What Is a Flat-Bottomed Flask Used For?

flat-bottomed-flask-used Credit: Nick Jewell/CC-BY-2.0

A flat-bottomed flask is used in a chemistry laboratory for experiments that involve collecting and measuring liquids, mixing solutions and cultivating media. The design and construction of the flat-bottomed flask allows it to stand alone on the lab bench.

One example of a flat-bottomed flask used in the laboratory is the Erlenmeyer flask. It is used in experiments involving distillation and crystallization. It may also be used as a reaction flask. Its features include reinforced glass and resistance to heat. The filtering flask is similar to an Erlenmeyer flask, but it is designed with side tubulation to be used with a vacuum.