Using a Graduated Cylinder Uses: 1.To measure the volume of liquids very accurately 2. To find the volume of solid objects that do not have regular dimensions. This process is called water displacement.

General rules of use: 1. Determine the size of the cylinder 2. Determine the increments of the graduations (1 mL. 2mL. 1/2mL.) SEE NEXT SLIDE 3. Make sure cylinder is clean and dry as possible (every drop counts) 4. Hold base when pouring liquid into cylinder 5. Use the pipette when needing to add or remove very small amounts of liquid 6. Always read the meniscus carefully for accurate measurement. Get a 2 nd opinion if available. (i.e. lab partner)

How to determine graduation amounts on the graduated cylinder. All measurements are in milliliters (mL) Subtract one number on cylinder from the number just above it Count the number of spaces in between the two numbers Divide the subtracted number by the number of spaces The answer is how much each graduation line is worth Do not estimate unless told to do so. Pick a whole number amount.

Reading the Meniscus for Accurate Measurement Liquids will tend to cling to the sides of the cylinder creating a curved surface at the top of the liquid. The lower part of the curve is called the meniscus. This is the measurement point.

Reading the meniscus (Make sure you are eye level with the meniscus) Eye level

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