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graduated cylinder

Definition

A graduated cylinder is a piece of laboratory glassware that is used to measure the volume of liquids. It is a tall, cylindrical tube with a graduated scale on the side. The scale is marked in millilitres (mL) or cubic centimetres (cm³).

Graduated cylinders are made of glass or plastic. They are available in a variety of sizes, from small to large. The size of the graduated cylinder that you need will depend on the volume of liquid that you need to measure.

To use a graduated cylinder, you first need to rinse it with the liquid that you are going to measure. Then, you fill the cylinder to the desired volume. The volume is read from the graduated scale on the side of the cylinder.

Graduated cylinders are a very important piece of laboratory equipment. They are easy to use and they are very accurate. They are used in a variety of science experiments, including chemistry, biology, and physics.

How can the word be used?

The graduated cylinder was made of glass.

graduated cylinder

Different forms of the word

Noun: graduated cylinder.

Adjective: graduated.

Verb: to graduate.

Synonym: measuring cylinder.

Etymology

The word "graduated cylinder" comes from the Latin word "gradus", which means "step" or "degree". The word was first used in English in the 18th century to refer to a container with markings on it that indicate the volume of liquid it contains.

Question

When might you use a graduated cylinder?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

What is a graduated cylinder and how is it used in science?

Answer:

A graduated cylinder is a piece of laboratory equipment used to measure the volume of liquids. It is a transparent cylinder with a calibrated scale on the side. The scale is marked with millilitres (mL) or cubic centimetres (cm³).

Graduated cylinders are used in a variety of scientific experiments, including:

  • Preparing solutions.
  • Measuring the volume of liquids.
  • Determining the density of liquids.
  • Conducting titrations.

To use a graduated cylinder, first rinse it with the liquid you will be measuring. Then, fill the cylinder with the liquid until the meniscus (the curved surface of the liquid) is at the desired level. The volume of the liquid is read from the scale on the side of the cylinder.

Here are some additional points that could be included in the answer:

  • Graduated cylinders come in a variety of sizes, from small ones that hold a few millilitres to large ones that hold several litres.
  • Graduated cylinders are made from a variety of materials, including glass, plastic, and metal.
  • Graduated cylinders should be cleaned and dried after each use.
  • Graduated cylinders should not be used to measure hot liquids.