How can you measure the volume of liquid? Chapter 2.4

INTRODUCTION What is the unit of volume in the metric system? Answer: liter (L) The liter is too large a unit to use in the lab so scientists often use the milliliter. 1mL = 1cm3 To measure the volume of a liquid, you can use a graduated cylinder.

Different graduated cylinders

Measuring with a graduated cylinder To measure the volume of a liquid, follow this procedure: Pour liquid into the graduated cylinder Make sure your eye is at the same level as the top of the liquid Read the volume from the scale that is on outside of the cylinder. The top of the liquid is curved and is called a meniscus.

Reading a scale Cylinders can be different. Some cylinders hold up to 20mL. Some cylinders hold up to 40mL. Depending on a type of cylinders, you have to read differently. You have to check how many spaces are between two long lines and then figure out how much mL each space holds. You will practice reading liquids in different graduated cylinders in the lab.

Check-self page 39 Read the volume of liquid in each cylinder. Write the volume on a sheet of paper. Draw these three cylinders on your paper. Shade each one to show these volumes. a. 26mL b. 13mL c. 8mL