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MEASUREMENT
Lesson 2 - Page 3

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Graduated cylinders are for measuring the volumes of liquids.  They are usually tall and slim.  Since the volume of the liquid is measured on a linear scale, a given volume can be measured with greater accuracy if the scale is long rather than short. 

Measuring with a graduated cylinder is complicated somewhat by a meniscus.  A meniscus is the curvature of the surface of the water.  Water "sticks" to the walls of the graduated cylinder, but only on the sides and not the middle.  This effect is more prominent in glass and not in plastic ware. The lowest point on this curve is always read as the volume, not the upper edges. 

Beakers are used for routine mixing, measuring and boiling.  It is not as accurate as a graduated cylinder.  A beaker is designed to transfer its contents easily.  It derives its name beaker because it has a pouring area that resembles a bird’s “beak.”