The Bunsen Burner is a laboratory apparatus that produces a controlled flame for heating or sterilizing substances. Its spellings follow the IPA phonetic transcription, where "Bun-sen" is pronounced as /ˈbʌnsən/ and "burn-er" as /ˈbɜːrnər/. The word is named after Robert Bunsen, a German chemist who invented it in 1855. The Bunsen Burner is used extensively in science labs around the world and has become an essential tool for conducting various experiments and analyses. Its simple design and efficiency make it a popular choice in the field of chemistry.
A Bunsen burner is a common laboratory tool used for heating, sterilizing, and combustible gas combustion. It is a cylindrical, upright device typically made of metal and includes a gas valve, connecting tube, and a fixed or removable burner head. Primarily used in scientific experiments, a Bunsen burner produces an adjustable, steady flame that can reach high temperatures.
The burner operates on a process called gas-to-air adjustment, where a flammable fuel gas (usually natural gas or methane) is mixed with air in the desired ratio to create a controlled and efficient flame. A gas valve, located at the base of the burner, enables one to regulate the amount of gas flowing into the burner head. The air intake is adjusted by opening or closing the air vents present on the burner tube, allowing precise control over the flame's properties.
A Bunsen burner is known for the distinctive blue flame it produces, termed the "Bunsen flame." At the base of the flame, a dark blue cone is formed, surrounded by a lighter, less intense light blue flame. The blue color of the flame indicates complete combustion, where the fuel gas reacts with air thoroughly, resulting in a clean and controlled burn.
The versatility and adjustable nature of the Bunsen burner make it an essential tool in various scientific fields such as chemistry, biology, and physics. It allows for precise heating of substances, sterilization of laboratory equipment, and carrying out certain chemical reactions that require controlled temperature conditions.
A gas burner supplied with lateral openings admitting so much air that the carbon is completely burned giving a very hot but only slightly luminous flame.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "Bunsen burner" comes from the name of its inventor, Robert Wilhelm Bunsen, a German chemist. Bunsen developed and improved upon earlier designs of laboratory burners in the 1850s. His invention incorporated a gas supply and adjustable air vents, allowing for precise control of the flame's intensity and temperature. The device became widely used in laboratories for heating, sterilizing, and conducting various experiments. Over time, the name "Bunsen burner" became synonymous with this type of laboratory burner.