Equipment used by scientistsCategory: Business
Article posted by: Jon Richards
Every day, scientists use a unique range of high-tech specialist equipment and machinery to perform the complex tasks that are required of them as science professionals. No matter what branch of science they work in, the majority of scientists use similar equipment for analysis, testing, and experimentation every day. The less exciting apparatus that scientists use are devices used for measuring, storing and holding substances. Items such as beakers, test tubes, thermometers, droppers, pipettes, tripods, beakers, tongs and funnels are the routine objects used to assist scientists in their experiments. Many of them are not so different from utensils and containers found in the home. However, there are also extremely complex and specialist pieces of equipment that require months and years of training to master. A summary of examples is below, to give you an idea of the kinds of equipment scientists work with.
A common device found in all laboratories is the microscope. Scientists usually use various types of electron microscope to view microscopic organisms and other matter invisible to the naked eye. They may examine blood, viruses, bacteria, plants, cells/tissue, hairs, microscopic creatures and other things under an electron microscope. They may also use a comparison microscope to view two different things side by side to compare their structure.
Another popular instrument used in the lab is the, perhaps less widely known, spectrometer. This device measures the properties of light and its various wavelengths and is usually used in certain branches of chemistry and physics.
The centrifuge is also used in many laboratories, and is a piece of machinery capable of separating substances of varying density. A simple example of this is the separation of fat from milk using a centrifuge. This is how low-fat and skim milk is produced. However the centrifuge is also used for separation of biological and chemical substances.
Scientists may also use a machine called a chromatograph, which separates different molecules within a mixture, in order to be able to more easily identify its components. There are many different reasons why scientists may use a chromatograph as they can be used to separate and measure many different substances.
Other than these special machines, scientists also use advanced computer programs to monitor and record results, and may need to access records to secure information. Many other high-tech tools and equipment are used in addition to the aforementioned, and an entire list would warrant writing a whole book. But as you can see, scientists really do use some impressive machinery, and one can certainly see why it takes years of university study to become a scientist.
Posted By: Jon Richards
Web: http://www.bristoljobs.co.uk
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