Why should clear plastic beakers be used instead of glass beakers for jar tests?

The best choice is related to the thermal properties of materials used in the jar tests. Clear plastic beakers tend to have better insulating properties than glass, which can allow for a more stable temperature environment during the testing process. Fluctuations in temperature can influence the outcomes of jar tests, particularly regarding the behavior of the water being tested and the reactions occurring within it. By minimizing temperature changes, the results can be more reliable and consistent.

Using clear plastic beakers also complements visual clarity throughout the testing process, as they allow for easy observation of the sample and any settling or reactions without the potential for interference from the properties of glass. Other considerations, such as the risk of breakage with glass, the economic factors, or variations in turbidity readings due to surface interactions, while practical, are secondary compared to the direct influence of temperature stability on test accuracy.