Can glassware be heated before it has completely dried?

* Thermal Shock: Water expands when heated, and if trapped inside the glassware, it can create a sudden, intense pressure change. This can cause the glass to crack or shatter.

* Uneven Heating: Water can act as a heat sink, preventing the glass from heating evenly. This can lead to stress points and breakage.

* Contamination: Water can leave behind residues that can interfere with your experiment or analysis, potentially affecting the results.

Always ensure your glassware is completely dry before heating it. This includes:

* Thoroughly rinsing with distilled water.

* Air drying or drying in an oven at a low temperature.

* Using a drying rack or a heat gun to speed up the drying process.

If you're unsure whether your glassware is completely dry, it's always better to err on the side of caution and dry it further.