LABORATORY # 2 DATE: __________________

Liquid volume measurement laboratory

TOPIC LIQUID VOLUME MEASUREMENT

OBJECTIVE Measure different volumes of liquids using volumetric material with precision and accuracy
VOCABULARY Volume, accuracy, precision, appreciation

STUDENTS NAMES GRADE: ___________________________

INTRODUCTION
Volume measurement is of essential importance in laboratories. First of all, the student has to clarify how accurate
the individual measurements are to be made. Then, on this basis, you can choose the type of device to use in the
specific measurement case. Exact measurements require exact measuring devices and correct handling. Exact
adjustment of the meniscus is necessary for exact volume measurement.

The term 'meniscus' is used to describe the curvature of the liquid surface. The meniscus takes a convex or concave
shape. The formation of the curvature results from the relationship of forces between adhesion and cohesion.

Volumetric instruments have markings etched into their surfaces that indicate volumes of liquids. To measure the
volume, the level of the liquid is compared to the graduation marks on the wall of the measuring instrument. This
level is read from the lowest part of the meniscus that forms in the liquid. Accurate readings are obtained by
placing the eye at the level of the meniscus. To make a correct reading of a volume it is necessary that the
observer's eyes are at the same height as the meniscus of the liquid. Otherwise the reading will be incorrect. See
image 2.

Image 2. Meniscus reading in volumetric glassware.

Taken from:
https://middleschoolscience.com/2015/08/27/reading-
a-graduated-cylinder-free-online-resources/
The capacity is the signal that defines the capacity or volume of a container. Gauging is the action of adding a
liquid or a volumetric utensil until its meniscus matches the gauging. In transparent liquids, the line or mark of
the capacity must be tangent to the meniscus in the lower part, in dark liquids the measurement is taken in the
upper part of the meniscus. When gauging, the operator's view must be perpendicular and at the same height as
the gauging to avoid parallax error.

To make measurements it is necessary to take into account the concepts of precision, accuracy and appreciation
of the measuring instrument.

• Appreciation: it is defined as the minimum directly observable division on the measurement scale of the
instrument. This value must be taken into account when writing the result of a measurement or calculation.
• Precision: it is the ability of an instrument to give the same result in different measurements made under the
same conditions or to how much two or more measurements of the same quantity agree.
• Accuracy: Indicates how close the measured or calculated value is to the actual or theoretical value and is
described in terms of absolute error or relative error.
• The accuracy and precision will depend on the nature of the measuring instrument and the skill with which
it has been used.

MATERIALS
• 250 ml Beaker • Graduated Pipette 5 and 10 ml
• 250 ml Erlenmeyer flask. • Volumetric pipettes
• 50 or 100 ml graduated cylinder • 50 ml volumetric flask

REAGENTS - WRITE IT’S CHEMICAL FORMULA FOR EACH REAGENT

• Water

PROCESS
PREVIOUSLY, ELABORATE A FLOW CHART OF THIS PROCESS IN YOUR NOTEBOOK.

Before carrying out each of the experiments, the materials must be completely clean, so they must be washed and
DRY perfectly so as not to alter the results.
For all experiences below:
• Make the measurements correctly taking into account the lower edge of the meniscus formed by the water.
• Compare and record the results in the answer table.
• Reuse the water at each point of the procedure.
1.
2. Measure 100 ml of water with each of the materials below and transfer them to a 100 ml volumetric flask.
a. with the beaker
b. with the graduated cylinder
c. with the Erlenmeyer
d. with the pipette

3. Measure 50 ml of water with the cylinder and transfer it to:

a. a beaker
b. an Erlenmeyer flask
4. Measure 50 ml of water in each of the materials and transfer them to the graduated cylinder. Compare results
and note the ml of difference.
a. with the beaker
b. with the Erlenmeyer

Take into account the indications to use the pipette correctly. See image 2
5. With the help of a graduated pipette, measure 10 ml of water and transfer it to a graduated cylinder.
6. Now, measure 40 ml of water with the graduated pipette and add it to the cylinder. (Fill 50 ml)
7. With the help of a graduated pipette measure how many drops there are in 1 ml of water.
8. Using water, measure with the most appropriate instrument that gives the measurement with the greatest
accuracy. Complete the table of results.
a. 1,6 ml b. 5 ml c. 30,4 ml d. 20 ml

RESULTS
A. Complete the following table with the results obtained in experiences from 1 to 7.
Experience Volumetric instrument used Result description
(compare measurements)

4
5
6
Water volumen (ml) Selected instrument Instrument capacity (ml)

7
B. Make a scheme, so that the materials are ordered from greater to lesser accuracy.

RESULTS ANALYZE
Of the materials used:
1. Which ones are used to measure exact volumes of liquids?
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2. Justify your answer:

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3. Which of the measurement materials can be heated and which cannot?

Can be heated : __________________________________________________________________________
They cannot be heated: ____________________________________________________________________

4. Which of the materials used are not considered as volumetric materials?

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5. Justify your answer:

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6. What are volumetric materials?

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7. Justify your answer:
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8. Compare the results obtained in point 6 with the number of drops contained in 1 ml of water given by the
teacher. Determine the absolute error and the relative error.

What do you think caused this percentage of error? justify your answer
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What aspects should you take into account to make measurements as accurate as possible. Justify your answer.

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CONCLUSIONS