What is the function of a thistle tube in a laboratory setting?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the function of a thistle tube in a laboratory setting, exploring its role in introducing liquids into reactions and its comparison with other laboratory apparatus such as stopcocks and pinchcocks. The conversation includes definitions and uses of various laboratory equipment, as well as personal experiences with chemistry resources.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks which apparatus can introduce more liquid into a reaction and serve as a pressure valve, suggesting a retort as the answer.
  • Another participant provides definitions for the retort, pinchcock, stopcock, and thistle tube, indicating that a thistle tube is a thin tube with a larger bulb at one end.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about the definitions and suggests that the pinchcock might be the correct answer instead.
  • One participant shares their familiarity with laboratory apparatus and suggests using dictionaries or online resources to learn more about them, specifically mentioning IUPAC resources.
  • Another participant recommends Vogel's "Practical Organic Chemistry" as a useful resource for lab setup information and diagrams.
  • A participant points out that another thread previously discussed the thistle tube, implying that the original poster should review their understanding of its purpose.
  • The original poster expresses frustration about their teacher's limited lab instruction and acknowledges the help received from another participant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the function of the thistle tube or which apparatus is correct for the initial question. Multiple competing views and uncertainties remain regarding the definitions and uses of the discussed laboratory equipment.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various definitions and uses of laboratory apparatus, but there are unresolved questions about the specific functions and applications of the thistle tube compared to other equipment. The discussion reflects a mix of personal experiences and resource recommendations without definitive conclusions.

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What piece of apparatus can be used to introduce more liquid into a reaction and also serve as a pressure valve?

a)stopcock
b)pinchcock
c)thistle tube
d)retort

I'm guessing it's the retort. Am I correct? If not can you tell me which one. Thnks...
 
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You might want to check the definitions of these articles.

A retort is simply a vessel with an outlet tube, typically used for distillation, sublimation, or decomposition by heat.

A pinchcock is a clamp used to regulate or close a flexible tube, especially in laboratory apparatus.

A stopcock is a valve that regulates the flow of fluid through a pipe, but it does so by being rotated to open and closed, so doesn't regulate pressure very well.

A thistle tube is simply a thin tube usually with a larger diameter bulb at one end.
 
Astronuc said:
You might want to check the definitions of these articles.

A retort is simply a vessel with an outlet tube, typically used for distillation, sublimation, or decomposition by heat.

A pinchcock is a clamp used to regulate or close a flexible tube, especially in laboratory apparatus.

A stopcock is a valve that regulates the flow of fluid through a pipe, but it does so by being rotated to open and closed, so doesn't regulate pressure very well.

A thistle tube is simply a thin tube usually with a larger diameter bulb at one end.

Thanks, how do find out about these stuff? So i guess the answer is the pinchcock then?
 
Chemistry resources

Well, I did chemistry a long time ago, so I am somewhat familiar with laboratory apparata (and I had my own chemistry set), and

one can use hard-copy or on-line dictionaries (e.g. www.dictionary.com), or scientific encyclopedias, and if either of those don't work, I just use google and search for key works, like the names of objects you mentioned, which in the case of the thistle tube, lead me to a manufacturer of glass-ware.

Also, IUPAC - International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry - ( http://www.iupac.org/index_to.html ) has on-line resources.

Best wishes in your studies.
 
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Look for Vogel's "Practical Organic chemistry" I downloaded it using Lizard tech deje-vu as a reader. I found that there is an Adobe version also. If I can locate the link I will post it. It has a great wealth of lab set-up information along with diagrams of the apparatus.
 
In another thread you posted a question about the Thistletube. Perhaps you need to review the lab appartus you described in that question, and ask yourself what is the purpose of the Thistletube.
 
Integral said:
In another thread you posted a question about the Thistletube. Perhaps you need to review the lab appartus you described in that question, and ask yourself what is the purpose of the Thistletube.

The problem is I DIDN'T know what the purpose of the thistletube was... my teacher does not do lab work with apparatuses such as that and pinchcock... In fact we only do at most 20-30% of the lab works needed for the exam.
And besides, i posted this question up before the other one. O ya, and thanks for your reply integral, i think i understand it now.
 
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