Buret

Definition

A buret is a precise, graduated glass tube with a stopcock at the bottom used to dispense known volumes of liquid, primarily in titrations. It allows for accurate measurement of reactants added to a reaction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A buret is essential for titration experiments to determine the concentration of an unknown solution.
2. It features volume graduations typically marked in 0.1 mL increments for high precision.
3. The stopcock controls the flow of liquid and must be handled carefully to avoid errors in measurement.
4. Burets are usually made from borosilicate glass due to its resistance to chemicals and thermal shock.
5. Proper rinsing and cleaning before use are critical to prevent contamination and ensure accurate results.

Review Questions

• What is the primary function of a buret in quantitative chemical analysis?
• Why is it important to handle the stopcock of a buret carefully during an experiment?
• What material are burets commonly made from, and why?

Related terms

Titration:

An analytical technique where one solution (the titrant) is gradually added to another solution until the reaction reaches completion, often indicated by a color change.

Graduated Cylinder: A common piece of laboratory equipment used to measure the volume of a liquid more accurately than beakers but less precisely than burets.

Pipette: A laboratory tool used to transport a measured volume of liquid, often as part of sample preparation or during titration.