Difference Between Beaker and Graduated Cylinder

Beaker and Graduated Cylinders are both apparatuses used to experiment smoothly in a laboratory. These apparatuses can withstand both high temperatures and corrosive chemicals, making them ideal for use in experiments involving chemical and biological analyses. Even though both Beaker and Graduated Cylinder has some similar features, they differ significantly from one another. 

Beaker vs Graduated Cylinder 

The main difference between Beaker and Graduated Cylinder is that they are intended for different purposes. A Beaker is used to transport and mix solutions. On the other hand, a Graduated Cylinder helps to measure the volume of liquids in the laboratory. A Beaker is also made using glass, whereas a Graduated Cylinder is made utilizing polymethyl pentene or polypropylene.   

Beaker is a cylindrical container used as an apparatus in a laboratory to transport and mix solutions. They are typically made using glass or any particular type of plastic. The Beaker resembles a coffee mug and provides an accurate measurement of the liquid inside the container. Even though beakers generally have a wide mouth and a flat bottom, they are available in different sizes.  

A graduated Cylinder is a narrow-shaped apparatus used in a laboratory for measuring the volume of liquids. They are also marked to show the level of the fluids. They are generally made using materials like polymethyl pentene or polypropylene. Graduated Cylinders act as more accurate laboratory apparatuses in terms of measuring liquids. The instrument is similar to that of a measuring cup

Comparison Table Between Beaker and Graduated Cylinder 

  Parameters of Comparison   Beaker   Graduated Cylinder 
 Definition  A Cylindrical container is used as an apparatus in the laboratory to transport and mix solutions.  Narrow-shaped apparatus used in a laboratory for measuring the volume of liquids. 
 Materials used  It is generally made using glass or any other type of plastic.  It is generally made using materials like polymethyl pentene or polypropylene. 
 Purpose   Used for the purpose of transporting and mixing solutions.  Used for the purpose of measuring the volume of liquids.  
 Shape  Cylindrical in shape. Narrow-shaped. 
 Pouring lip  Has a small pouring lip. Has a spout to make the pouring of solutions easier.  

What is Beaker? 

A Beaker is a cylindrical container used as an apparatus in a laboratory to transport and mix solutions. It resembles a coffee mug without a handle that has been graduated for accurate liquid measurement.   

In general, beakers are constructed from glass or any other type of plastic. They also have markings outside denoting the approximate amount of liquid inside. Although beakers lack lids, they can be covered using a watch glass or a larger beaker.  

Beakers are, however, less accurate than Graduated cylinders. They have a small pouring lip to make the transporting and mixing of liquid easier. Even though beakers generally have a wide mouth and a flat bottom, they are available in different sizes. 

What is Graduated Cylinder? 

A Graduated Cylinder is a narrow-shaped apparatus used in a laboratory for measuring the volume of liquids. The volume of an object can be determined by taking a reading before inserting it into the graduated cylinder and then measuring the difference between the two readings afterward, and using the result to determine its density.  

In general, Graduated cylinders are constructed out of materials like polymethyl pentene or polypropylene. It is because polymethyl pentene helps to make the container transparent, less fragile, and lightweight. On the other hand, polypropylene helps the container maintain its high level of chemical resistance.  

The Graduated Cylinders consist of a spout to make the pouring of solutions easier. Graduated Cylinders act as more accurate laboratory apparatuses in terms of measuring liquids. It resembles a measuring cup and likely is marked to show the level of the fluids. 

Main Differences Between Beaker and Graduated Cylinder 

  • A Beaker is a cylindrical container used as an apparatus in a laboratory to transport and mix solutions. On the other hand, a Graduated Cylinder is a narrow-shaped apparatus used in a laboratory for measuring the volume of liquids. 
  • In general, beakers are constructed from glass or any other type of plastic. On the other hand, Graduated cylinders are generally constructed out of materials like polymethyl pentene or polypropylene. 
  • Beaker resembles a coffee mug without a handle that has been graduated for accurate liquid measurement. On the other hand, resembles a measuring cup and likely is marked to show the level of the fluids. 
  • Beakers are mainly cylindrical with a flat mouth and wide bottom. On the other hand, Graduated Cylinders are mainly narrow-shaped. 
  • Beakers mainly have a small pouring lip, whereas Graduated Cylinders typically have a spout for easy pouring of solutions. 
  • Conclusion 

    Beaker and Graduated Cylinders are both apparatuses used to experiment smoothly in a laboratory. These apparatuses can withstand both high temperatures and corrosive chemicals, making them ideal for use in experiments involving chemical and biological analyses. Even though both Beaker and Graduated Cylinder has some similar features, they differ significantly from one another. 

    A Beaker is a cylindrical container used as an apparatus in a laboratory to transport and mix solutions. They also have markings outside denoting the approximate amount of liquid inside. Although beakers lack lids, they can be covered using a watch glass or a larger beaker. Beakers are, however, less accurate than Graduated cylinders. They have a small pouring lip to make the transporting and mixing of liquid easier. 

    A Graduated Cylinder is a narrow-shaped apparatus used in a laboratory for measuring the volume of liquids. It consists of a spout to make the pouring of solutions easier. Graduated Cylinders act as more accurate laboratory apparatuses in terms of measuring liquids. It resembles a measuring cup and likely is marked to show the level of the fluids. 

    The main point of difference between Beakers and Graduated Cylinders is that they are used for different purposes.  

    References 

  • https://aip.scitation.org/doi/abs/10.1063/1.5001359 
  • https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/ed059p337 
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