Contents
Key Stage 2
Meaning
A measuring cylinder is a piece of equipment used to measure the amount of a liquid.
About Measuring Cylinders
- There are many different size measuring cylinders.
- Measuring cylinders measure the amount of liquid in millilitres.
- You must get down to 'eye level' to read a measuring cylinder accurately.
Reading a Measuring Cylinder
When water is in a tube the water sticks to the sides making a 'U' shape called a meniscus. This makes it difficult to read a measuring cylinder accurately. | If you are too high you will read a bigger volume than there is. In this case 48ml. | If you are too low you will read a smaller volume than there is. In this case 46ml. | When you get to 'eye level' you will read an accurate volume of water. In this case 47ml. |
Key Stage 3
Meaning
A measuring cylinder is a piece of equipment used to measure the volume of a liquid.
About Measuring Cylinders
- There are many different size measuring cylinders.
- Measuring cylinders measure volume in millilitres (also known as centimetres cubed).
- You must get down to 'eye level' to read a measuring cylinder accurately.
Reading a Measuring Cylinder
When water is in a tube the water sticks to the sides making a 'U' shape called a meniscus. This makes it difficult to read a measuring cylinder accurately. | If you are too high you will read a bigger volume than there is. In this case 48ml. | If you are too low you will read a smaller volume than there is. In this case 46ml. | When you get to 'eye level' you will read an accurate volume of water. In this case 47ml. |
Key Stage 4
Meaning
A measuring cylinder is measuring instrument used to measure the volume of a liquid.
About Measuring Cylinders
- There are many different size measuring cylinders.
- Measuring cylinders measure volume in millilitres (also known as centimetres cubed).
- To read a measuring cylinder accurately, it must be placed on a flat, level surface and should be read from 'eye level'.
Reading a Measuring Cylinder
When water is in a tube the water sticks to the sides making a 'U' shape called a meniscus. This makes it difficult to read a measuring cylinder accurately. | If you are too high you will read a bigger volume than there is. In this case 48ml. | If you are too low you will read a smaller volume than there is. In this case 46ml. | When you get to 'eye level' you will read an accurate volume of water. In this case 47ml. |
References
AQA
- Measuring cylinders, page 105, GCSE Physics; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
- Measuring cylinders, page 126, GCSE Biology; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA