Laboratory flasks. Assorted items of laboratory glassware. At centre left is a round bottom flask containing red liquid, being held in a clamp. At lower right is a volumetric flask containing blue liquid. To the right of this is a conical flask. Volumetric flasks are used for measuring out a precise volume of a liquid. Conical flasks are usually used for mixing chemicals, and round bottom flasks are used for carrying out reactions.