1. Using a Graduated Cylinder By Mr. Krall

2. What is a graduated cylinder? A graduated cylinder is a tool used to measure the volume of substances. A graduated cylinder allows you to know how much space a substance takes up. A graduated cylinder measures volume just like a teaspoon or measuring cup. a graduated cylinder

3. What is a graduated cylinder? (cont.) Graduated cylinders come in different shapes and sizes. Graduated cylinders are made of different materials. Glass graduated cylinders have a ring around the top so that if they tip over they won’t shatter.

4. Using a Graduated Cylinder To use a graduated cylinder correctly follow these 4 guidelines: 1. Set it on a flat, level surface. 2. Read at eye level. 3. Understand the scale. 4. Read at the bottom of the meniscus.

5. Set on a Flat, Level Surface If the graduated cylinder is not on a flat surface, your measurement may be wrong. DO set it on a table. DON’T hold it up in the air.

6. Read at Eye Level Your eye should be even with the top of the substance you are trying to measure. You should not be looking up at or down at the top of the substance you are measuring.

7. Understand the Scale The scale on a graduated cylinder is how much each mark between the whole numbers is worth. Different graduated cylinders have different scales. Each mark might be 0.1ml, 1ml, 2ml, 5ml, 10ml, etc. Figure out the scale before you make a measurement. The scale on this cylinder makes each mark 0.5ml

8. Read at Bottom of Meniscus When you are ready to measure look at the bottom of the meniscus. The meniscus is the dip in the top of the liquid. The meniscus looks like a contact lens floating on the top of the water. You want to read at the lowest point of the meniscus.