Final answer:
Filter flasks are used for vacuum filtrations, Erlenmeyer flasks are suitable for mixing and titrations, and Volumetric flasks are used for preparing solutions with high precision.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparison of Laboratory Flasks
The functions of laboratory flasks such as filter flasks, Erlenmeyer flasks, and Volumetric flasks vary according to their design and purpose:
Filter Flask: Also known as a Büchner flask, it is used in conjunction with a Büchner funnel for performing vacuum filtration. It is designed to withstand a vacuum, has a sidearm to connect to a vacuum source, and often has a thicker wall to resist implosion.
Erlenmeyer Flask: This conical flask is ideal for mixing chemical solutions by swirling without the risk of spillage, due to its sloped sides. It can also be used for simple heatings and titrations but provides less precision in measuring liquids than a graduated cylinder or a volumetric flask.
Volumetric Flask: Designed for precise dilutions and preparation of standard solutions, this flask has a long neck and a single calibration mark. It is used to prepare solutions of a fixed volume with high accuracy. Unlike filter or Erlenmeyer flasks, volumetric flasks are not meant for reactions or filtrations.
While filter and Erlenmeyer flasks are more versatile for general use in a lab, the volumetric flask is specialized for tasks requiring precise volume measurements.