This document provides guidance on various important aspects of volume measurement as it is commonly carried out in analytical laboratories. Although the measurement of volume with such items of equipment as pipettes, graduated flasks, syringes, etc. is seemingly a routine procedure, the operation is by no means foolproof. The analyst should approach volume measurements with the same care and critical appraisal that are (or should be) applied to the more �exciting� parts of an analytical investigation.
Measurement of volume is one of the most frequently carried out operations in an analytical laboratory. Accurate volume measurements are required for such purposes as:
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Obtaining a known quantity of a sample for analysis
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Preparation of analytical reagents
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Preparation of calibration standards
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Quantitative analysis by titrimetry
If volume measurements are inaccurate, the results of an analysis using those measurements will also be inaccurate, no matter how well the other steps of the analytical procedure have been carried out.
Topics covered include:
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Types of volume measuring apparatus
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Bulb pipettes
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Graduated pipettes
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Automatic pipettors
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Burettes
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Volumetric flasks
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Graduated cylinders
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Syringes
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Importance of temperature in volume measurements
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Calibration of volume measuring apparatus
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Choice and use of volumetric apparatus
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Uncertainty of volume measurements
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Practical exercises to evaluate competence
This guide costs �9.95 and is available to purchase from RSC Publishing. Click here for more information.
This guide has been published as part of the 'Practical Laboratory Skills Training Guides', a series of five books containing guidance on some of the basic analytical skills required by analysts today. for more information, click here.
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