What is a common use for a thermometer in the laboratory?

A thermometer is commonly used in the laboratory to measure temperature, which is essential for numerous experiments and processes. Accurate temperature readings are crucial because they can influence the rate of chemical reactions, the stability of samples, and the overall outcome of experiments. For instance, many biochemical reactions have optimal temperature ranges; deviations can lead to suboptimal results or even failures. Additionally, temperature affects the solubility of substances, the viscosity of liquids, and the conditions of material storage. Thus, precise temperature measurement ensures that experiments can be replicated and validated, contributing to reliability in scientific research.

The other options, while relevant to various laboratory practices, do not accurately describe the primary function of a thermometer. Analyzing chemical reactions involves observing various factors beyond temperature alone, dispensing liquid accurately relates more to pipettes or dispensers, and stabilizing chemical solutions typically involves other methods and instruments for maintaining desired conditions.