Question

Why should an Erlenmeyer flask with a ground glass joint be used?

a) To facilitate easy cleaning
b) To ensure a tight seal
c) To prevent spillage
d) To enhance visibility

Answer 1

An Erlenmeyer flask with a ground glass joint is used to ensure a tight seal, which is crucial for preventing contamination and maintaining particular atmospheric conditions in lab experiments.

Step-by-step explanation:

An Erlenmeyer flask with a ground glass joint is used primarily b) To ensure a tight seal. This type of joint allows for a precision fit between glass components, often used to prevent gases or liquids from escaping, to prevent contamination, and to maintain a controlled environment within the flask. The ground joint serves as a secure closure that is necessary for many laboratory procedures, such as when performing chemical reactions under specific atmospheric conditions or when storing reactive or volatile substances.

While the curvature of an Erlenmeyer flask can help prevent contamination by making it more difficult for particles and bacteria to enter, and while other types of lab equipment serve particular purposes in measuring and transferring liquids, the key reason for using an Erlenmeyer flask with a ground glass joint is the formation of a secure seal.