What characterizes a liquid in laboratory terms?

A liquid, in the context of laboratory terminology, is characterized by its ability to flow and take the shape of its container, which is primarily defined by its boiling point. When a substance has a boiling point of 68°F or higher, it will exist in a liquid state at temperatures below this threshold. This is particularly important for laboratory applications, as many experiments require substances to maintain a liquid state for proper mixing, reactions, or processes.

By focusing on the boiling point as a defining characteristic, laboratories can accurately assess the behavior of various substances under different temperature conditions. Liquids typically transition to gases when the temperature exceeds their boiling point, thus understanding this parameter is critical for safely handling flammable gases and liquids in research settings.