What Is A Magnetic Stirrer Used For In The Laboratory?

Introduction

A magnetic stirrer is a laboratory device used to stir solutions or mixtures in closed containers without direct contact with the stirrer itself. It consists of a magnet bar and an electric motor. The motor turns the magnet rod through the magnetic field, causing the magnet rod to stir the solution in the container. Magnetic stirrers are commonly used in chemical, biological, and medical experiments that require continuous stirring, constant temperature, and protection of samples from external contamination.

How does a magnetic stirrer work?

The testing principle of the magnetic stirrer is based on the principle of magnetic induction. Specifically, a magnetic stirrer consists of two parts: a magnet bar and a motor. The magnet rod is made of permanent magnetic material, which generates a strong magnetic field that penetrates the container and sample and acts on the magnetic liquid or magnetic particles inside the container. The motor causes the liquid or particles in the container to stir by rotating the magnet rod.

In the experiment, the solution or mixture that needs to be stirred is placed in the container of the magnetic stirrer, and then the magnet rod of the magnetic stirrer is placed outside the container. By controlling the speed of the motor, the rotation speed of the magnet rod and the intensity of the stirring motion can be controlled. During the experiment, the physical and chemical properties of the sample can be tested and observed to determine the experimental results.

In general, the testing principle of the magnetic stirrer is to achieve stirring and mixing of the sample through the interaction between the magnet rod and the motor, and to achieve various tests and observations of the experiment.

How to use a magnetic stirrer correctly?

Prepare the container: Use a suitable container and make sure the bottom of the container is flat and can be held by the magnet bar.

Add a solution or mixture: Add the solution or mixture that needs to be stirred to the container.

Place the magnet bar: Place the magnet bar outside the container, ensuring that the magnet bar is at an appropriate distance from the bottom of the container and does not come into direct contact with the bottom of the container.

Turn on the magnetic stirrer: Turn on the power of the magnetic stirrer and adjust the motor speed to achieve the required stirring intensity.

Monitoring experiments: During the experiment, monitor the status of the solution or mixture at all times and adjust the rotation speed of the magnetic stirrer as needed.

Things to note when using a magnetic stirrer

Make sure the surface of the container and magnet bar are clean and free of impurities or stains. This prevents contaminating samples and affecting experimental results.

Avoid spilling liquid or mixture from container. In the event of intense stirring, liquid or mixture may splash out of the container.

When working with high temperature or toxic samples, be sure to use specialized magnetic stirrers and containers and pay attention to safe operation.

At the end of the experiment, the magnetic stirrer must be switched off and the magnet rod removed. Also, clean the container and magnet rod to prevent contamination for the next experiment.