Magnetic stirrer

An electric device which contain a rotating magnet, the speed of rotation of which is adjustable.

A beaker or flask is placed on top with a magnetic follower (or flea) in it. This is magnetic and follows the rotation of the internal magnet. This stirs the contents of the flask or beaker - it's a lot easier than stirring the contents by hand. Some students, usually male, think the stirrer only works at full speed! Choose a sensible speed that does not send the contents flying if it becomes unstable.

Magnetic stirrers often have a built-in hotplate as well - a hot plate stirrer.

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