Flasks and beakers are both common laboratory glassware, but they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics.
A beaker is typically a cylindrical container with a flat bottom and a spout for pouring. It is designed for mixing, stirring, and heating liquids, and it usually has graduated markings on the side to measure volume. The open-top design allows for easy access and mixing of contents, making it ideal for tasks like preparing solutions or conducting simple reactions.
On the other hand, a flask, especially a Erlenmeyer flask, has a conical shape with a narrow neck. This design allows for better mixing of contents through swirling without the risk of spilling, which is particularly useful in reactions that might produce gas or foaming. Flasks also tend to have the ability to be sealed with a stopper, which makes them suitable for reactions that need to be closed off from the environment.
In summary, while both are used for holding and working with liquids in the lab, beakers are better suited for general mixing and measuring, while flasks are ideal for reactions that require more control and reduced evaporation.