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Why did Louis Pasteur use both a straight-neck and a swan-neck flask rather than

ID: 273435 • Letter: W

Question

Why did Louis Pasteur use both a straight-neck and a swan-neck flask rather than an open flask and a closed flask?

The swan-neck flask allowed the broth to be kept at a warmer temperature than a closed flask. Both flasks had to be open to the air to permit the atmosphere inside the containers to match the outside environment. Using a closed container introduces new variables. The closed flask would cause an increase in oxygen levels. He could have done the experiment either way; this just happened to be the method he chose.

Explanation / Answer

Louis Pasteur use both a straight-neck and a swan-neck flask rather than an open flask and a closed flask, because of the shape of the flask, the infusion was exposed to air. Pasteur's design was unique in that it allowed air to pass into the flask but the curved neck trapped any airborne microorganisms from reaching the broth. Because they were trapped in the curve of the flask.

Correct option: B. Both flasks had to be open to the air to permit the atmosphere inside the containers to match the outside environment. Using a closed container introduces new variables.

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