What is a graduated cylinder used for in chemistry?

A graduated cylinder is a common piece of laboratory equipment used for measuring the volume of liquids. It is a long, narrow, cylindrical container with a spout on top and markings along the side that indicate different volume measurements, usually in milliliters or cubic centimeters.

Graduated cylinders are typically made of glass or plastic and come in various sizes, ranging from small ones used for precise measurements to larger ones used for more general measurements. They are often used in titrations, mixing solutions, and measuring the volume of liquids before and after a chemical reaction.

To use a graduated cylinder, the liquid is poured into the cylinder and the measurement is taken by reading the meniscus, which is the curved surface of the liquid caused by surface tension. The volume is read at the bottom of the meniscus to ensure an accurate measurement.

Overall, graduated cylinders are an essential tool in the field of chemistry for accurately measuring liquid volumes and conducting various experiments and analyses.