Graduated cylinders are laboratory glassware that is used to measure and dispense volumes of liquids with a high degree of accuracy. They have a narrow cylindrical shape and a round base with a spout for easy pouring.
Graduated cylinders are commonly used in chemistry, biology, and other scientific fields for precise measurements of liquid volumes. They come in various sizes, ranging from small 10 mL cylinders to larger 5000 mL cylinders. The volume of liquid in a graduated cylinder is read by looking at the level of the liquid at the bottom of the meniscus, which is the curved surface of the liquid in the cylinder. To achieve the most accurate reading, it is important to read the volume at eye level and to avoid parallax errors.
Graduated cylinders are typically made of borosilicate glass or plastic, with borosilicate glass being the preferred material due to its superior resistance to temperature changes and chemical corrosion. They are also designed to be easy to clean and maintain.
Overall, graduated cylinders are an essential tool for any laboratory that requires precise volume measurements of liquids.