The Measure on Graduated Cylinders

Graduated cylinders are laboratory glassware used to measure liquids and chemicals for use in reactions. These are generally more accurate and precise in measuring than flasks or beakers.

Graduated cylinders, up to the largest ones, are made out of polyethylene (or any other hard plastic). This material is what makes graduated cylinders lighter and less fragile than glass. However, it also makes them more difficult to sterilize.

The top of graduated cylinders has a small curled lip that allow for easy pouring of the liquids. Its bottom is made with a wide base that prevents it from easily tipping off. Graduated cylinders come in a variety of range and sizes. Graduated cylinders can handle liquid volumes from a few milliliters to liters. Markings calibrated in millimeters or inches show the volume of liquid in the cylinder.

In reading the quantity of liquid collected, the cylinder should be placed on a flat surface. You should look for the level plane either at the top or bottom of the meniscus for precise reading. Remember that there are liquids read from the bottom of the meniscus, such as water, and liquids read from the top, such as mercury. Read the marks along the cylinder using one eye while keeping the other eye closed. Do this to reduce any errors.

Another type of graduated cylinder is the burette. This is also used for precisely measuring liquid and chemical volumes, with a valve at the bottom where liquid is sucked through with a stopcock used for closing it. It is usually used to dispense exact amounts of liquids in experiments where precision is necessary, such as titration.

When reading a burette, the eyes must level with the graduation markings to avoid any measurement errors. The lower meniscus of the liquid should touch the top of the marking you wish to measure the liquid as. The common rule is to add 0.02 milliliters to the volume measurement if the lower meniscus is touching the bottom of the line.