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What should be done in case of a fire in a beaker or flask?
Use a fire extinguisher immediately
Pour water onto the fire
Place a watch glass or wet towel over it
Evacuate the area immediately
The correct answer is: Place a watch glass or wet towel over it
When dealing with a fire in a beaker or flask, the most effective response is to place a watch glass or a wet towel over it. This action can smother the flames by cutting off the oxygen supply, which is essential for combustion. Covering the fire helps to contain it and prevents it from spreading, making it a safe and practical first response in a laboratory environment. Using a fire extinguisher might be suitable for larger fires or different contexts, but with small fires in containers, this option is not always necessary and can sometimes lead to a scattering of flammable materials. Pouring water onto the fire is generally not recommended, especially for chemical fires, as this could exacerbate the situation depending on the substances involved. Evacuating the area is a vital safety measure but should be a secondary action if the fire cannot be controlled quickly and safely.