What is the primary use of a beaker in the laboratory?

The primary use of a beaker in the laboratory is to prepare solutions. Beakers are versatile containers that are typically made of glass or plastic and are designed with a spout to facilitate pouring. Their wide mouth allows for easy mixing and stirring of various substances, making them ideal for preparing solutions. While beakers can indeed be used for some measurements of volume, they are not precision instruments like pipettes or graduated cylinders, which are specifically designed for accurate measurements.

In addition to preparing solutions, beakers can also be used for holding or mixing samples, but their main function revolves around solution preparation where liquids are combined and the desired concentration is achieved. The structure and design of beakers make them ideal for tasks that require visual observation of the contents and straightforward handling during processes that involve stirring or heating.