What type of laboratory equipment is used to heat the sulfuric acid?

The use of a Bunsen burner is a common method for heating substances in a laboratory setting, including sulfuric acid. Bunsen burners provide a direct flame that can reach high temperatures quickly, making them suitable for processes requiring rapid heating. They allow precise control over the flame size, which is important when working with hazardous materials like sulfuric acid, as it ensures that the acid can be heated to the desired temperature without excessive risk.

While hot plates can also be used to heat substances, they operate by transferring heat through a flat surface and may not reach the high temperatures as quickly as a flame from a Bunsen burner. Mantle heaters are typically used in more specialized applications such as round-bottom flasks and can provide uniform heating, but they might not be the first choice for heating acids directly. Microwaves are generally not used for heating sulfuric acid in a laboratory setting because microwaving can lead to uneven heating and pose safety hazards due to the reactive nature of sulfuric acid when heated.

Thus, the Bunsen burner is the preferred choice for heating sulfuric acid due to its versatility, efficiency, and the control it provides over high temperatures.