equipment

In chemistry you will encounter many different pieces of equipment. Below are some techniques for making measurements using our laboratory equipment.

Remember, the more tick marks the more precise your measurement can be!

Proper use of a graduated cylinder.

A graduated cylinder can measure volumes of liquids to 1/10^th of the smallest volume marked on the cylinder with reasonable accuracy. For example a typical 10 mL graduated cylinder with labeled lines every 1 mL and unlabeled lines every 1/10^th mL could measure to 1/100^th of a milliliter. A measurement with a graduated cylinder is always taken at eye level, reading the center of the meniscus (the curved surface of the liquid). The graduated cylinder should be resting on a horizontal surface. Sample readings are below:

B. Proper Use of a Transfer Pipette.

A transfer pipette is an easy and quick way of moving liquids from one location to another. Similar in function to an eye dropper, many pipettes are disposable plastic while others are re-useable glass pipettes that have a separate small bulb for producing suction. Always squeeze the pipette prior to inserting it into a liquid (no bubbles please!) and any excess liquid left in the pipette should be disposed of, NEVER RETURNED TO THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER. When dispensing liquids never let the tip of the pipette touch the liquid in the container although it may touch the sides of the container.

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