What is the primary function of a beaker in a laboratory?

The primary function of a beaker in a laboratory is to pour liquids. Beakers are designed with a wide mouth, making them ideal for pouring and transferring various liquids and solutions. The graduated markings along the side of the beaker allow for approximate measurements of volume, but their main purpose is practical: to hold and transport fluids easily.

While beakers can be used in experiments, they are not specialized for conducting experiments in the same way that other equipment might be, such as flasks or test tubes. Beakers are not primarily intended for heating substances; although they can withstand heating, that is not their primary design purpose. They also do not measure weight, as that function is served by balances or scales specifically designed for weighing materials. Thus, the beaker’s design and practicality make it best suited for pouring liquids.