The Difference Between a Graduated Cylinder & a Measuring Cup
Measuring quantities of a substance is important whether you are in the chemistry lab or in the kitchen. To properly measure these quantities, you need the right tools. In the chemistry lab, you must use a graduated cylinder to ensure you have the proper amount. In the kitchen, your best friend for measuring quantities will be a set of measuring cups.
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Description of a Graduated Cylinder
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A graduated cylinder is an easy tool to find in a chemistry lab. It is an upright, clear cylinder with a base that allows it to stand on its own if you set it down. The base is sometimes made out of rubber, and there is sometimes a rubber ring near the top of the cylinder, according to graduatedcylinder.com. This helps prevent the cylinder from breaking. The cylinder itself has a series of numbers on the side. If you look closely between the numbers, you will see dashes going up the side of the cylinder. It is like someone took a ruler and wrapped it around the glass. These dashes help accurately tell the volume of the liquid. They come in a variety of measurements, according to indigo.com. These include 10 ml, 25 ml, 50 ml, 100 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml and 1000 ml.
How to Use a Graduated Cylinder
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The specific purpose of a graduated cylinder, according to newton.dep.anl.gov, is to "make accurate liquid volume measurements." Since the measurements are in "mL" on the side, you will not be working with a large quantity of liquid. You should be able to pour a liquid into the cylinder and gauge how much you have. After the liquid is poured in, you will notice that the top of the liquid is curved. Determine how much liquid is in the cylinder by raising the cylinder to eye level, according to graduatedcylinder.org, and finding the lowest point of the curve, called the meniscus. Match it with the appropriate dash on the side.
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Uses for a Graduated Cylinder
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There are two main uses for graduated cylinders, according to graduatedcylinder.org. One is to pour liquid into the cylinder and identify where the mensicus is by matching it to its appropriate dash on the side. This is the most common use. You can also measure the volume of solid objects by pouring water into the cylinder and noting where the meniscus is. Then drop in your solid object and note where the new menisicus is. Subtract the old measurement from the new one to determine the object's volume.
Description of Measuring Cups
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Whereas graduated cylinders are mainly used for small, liquid volume measurements, measuring cups can be used to measure larger amounts, and they can measure the volume of both dry and wet ingredients. They are used mainly in the kitchen. They resemble a coffee cup, but the handle comes straight out from the top. It is not curved like a normal coffee cup. They come in measurements that include 1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/4 cup and 2/3 cup.
Uses for a Measuring Cup
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Measuring cups are ideal for baking and cooking. If a recipe calls for a cup of milk, you can measure out exactly one cup of milk and add it to the recipe. They help prevent potentially wasting a substance by using too much of it. They take the guesswork out of adding ingredients to a recipe.
How to Use a Measuring Cup
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Take your ingredient that the recipe requires. Pick out the measuring cup that the recipe calls for. Pour the ingredient into the measuring cup until it reaches the top. If you are using a dry ingredient, take a knife and run it along the top of the measuring cup. This will smooth out the ingredient and make it level with the top of the cup. Once you have filled the cup, simply pour it into your mixing bowl.
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- Photo Credit cylinder image by Hubert from Fotolia.com
