Graduated cylinders measure liquid volume and density, with markings indicating volume measurements. They should be chemical, heat, and impact resistant, and read at the lowest point of the meniscus. Proper care and storage are important.
Graduated cylinders are scientific devices used for measuring the volume of liquids. In addition to being used to measure liquid volume, they can also be used in density measurements for certain types of objects, which can be lowered into a graduated cylinder filled with water or another fluid to see how much fluid is displaced by the object. Many scientific equipment manufacturers make graduated cylinders and they are readily available in scientific supply stores, through catalogs, and from online merchants that sell laboratory equipment.
The design of a graduated cylinder includes a flat base designed to keep the cylinder stable and a set of marks on the cylinder that indicate volume measurements. Some graduated cylinders provide measurements using several systems, while others provide measurements in only one. Many also have a ring near the cylinder neck that is designed to absorb impact if the cylinder is dropped so it doesn’t shatter.
There are a number of qualities that must be present in a graduated cylinder. Chemical resistance is important, to avoid fogging the cylinder or causing accidents with materials that can eat through a reactive material cylinder. Heat resistance can also be valuable, as people may want to be able to heat measuring cylinders or pour hot liquids into them. The possibility of being sterilized is also important, to avoid cross-contamination. Impact resistance can also be important in preventing accidents.
The graduated cylinder is designed as a measuring device. For other tasks in the laboratory, more suitable scientific equipment is available. To measure liquids in a graduated cylinder, people read the lowest point of the meniscus, the curved shape formed by the top of the fluid in the cylinder. It is important to place the cylinder on a flat surface to avoid accidentally moving the lowest point of the meniscus, and it may take some practice to get the reading right.
Like other scientific equipment, graduated cylinders work best when well taken care of. It is important to ensure they are properly cleaned after use and people should try to avoid dropping full or empty cylinders, even if they are unbreakable. They should also be stored in conditions where they will not be exposed to chemicals that could contaminate them, distort the measurements taken and potentially pose a safety risk.
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