Why is glass used in laboratories despite being an insulator?
Glass is a common material used in laboratories for a variety of purposes, despite being an insulator. Let's delve into the reasons why glass is the material of choice in laboratory settings.

Chemical Inertness:
- Glass is chemically inert, meaning it does not react with most chemicals. This property makes it ideal for storing and containing various chemicals without the risk of contamination.
- Glassware such as beakers, test tubes, and flasks made from borosilicate glass are resistant to thermal shock and can withstand high temperatures, making them suitable for a wide range of experiments.

Transparency:
- Glass is transparent, allowing researchers to observe reactions and processes without compromising the integrity of the experiment.
- This transparency is essential for tasks such as titrations, where precise measurements and color changes need to be accurately observed.

Ease of Cleaning:
- Glassware is relatively easy to clean and sterilize, ensuring that experiments are not compromised by contamination.
- The smooth surface of glass makes it easy to remove residues and impurities, maintaining the purity of the experiments.

Durability:
- While glass is fragile and can break under certain conditions, high-quality laboratory glassware is designed to be durable and long-lasting.
- With proper handling and care, glassware can be reused multiple times, making it a cost-effective choice for laboratories.
In conclusion, despite being an insulator, glass is preferred in laboratories for its chemical inertness, transparency, ease of cleaning, and durability. These properties make it an indispensable material for conducting a wide range of experiments and research activities.