A flask with a bulbous bottom is best suited for what type of work?

A flask with a bulbous bottom is particularly well-suited for heating and distillation due to its unique shape. The bulbous design allows for even heat distribution, which is essential for processes that require gentle or uniform heating. This is especially important in distillation, where precise temperature control is necessary to separate components based on their boiling points.

The shape also provides a sufficient surface area for liquid to boil, while the narrow neck of the flask helps to minimize the loss of vapor during the distillation process. This efficiency in heating and vapor collection is not as effectively achieved with flasks designed specifically for mixing or observation, making the bulbous flask the ideal choice for these types of applications.