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Laboratory Water Measurement Techniques

Sep 10, 2025

Overview

This lecture demonstrates proper techniques for measuring specific volumes of deionized (DI) water using various types of laboratory glassware for your first general chemistry experiment.

Measuring with Non-Analytical Glassware

  • Use a 150 mL beaker to measure out a specified volume (e.g., 20 mL) of DI water.
  • "Tare" (zero) the balance with the empty glassware before adding water by pressing the tare button.
  • Add water to the required mark, then weigh the glassware plus water to determine the water's mass.
  • Subtract the tared (zeroed) value to isolate the mass of only the water.

Measuring with Analytical Glassware

  • Analytical glassware includes burets and volumetric pipettes for more accurate measurements.
  • Do not place burets directly on balances; instead, dispense liquid into a tared beaker.
  • Fill the buret to the zero mark at the top using a funnel; values increase going down.
  • Place a tared beaker under the buret and dispense the required volume (e.g., 10 mL).
  • Weigh the beaker with dispensed water to determine the mass.

Using Glassware for Volume Measurement

  • For 50 mL of DI water, use Erlenmeyer flask, beaker, and graduated cylinder.
  • For 10 mL of DI water, use buret and volumetric pipette.
  • Read graduation marks correctly; orientation and zero points differ between glassware types.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Taring — Setting a balance to zero with a specific container on it, so only added contents are weighed.
  • Analytical Glassware — Precision instruments like burets and pipettes used for accurate liquid measurement.
  • Graduation Mark — Lines on glassware indicating volume levels.
  • Deionized (DI) Water — Water purified to remove ions, used in laboratory experiments.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Replicate the measurement procedures with all assigned glassware.
  • Perform any required calculations based on your measured values.
  • Ask your TA if you have questions during the experiment.