You may have first seen a Bunsen burner from your science laboratory class. It may not look so intimidating, but the thought of lighting it can be challenging and alarming, maybe more than ever if you have not done it before.
But whether you like it or not, you will have to learn how to light a Bunsen burner as you will need it for some experiments.
Lighting a Bunsen burner can be dangerous if you are not careful. So read and follow these steps so you can have a better perspective of how this is done correctly and safely.
Materials you will need:
- Bunsen burner
- Match
- Gas source
- Tubing
- Proper attire and protective gears
Wear appropriate clothing when working with a Bunsen burner
Use a lab gown and safety goggles when working an on an experiment inside the laboratory, especially if you will be using the Bunsen burner.
Wash your hands before conducting any experiment. You may have touched flammable chemicals earlier. Getting your hands near the flame later may burn your hands.
Ensure safety first
Gas and fire can be a frightening thought so extreme caution should be observed. Check all of your equipments before proceeding.
Check the rubber tube for holes. If you see any holes, discard and do not use it anymore. Get a new one. The gas will leak through the holes and may cause a huge and harmful disaster when you start a fire to light the Bunsen burner later on.
Also look at the immediate surroundings of the Bunsen burner. Remove all flammable objects within the area including paper and other chemicals.
Get the tube of the Bunsen burner and attach it to the gas source valve
Securely fasten the tube to the gas valve. Make sure that the gas will not leak through. Keep the gas tap completely close all throughout the set up process.
Turn the gas tap on
Slowly turn on the gas, but do not turn the tap completely open. Use the nozzle to adjust how much gas passes through the tube.
To turn it on, push down and turn the nozzle until it is parallel with the tubing. This will start the flow of the gas towards the Bunsen burner.
Get the match and rub it rapidly on the side of the matchbox
Use the flame generated to light the top of the Bunsen burner. Hold the match firmly and keep your fingers away from the flame.
Adjust the holes in the Bunsen burner by turning the collar until you have the ideal flame for your experiment.
Normally, one would prefer a blue flame. To get a blue flame, the holes in your Bunsen burner should be entirely open.
It is imperative to take extra care when working with fire especially in a laboratory where flammable chemicals are present.
Never leave the Bunsen burner unattended once it is lighted. Turn it off as soon as you are done. It should also be placed on top of a flat non-flammable surface to avoid tilting and falling.