Question

During this lab, you used a buret to add analyte to the flask and to add titrant to the analyte. Why is a buret a better tool for adding liquid in this experiment than, say, a graduated cylinder?

Answer 1

A buret is taller and narrower than a graduated cylinder, so measurements can be made with more precision. A buret has stopcocks, which can be used to control the flow of single drops of liquid better than pouring from a graduated cylinder. A buret can be clamped so it does not spill, whereas a graduated cylinder could spill while pouring.

Answer 2

A graduated cylinder must be tipped over to add small amounts, and it would be very difficult to control the amount that is dropped into the analyte. On the other hand, a buret has a stopcock that can be controlled much more easily, by simply turning or pressing on it (depending on the type of buret). This allows a more controlled release, which is essential because one slows down the rate of dropping the titrant when close to the end point of titration.