A heated bath is used in the laboratory to allow a chemical reaction to occur at an elevated temperature. The heated bath is a fluid placed in an open (metal) pot. Water and oil are the most commonly used fluids. A water bath is used for temperatures up to 100 °C. An oil bath is employed for temperatures over 100 °C. The heated bath is heated on a hot plate. The reaction chamber (florence flask, erlenmeyer flask, beaker) is immersed in the heated bath. A thermometer is usually kept in the fluid to monitor the temperature. See also: sand bath
