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Difference Between Beaker and Graduated Cylinder
Beakers and graduated cylinders are two of the most common laboratory glassware used for measuring volumes of liquids. Both have a similar cylindrical shape and are made of glass, but they differ in their design, function, accuracy, and precision. In this essay, we will discuss the differences between beakers and graduated cylinders in detail.
What is a Beaker?
This is a cylindrical container with a small pouring lip that is used for transporting and mixing solutions. They can be made with glass, metal, and even certain plastics. They are graduated to assist in obtaining an exact measurement of a solution. Although beakers do not have a lid, they can be covered with a watch glass or a larger beaker when need be. They are available in a wide range of sizes from as small as one milliliter to a few liters.
What is a Graduated Cylinder?
Also referred to as measuring or mixing cylinder, a graduated cylinder is a piece of laboratory equipment used to measure the volume of liquids. It is narrow in shape, with a spout for easy pouring of the solutions. It is also marked to show the level of liquids. Graduated cylinders are made with polymethylpentene or polypropylene.
While polymethylpentene is mainly used for its transparency, less fragility, and its lightweight, polypropylene may be used due to its high level of chemical resistance. In terms of measuring liquids, graduated cylinders are more accurate in comparison to other laboratory apparatus as they are marked with small and precise graduations.
Differences: Beaker and Graduated Cylinder
Design − Beakers are cylindrical-shaped containers with a flat bottom and a pouring spout on the rim. They have graduations marked on the sides for measuring approximate volumes, but the graduations are not very accurate. They come in a range of sizes, from small ones that hold just a few milliliters to larger ones that can hold several liters.
On the other hand, graduated cylinders are also cylindrical-shaped containers with a flat bottom and a pouring spout on the rim. However, the graduations on the side of graduated cylinders are more accurate and precise than those on beakers. The graduations on graduated cylinders are usually marked in milliliters (ml) or cubic centimeters (cc) and are easy to read. They also come in a range of sizes, from small ones that hold a few milliliters to larger ones that can hold several liters.
Function − Beakers are primarily used for mixing and heating liquids. They are ideal for holding and transferring large volumes of liquids, especially when pouring is required. Beakers are not very accurate for measuring volumes of liquids, but they are useful for rough measurements.
Graduated cylinders, on the other hand, are used for precise volume measurements. They are used when high accuracy is required in measuring volumes of liquids. Graduated cylinders are used to measure volumes of liquids that are not affected by the container's shape or size. They are also used to measure volumes of liquids for chemical reactions, titrations, and analytical procedures.
Accuracy and Precision − Beakers are not very accurate for measuring volumes of liquids. The graduations on beakers are approximate and are not suitable for precise measurements. Beakers are not recommended for measuring exact volumes of liquids, as their measurements may vary from the actual volume.
Graduated cylinders, on the other hand, are more accurate and precise for measuring volumes of liquids. The graduations on graduated cylinders are more precise, making them ideal for precise measurements. They are also designed to provide consistent and accurate results, making them essential for analytical procedures.
Characteristics |
Beaker |
Graduated Cylinder |
|---|---|---|
Definition |
A beaker is a cylindrical container with a small pouring lip that is used for transporting and mixing solutions. |
A graduated cylinder is laboratory equipment used to measure the volume of liquids. |
Shape |
A beaker is wide and has a small pouring lip. |
A graduated cylinder is narrow in shape, with a spout for easy pouring of the solutions. |
Use |
A beaker is used for transporting and mixing solutions. |
A graduated cylinder is used to measure the volume of liquids. |
Materials used |
Beakers are mainly made using glass. |
Graduated cylinders are made with polymethylpentene or polypropylene. |
Conclusion
In summary, beakers and graduated cylinders are two types of laboratory glassware used for measuring volumes of liquids. While they have similar designs, they differ in their function, accuracy, and precision.
Beakers are primarily used for mixing and heating liquids and are not very accurate for measuring volumes of liquids. Graduated cylinders, on the other hand, are used for precise volume measurements and are more accurate and precise than beakers.
Understanding the differences between beakers and graduated cylinders is essential for accurate and reliable laboratory measurements.
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