Transcript Using a Graduated Cylinder

Using a Graduated Cylinder
By Mr. Krall
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.