What is a Bunsen burner?
A Bunsen burner is a laboratory device designed to heat substances for various experiments. Although many laboratories have switched over to electric hot plates, which have less potential flammability and produce more adjustable, clean heat, Bunsen burners are still widely used and most scientists are familiar with their operation. In essence, a Bunsen burner is a small gas burner with an adjustable flame, manipulated at the base by controlling the amount of gas and air admitted into the burner. The design of a Bunsen burner includes a vertical metal tube which is connected to a weighted base. The base includes a nozzle to connect with a fuel source, as well as a gas valve and a flue adjuster to control how much air is admitted through small air holes at the base of the tube. The gas mixes with air at the bottom of the tube and then rises to the top of the Bunsen burner, where it can be lit with a match or lighter. A scientist can either hold something in the flame with tongs, or set s
