Which laboratory equipment is commonly used to hold and evaporate liquids?

The evaporating dish is specifically designed for holding and evaporating liquids, making it the best choice for this purpose. Its shallow, wide shape allows for a greater surface area, which facilitates the evaporation process by enabling more liquid to be exposed to air. Typically made of porcelain, it can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for heating substances on a hot plate or through direct flame.

In contrast, while a beaker can hold liquids, it is not specifically designed for evaporation, as its deeper design limits the surface area available for evaporation. A centrifuge is used for separating substances based on density, such as separating blood components, and is not meant for holding and evaporating liquids. A pipette is a tool for measuring and transferring small volumes of liquid, rather than for the evaporation process itself. Therefore, the evaporating dish is the most appropriate equipment for the task at hand.