Boiling Tube vs Test Tube as Laboratory Equipment

Test tubes and boiling tubes are some of the most common glassware used in most science laboratories. The look of them might be almost similar at the sight of it and the names are interchanged by many learners. 

With these two lab equipment, there are significant differences in their design, purpose and heating limit of these two pieces of lab equipment. When to apply either, matters and will definitely increase the accuracy of the experiments as well as avoids breakage and raises safety. 

Our guide today will explain all you need to know about boiling tube vs test tube, their difference, when they are best used and which of them is more suitable in heating experiments. 

What is a Test Tube? 

A Test Tube is a small rounded bottom glass cylindrical container that is open at the top. It is primarily used to hold, mix, or heat small quantities of substances during laboratory experiments, especially for qualitative analysis or temporary storage of samples. 

Test tubes are easy to carry around. Their weight is perfect to use in an experiment where there will be no heating required. They are widespread in school laboratories in simple demonstrations such as the addition of acids to metals, sample preparation by titration or color change observation.

They are also used in research labs in centrifuging a small sample example Urine, to culture small samples or to perform a micro-scale reaction. 

The majority of test tubes consist of soda-lime or borosilicate glass; the borosilicate glass is more resistant to changes in temperature. Nevertheless, test tubes even with borosilicate material are typically thinner than boiling tubes and cannot be directly subjected to high heat. 

What is a Boiling Tube? 

A test tube that is higher and thicker in size is called a Boiling Tube. Balanced heat-resistant borosilicate glass is used as the material of the walls since it does not crack in high temperatures.

It gives it more space because it has a broader diameter and is best suited to the experiments that need high heat, to boil or evaporate or to perform a reaction that will generate heat. 

The tubes are commonly used in the fields of chemistry to heat a substance above a Bunsen burner, heat solutions, and to perform experiments of boiling point. Experiments with concentrated acids or alkalis, or with strong reactive chemicals, are preferably done with them in the schools.

They can withstand thermal shock because of their strength and can be used to hold liquids and heat them without breaking up. 

Major Differences between Test Tubes and Boiling Tubes. 

The two are similar but the differences that set them apart physically and functionally are what determine their application in the lab.

Easier said than done, the easiest rule is: Test tubes have to be tested, boiling tubes have to be heated. 

When Should you use a Test Tube, Rather than a Boiling Tube? 

Use of a test tube is best in case one wants to test a reaction, color change, or work with small liquid samples. A test tube will be enough when you do not require longer heating.

They are also convenient in classroom practicals that might need multiplicity of samples because they are small and cheap. Examples include: 

1. Carrying out qualitative chemical tests.
2. Locating biological samples or solutions.
3. Performing micro reactions
4. Reagents temporary storage. 

When Should a Boiling Tube be Used, not a Test Tube? 

Use boiling tube when the temperature of the experiment is high. They minimize shattering risks and give sufficient volume to warm up and not spill over.  You can use boiling tube when you are doing: 

1. Liquid boiling or evaporation.
2. Warming in a hot plate or a Bunsen burner.
3. Gas or heat releasing reactions.
4. Handling of concentrated acids/ alkalines.
5. Preparing hot solutions 

Conclusion

Test tubes and boiling tubes are important in any well-equipped laboratory but their use is very different. A test tube is good in simple experiments and dealing with samples. A boiling tube is the safest and more appropriate choice where the high temperature is concerned and boiling is required in experimental work. 

This difference is also crucial in enhancing good scientific practice, minimizing laboratory breakages, and obtaining precise results, which is particularly critical in school laboratories in Kenya where the life of equipment is of the essence.

We have Test Tubes and Boiling Tubes in our store. Make an order today and equip your laboratory with these two important equipment.

Also in Newsletter