Why is a graduated cylinder more accurate than a beaker?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for a comparison between a graduated cylinder and a beaker in terms of measurement accuracy. It seeks to understand the reasons why graduated cylinders are considered more accurate than beakers in a laboratory setting.
Answer
A graduated cylinder has more graduation marks and a thinner shape, allowing for more accurate liquid measurements with a smaller error margin.
A graduated cylinder is more accurate than a beaker because it is designed to measure liquids with a much smaller error, typically within 0.5-1%. It has more graduation marks and its thinner shape allows for more precise volume readings.
Answer for screen readers
A graduated cylinder is more accurate than a beaker because it is designed to measure liquids with a much smaller error, typically within 0.5-1%. It has more graduation marks and its thinner shape allows for more precise volume readings.
More Information
Graduated cylinders are typically used to measure liquids in laboratory settings where precise volume measurements are crucial whereas beakers are mainly used for mixing and holding liquids.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming that larger increment marks on beakers can provide precise measurements, which can lead to inaccuracies.
Sources
- Beakers vs. Graduated Cylinders- The Pros and Cons of Common Lab Glassware - labproinc.com
- Why is using a graduated cylinder more accurate than using a beaker? - socratic.org
- Difference Between Beaker and Graduated Cylinder - Tutorialspoint - tutorialspoint.com
