Crux Education · Science
Bunsen BurnerFollow the ten steps in order. Tap a step to see what the burner should look like, or use the Next button.
Turning the collar changes how much air mixes with the gas. More air means a hotter, cleaner, harder-to-see flame.
Easy to see and the coolest flame. Use it whenever the burner is lit but you are not heating. It leaves black soot on glassware, so don't heat with it.
Hotter and quiet. Good for gentle heating, such as warming a liquid in a test tube.
The hottest flame, around 1500 °C. It makes a roaring sound and is hard to see. The hottest point is just above the tip of the pale inner cone (circled).
Turn the gas tap off straight away. Tell your teacher. Wait a minute, then start again from step 4.
This is called striking back. You may hear a roar and see a flame at the bottom. Turn off the gas, do not touch the barrel, and tell your teacher.
Turn off the gas tap. Do not light anything. Tell your teacher straight away.
Tell your teacher. Cool the burn under cold running water for 20 minutes.