How to Read a Graduated Pipet
- 1). Wash the pipet in distilled water before drawing the liquid to be measured into it. Rinse the pipet with the liquid being measured after washing with water. This removes traces of water from the pipet so that you are measuring only the liquid intended.
- 2). Draw up the liquid into the pipet. Some pipets have bulbs that do this. Others require you to submerge one end of the pipet in the liquid and close the other end with a fingertip.
- 3). Hold the pipet vertically in front of you so that the upper level of the liquid inside is at eye level. Reading a pipet in any other position will result in an inaccurate reading.
- 4). Note the curvature of the liquid's surface. The curvature is known as the meniscus. Most liquids have a convex meniscus. However, some have a concave meniscus, such as mercury. It is a general rule in scientific procedures that readings are taken from the bottom of a concave meniscus and the top of a convex meniscus.
- 5). Compare the meniscus level to the graduations on the pipet. This will indicate the volume of the liquid inside. Record the data.
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