Using a Bunsen Burner

Bunsen Burners Bunsen burners are used to heat substances in the lab. You should be familiar with the following parts of the burner: burner tube air control vent gas inlet nozzle

Bunsen Burner Parts burner tube air control vent gas inlet nozzle

Striker Strikers create a spark to ignite the burner. These are the parts: flint file

Lighting the Burner 1. Connect the tubing to the burner's gas inlet nozzle and to the gas outlet nozzle at the bench. 2. Turn on the source of the methane gas. The handle should be parallel to the nozzle when on. 3. Ignite the gas using a striker: hold the striker at the side of the outlet of the burner tube and squeeze and release until a spark ignites the flame.

Adjusting the Burner Turn the gas control handle to control the height of the flame. Twist the air control vent until the burner has a blue flame and has 2 or more distinct cones visible. The blue cone should be about 1-2 inches tall. When the flame is properly adjusted, a slight buzzing sound will be audible.

Adjusting the Burner CAUTION!!! When adjusting the air vent, be careful not to extinguish the flame or disassemble the burner.

Heating Substances 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.

Extinguishing the Burner After you are finished using the burner, turn the gas completely off to extinguish the flame. Be sure to completely close the gas supply to prevent accumulation of methane in the laboratory - a fire and explosion hazard.

What’s Wrong with this Picture? 1.She should tie back her long hair. 2.She should roll up her sleeves or wear a shirt with tighter fitting sleeves. 3.She should put on safety goggles. 4.She should move the can of acetone away from the burner.