The word "Erlenmeyers mixture" refers to a type of laboratory glassware used for titration. The spelling of the word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription. It is pronounced /ˈɜːlənmaɪərzmɪkstʃər/ where the stress is on the second syllable. The word is spelled with a capital "E" to indicate it is named after the German chemist Emil Erlenmeyer. The spelling of "mixture" is the same as the standard English word.
Erlenmeyer's mixture is a term used to describe a specific type of laboratory glassware that is widely employed in scientific experiments and chemical reactions. Named after the German chemist Richard Erlenmeyer, this flask is known for its distinctive shape, which resembles an inverted cone with a flat bottom and a conical neck that widens towards the top.
The Erlenmeyer flask is crafted from high-quality borosilicate glass and is designed to provide several practical advantages during scientific procedures. Firstly, the flat base allows for stability, preventing the flask from easily tipping over. Moreover, the conical neck allows for effective swirl and agitation of the contents inside, promoting mixing and enhancing reaction rates. Additionally, its tapered shape makes it easier to transfer liquids, as it can seamlessly fit into various apparatus like filtration setups or heating units.
The term "Erlenmeyer's mixture" is used more generally to refer to the substances or compounds contained within this flask during an experiment. These mixtures can encompass a wide range of liquids, solutions, or suspensions, depending on the specific scientific investigation being conducted. Whether it is a chemical reaction, dilution, titration, or a simple mixing process, the Erlenmeyer flask is a versatile tool that allows for controlled reactions and precise measurements in a laboratory setting.
A mixture of equal parts of sodium, potassium, and ammonium bromides.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Erlenmeyer's mixture" does not have a specific etymology. It appears to be a combination of two separate terms: "Erlenmeyer" and "mixture".
1. Erlenmeyer: The term "Erlenmeyer" comes from the German chemist Richard Erlenmeyer (1825-1909), who is known for his contributions to the field of chemistry. However, it is important to note that Erlenmeyer is primarily associated with the Erlenmeyer flask, which is a cone-shaped glass container with a narrow neck used in laboratories. It is unclear how the term "Erlenmeyer" became associated with a mixture.
2. Mixture: The term "mixture" is a general word used to describe a combination of different substances or ingredients. It is derived from the Latin word "mixtura", which means a blending or a mingling.