How long should the test tubes be heated in the water bath?b) 1 minutec) 8 minutes – Free 7B
Test Tube Heating Time in Water Bath
Question:
How long should the test tubes be heated in the water bath?
- a) 8 minutes
- b) 1 minute
Answer:
The correct answer is: b) 1 minute
Detailed Explanation:
Without more specific context, one must rely on general laboratory procedures. In many experimental setups, particularly those that involve gentle heating to promote a reaction without risking decomposition, the recommended heating time is about 1 minute.
Why only 1 minute?
- This short duration helps in raising the temperature uniformly and quickly without overheating the contents.
- Prolonged heating (such as 8 minutes) may cause:
- Unwanted side reactions
- Evaporation of volatile solvents
- Degradation of heat-sensitive compounds
Thus, most protocols suggest heating test tubes in a water bath for approximately 1 minute unless the procedure specifies otherwise.
Conclusion:
For general lab purposes, test tubes should typically be heated in a water bath for 1 minute to maintain safety and reaction integrity.