[lroesch]

With what accuracy (+/- some ml) can you read a 500 ml graduated cylinder that is divided into 10 ml increments and why? Is there a set formula to determine this +/- accuracy?  Thank you.

[enahs]

It is dependent on the individual cylinder. Types of material, size, precision and quality in manufacturing, age and wear and tear, etc, all effect it.

It is not something you can really calculate, it is something that is measured.

[Mitch]

You will have to perform that experiment. You know the temperature of the lab and the density of water at that temperature, place it on an analytical balance and weigh out a certain volume and note the error.

[enahs]

You will have to perform that experiment. You know the temperature of the lab and the density of water at that temperature, place it on an analytical balance and weigh out a certain volume and note the error.

But first you must make sure your balance is calibrated properly!

[lroesch]

Thank you for your response. So, if I were using a 500 ml graduated cylinder, marked in 10 ml increments and I wanted to report a reading, say, 537 ml where the 7 has been estimated, I cannot report the reading with any FORMAL +/- precision without experimentation?  I could not say 537 ml +/- 1 ml or 537 +/- 5 ml?

Thanks.

[enahs]

You can, because unless this is something you made, on the side of the graduated cylinder, it should list the error range, right near where it says at what temperature it was calibrated at. You would then be assuming that through wear and tear and age that it has not changed much.

A lot of the times, this is worn off so you can not read it, though.


I have never used a cylinder that large that does no have subdivision at the mL level. With the ones at the mL level, an average, based on my experience is ±1.3 mL. Without the mL divisions, it would be a safe bet at minimum to double that.


Ohh, and one more thing. The answer to your question is no, absolutely not. With a 500 mL graduated cylinder, there is no way you can say 537 ± x, as it does not hold that much .

[lroesch]

   hahahahahahhaha

Thanks very much, this is very clear!!