IGCSE Marine Science - Practical Laboratory Equipment Quiz

What is a balance used for in an experiment?

(a)  

Answer explanation

Did you know?
One grain of salt weighs about 0.06 grams. If your balance isn’t precise enough, it won’t even notice it’s there—but your experiment might! In chemistry, that tiny grain could change the outcome of a reaction.

“Don’t fudge the gram—your experiment gives a damn!”

What is the best practice when using a balance with a container?

• Always weigh with the container's lid on.

• Use the tare button to zero the balance with the container.

• Ignore the container's mass.

• Add the mass of the container manually.

Answer explanation

💡 Think: What button helps you "ignore" the container’s weight?

The volume markings on beakers are precise.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

“Beakers are holders, not measurers!
If you want it exact, find a better act!” 😄

Beakers are not precise measuring tools.

The volume markings on the side of a beaker are rough estimates.

They’re designed mainly for holding, mixing, or heating liquids—not for accurate measurement.

Why should you avoid heating a sealed test tube with a bung?

• It makes measurements inaccurate.

• It may cause the bung to melt.

• It can cause the test tube to explode.

Answer explanation

⚠️ Safety Tip: Why You Should NEVER Heat a Sealed Test Tube⚠️

When you heat a liquid or gas inside a sealed test tube, the temperature rises—and so does the pressure. Since the bung blocks the pressure from escaping, it builds up inside like air in a balloon...

“If it’s sealed, it could be revealed—with a bang!” 💥😮💨

You should always point a test tube away from yourself and others when heating it.

• True

• False

Name the equipment used to hold a test tube while heating.

(a)  

Which equipment is best for accurately measuring small volumes of liquid?

• Beaker

• Syringe

• Spatula

Answer explanation

🧪 “Go slow with the flow!”

Why?
Syringes are great for accurately measuring small amounts of liquid or gas. But if you push too fast, the liquid can splash out, spill chemicals, or even ruin your experiment.

Filter paper is used with a funnel to separate an undissolved solid from a liquid.

• True

• False

Which item helps you view small details by magnifying them?

• Microscope

• Clamp stand

• Hand lens

• Both A and C

Which piece of equipment is used to hold other apparatus in place during experiments?

(a)