Laboratory apparatus and basic practical skills
Bunsen Burner Simulation
Practise the safe lighting sequence and investigate how the air hole changes the flame.
Safe lightingLuminous flameNon-luminous flameStrike-back prevention
Lighting procedure
Complete each action in the correct order. The simulation will stop unsafe actions.
Burner off — begin with a safety check
Select step 1 to begin.
Compare the flames
After lighting safely, change the air hole and observe the flame.
Luminous flameAir hole closed; yellow, irregular, quieter and cooler. Useful while not heating.
Non-luminous flameAir hole open; blue, regular, noisier and hotter. Normally used for heating.
Light the burner before adjusting the collar.
Strike-back warning
Never light a Bunsen burner with the air hole open. Gas may burn inside the chimney, producing a loud noise and making the burner dangerously hot. Turn off the gas and tell the teacher immediately if strike-back occurs.