Measuring+with+a+Graduated+Cylinder

Measuring Volume

=MEASURING VOLUME=

Use words, pictures and/or video to demonstrate proper measurement techniques with a graduated cylinder, beaker, or flask.

Mrs. Wilson will get the graduated cylinder(s) out for you.

As you can see, there are two different graduated cylinders. The smaller one goes from 0 to 10 milliliters, whereas the larger one goes from 0 to 10 milliliters. Graduated cylinders are used for measuring the amount of a liquid, and it measures volume. The measurement accuracy of a graduated cylinder is very poor, and may be as far as 10 percent off. It is not generally used for analytical solutions. To use a graduated cylinder, you must first pour the amount of liquid into the glass.



Next, we need to consider how to read the graduated cylinder.

When liquid is placed into a glass container, a meniscus is formed--a curved surface that is lower in the middle than at the edges. In order to read the graduated cylinder correctly, you must place it on a stable surface, and level your eye with the bottom of the meniscus.



Look across from the bottom of the meniscus to the line which is closest to determine the amount of milliliters. Then you have your measurement. In the pictures above, the bottom of the meniscus is lined up at 81 milliliters on the graduated cylinder.

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