demonstrations:using_a_measuring_cylinder
Using a Measuring Cylinder
Materials: ★★☆ Available in most school laboratories or specialist stores
Difficulty: ★☆☆ Can be easily done by most teenagers
Safety: ★☆☆ Minimal safety procedures required
Categories: Lab Skills and Safety, Measurement and Units
Alternative titles: Measuring Liquids Accurately
Summary
This demonstration shows how to correctly measure the volume of a liquid using a measuring cylinder, a common piece of laboratory equipment.
Procedure
- Place the measuring cylinder on a flat, stable surface.
- Pour the liquid slowly into the cylinder without splashing.
- Bend down so your eyes are level with the surface of the liquid.
- Read the measurement at the bottom of the meniscus (the curved surface of the liquid).
- Record the volume using the correct units (milliliters or cubic centimeters).
Links
Using a measuring cylinder - David Read:
Measuring Volume Using a Graduated Cylinder - Wisc-Online:
📄 How to Read a Meniscus When Using Graduated Cylinders - westlab: https://www.westlab.com/blog/how-to-read-a-meniscus-when-using-graduated-cylinders
Variations
- Try measuring different amounts of liquid to practice accuracy.
- Compare measurements from different-sized cylinders.
Safety Precautions
- Handle glass cylinders carefully to avoid breakage.
- Clean and dry the cylinder after use to prevent contamination.
- Avoid overfilling to prevent spills.
Questions to Consider
- Why must you read the measurement at eye level? (To avoid parallax error and ensure accuracy.)
- What is the meniscus, and why do we read from the bottom of it? (It is the curved surface of the liquid caused by surface tension; reading from the bottom gives a consistent and correct measurement.)
- Why are measuring cylinders more accurate than beakers or flasks? (Because they are marked with finer volume graduations.)