it may not ignite properly and pose a safety risk. If the flame goes out, turn off the gas and start the process again.

⚗️ Using the Bunsen Burner

A Bunsen burner is regularly used to heat solutions. Test tubes can be heated using a wooden stage toothpick holder and holding them in the flame. Ensure the test tube is not more than half full and does not remain stationary in the flame. Never leave your Bunsen burner unattended. Always close the gas tap when leaving your bench.

🛡️ Safety and Assistance

That's all from us on the Bunsen burner. We hope you now know the correct steps to ignite and handle a Bunsen burner safely by following the correct safety procedures. If you need any assistance, don't hesitate to ask your demonstrator.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Bunsen burner
A Bunsen burner is a type of laboratory burner providing a single open gas flame, commonly used for heating, boiling, and sterilization processes. In the video script, it is the primary focus, emphasizing the importance of its correct and safe usage in a laboratory setting. The script details the steps for lighting and adjusting the flame, as well as safety precautions to be taken when using it.
💡Safety protocol
Safety protocol refers to a set of rules and procedures designed to minimize the risk of harm or accidents, especially in a laboratory environment where hazardous materials and processes are involved. The script underscores the necessity of adhering to safety protocols when using a Bunsen burner, such as tying back long hair, tucking in loose clothing, and ensuring the workspace is clear of flammable substances.
💡Open flame
An open flame is a visible, gaseous fire that is not enclosed and can spread rapidly. In the context of the video, it is mentioned as a potential hazard, highlighting the need for caution when using a Bunsen burner, which produces an open flame that can ignite flammable materials if not handled properly.
💡Airhole
The airhole on a Bunsen burner is a crucial component that allows secondary air to mix with the gas, affecting the flame's characteristics. The script describes how to manipulate the airhole by rotating the collar to control the flame, either closing it for a luminous flame or opening it for a non-luminous flame, which is preferred for heating substances without soot deposition.
💡Luminous flame
A luminous flame is characterized by its visible light and color, often orange-yellow, which indicates incomplete combustion. The script mentions that when first lighting the Bunsen burner, a luminous flame is produced due to the air supply being restricted. This type of flame is not suitable for heating substances in the lab as it can cause soot deposition.
💡Non-luminous flame
A non-luminous flame is a flame that emits less visible light and is typically pale blue, indicating complete combustion. The script instructs viewers on how to achieve a non-luminous flame by adjusting the airhole, which is essential for laboratory work as it prevents soot from being deposited on the apparatus and substances being heated.
💡Gas supply
The gas supply refers to the source of fuel for the Bunsen burner, which is typically a bottled gas like town gas or propane. The script emphasizes checking that the tubing is properly connected to both the gas supply and the Bunsen burner, and also includes steps for adjusting the gas supply to control the flame size.
💡Test tube
A test tube is a piece of laboratory glassware used as a reaction vessel for small-scale experiments. In the script, it is mentioned as an example of apparatus that can be heated using a Bunsen burner, with specific instructions on how to safely heat the test tube, ensuring it is not more than half-full and not stationary in the flame.
💡Wooden stage
A wooden stage, also known as a test tube holder or clamp, is used to hold a test tube or other glassware steady during heating. The script advises using a wooden stage to heat solutions in test tubes over a Bunsen burner flame, which provides stability and safety during the heating process.
💡Unattended
To leave something unattended means to leave it without supervision or care. The script warns against leaving a Bunsen burner unattended, emphasizing the importance of always closing the gas tap when leaving the bench to prevent potential accidents or hazards.
💡Demonstrator
A demonstrator in a laboratory context is typically a person who provides practical demonstrations and guidance on the use of equipment and procedures. The script suggests that if assistance is needed with the Bunsen burner, one should not hesitate to ask the demonstrator, indicating the role of experts in ensuring safe and correct laboratory practices.
Highlights

Bunsen burners are commonly used to heat substances in the lab.

It is crucial to know how to light and use a Bunsen burner safely.

An open flame is a potential hazard and safety protocols must be observed.

Before lighting, ensure long hair is tied back and loose clothing is tucked away.

The bench area around the Bunsen burner should be clear of flammable substances.

A Bunsen burner consists of an airhole, barrel, and base with tubing.

All gas steps on the bench must be closed before opening the gas applied to the bench.

Check the tubing is properly connected to the gas supply and the Bunsen burner.

The correct method of igniting a Bunsen burner involves closing the air hole and lighting a match.

Open the gas slowly while lifting up the tap and turning it anti-clockwise.

Do not cross your arms when lighting the Bunsen burner.

A luminous flame forms initially, which is orange-yellow due to air supplies being closed off.

After lighting, focus on blowing out the match before proceeding.

Adjust the gas supply to get a suitable flame size for a non-luminous flame.

A non-luminous flame is pale blue and is used for heating substances in the lab.

Achieve a non-luminous flame by rotating the collar to the open air hole.

Ensure the flame shows two distinctive phases for the perfect air supply.

Never light the Bunsen burner with the air hole open to avoid safety risks.

If the flame goes out, turn off the gas immediately and restart the process.

Use a wooden stage and toothpick holder to heat solutions in test tubes.

Ensure the test tube is not more than half-full and does not remain stationary in the flame.

Never leave your Bunsen burner unattended and always close the gas tap when leaving the bench.

Following correct safety procedures is essential when using a Bunsen burner.

If assistance is needed with the Bunsen burner, ask your demonstrator for help.

Transcripts

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Bunsen BurnerLab SafetyLighting TechniquesHeating SubstancesNon-Luminous FlameLab ProtocolFlame ControlScience EquipmentLab ProceduresSafety Tips