When it comes to the majority of science laboratories, measuring volumes is always a must. In the field of quantitative chemistry, using volumetric glassware is always necessary. Volume measurements in the field of science can only be accurate if it should only have an error percentage of 0.1{04849f042c7cb443b7662682bd07cdfba2107aae915afd40cfa4fe5ab1f7731b} error. With this stringent requirement, the use of glassware that can deliver or contain a volume of about 0.01 ml is a must. With such a requirement in check, you can very much get quantities over 10 ml to four figures.
Many factors come into play if you are interested in ensuring the precision and accuracy of your experiments involving liquids. If you want to get this level of precision and accuracy in the liquids you are measuring, you need to use quality volumetric glassware. Moreover, you need to exercise some level of skill and care in measuring liquids to get the best results. When it comes to using volumetric glassware, there are four common types. These include volumetric flasks, graduated cylinders, the pipet, and the buret. In terms of uses, what each glassware offers differs. And yet, even if these instruments are different, they present common features and requirements. Two such points cover the process of accurately reading volumes and cleanliness between instruments.
If you are going to use these instruments to get accurate readings, you have to consider cleanliness. Only with chemically clean glassware will you not find any visible droplets hanging from each instrument. You get a uniform film of water too when you have clean glassware. If you want to ensure that you meet the standards of cleanliness for your glassware, there are a few things that you can do. The use of deionized water to rinse your glassware is a must after you use them each time. You can still wash your glassware well before using them if you are still suspicious of their cleanliness. For some kinds of glassware, you may need to condition the apparatus first. For instance, you have to rinse the glassware with small portions of the solution that you will be measuring before carrying out with the main work. This process helps prevent the possibility of water droplets to dilute the solution that needs to be measured and change its concentration.
The use of markings helps calibrate all volumetric glassware one must use to measure liquids. These markings help identify the volume of liquid you need to measure with more accuracy. For the most accurate readings of volume inside this glassware, you have to check at which level you see the meniscus, or the bottom aspect of the curved surface of the liquid that you have. For more visible meniscus, make sure to put a white card or paper behind your apparatus. You have to make volume readings at eye level so that you will get accurate measurements.