After drying, filter papers and crucibles should be stored in a __________ to prevent moisture uptake from the atmosphere.

After drying, filter papers and crucibles should be stored in a __________ to prevent moisture uptake from the atmosphere.

• A. Desiccator
• B. Refrigerator
• C. Dry cabinet
• D. Vacuum chamber

Answer: (A)

Keeping dried labware in a desiccator prevents moisture from the air being reabsorbed by hygroscopic papers and crucibles. A desiccator is a sealed, airtight container that holds a desiccant like silica gel or calcium chloride. The desiccant actively absorbs water from the air inside, creating a dry environment so the items don’t rehydrate after drying. This is the standard way to maintain low humidity for items that are sensitive to moisture before weighing or further processing. A refrigerator isn’t ideal because condensation can form on surfaces and on the items when you remove them, risking moisture uptake. A dry cabinet can provide a dry environment but is typically used for longer-term storage and may not always maintain as low a humidity as a desiccator. A vacuum chamber removes air but isn’t convenient for routine, quick storage between steps and moisture can re-enter once the chamber is opened. So the desiccator offers a simple, effective moisture-free storage for dried papers and crucibles.

Keeping dried labware in a desiccator prevents moisture from the air being reabsorbed by hygroscopic papers and crucibles. A desiccator is a sealed, airtight container that holds a desiccant like silica gel or calcium chloride. The desiccant actively absorbs water from the air inside, creating a dry environment so the items don’t rehydrate after drying. This is the standard way to maintain low humidity for items that are sensitive to moisture before weighing or further processing.

A refrigerator isn’t ideal because condensation can form on surfaces and on the items when you remove them, risking moisture uptake. A dry cabinet can provide a dry environment but is typically used for longer-term storage and may not always maintain as low a humidity as a desiccator. A vacuum chamber removes air but isn’t convenient for routine, quick storage between steps and moisture can re-enter once the chamber is opened. So the desiccator offers a simple, effective moisture-free storage for dried papers and crucibles.