What is the purpose of a trivet in a school laboratory?

The correct purpose of a trivet in a school laboratory is to protect surfaces from heat. A trivet is typically made of a heat-resistant material and is designed to provide a stable surface for hot items, such as beakers or test tubes that have been heated, to rest on without damaging the underlying surface. This is particularly important in a laboratory environment to ensure the safety and longevity of the work surfaces, as well as to prevent accidents caused by hot equipment making contact with flammable or heat-sensitive materials.

While it is true that trivets can support cookware and may be beneficial in that context, their primary function in a laboratory setting revolves around thermal protection. The other choices may describe different uses of instruments or tools but do not accurately convey the specific role of a trivet within the context of a lab environment.