tnx
2007-09-12 16:18:20 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
the water helps form a tighter seal between the glass and the stopper.
2007-09-12 16:23:12 · answer #1 · answered by kiki 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The water fills all the microscopic irregularities in the gap between the rubber and the glass, making a seal where one otherwise wouldn't exist. It also acts as a lubricant, letting glass slide past rubber and into place.
It is EXTREMELY difficult to insert a glass tube into a rubber stopper if they are both dry. The force you would need could break the glass, leading to serious injury.
2007-09-12 23:29:38 · answer #2 · answered by skeptik 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The answer is that H2O helps lubricate the glass before it is inserted into the stopper. If it is not lubricated then you run the risk of breaking the tubing and injuring yourself. I have seen this happen several times while teaching a lab class
2007-09-12 23:27:05 · answer #3 · answered by drochem 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The water will act like lubricant. A better lubricant though to prevent the *** tubing from breaking though is glycerin.
2007-09-12 23:29:17 · answer #4 · answered by superfrog1919 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The water acts as a lubricant, and makes it less likely that you will break the tubing.
2007-09-12 23:25:50 · answer #5 · answered by richg74 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Lubrication.
Try it dry, and you might have to
push so hard that the glass will
break in your hands. (ouch).
2007-09-13 00:07:46 · answer #6 · answered by Irv S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋