Final answer:
Laboratory apparatus such as burets can measure volumes to within 0.01 mL, gradated cylinders to within 0.1 mL, and specific micropipettes can have even finer ranges like 2-20 µL.
Step-by-step explanation:
The precision to which volumes can be read using different laboratory apparatus varies. A buret is designed to measure volumes very precisely and typically allows readings to the nearest 0.01 mL. Similarly, micropipettes have high precision, with some models allowing measurements within 2-20 µL or 20-200 µL. They are particularly useful for working with very small volumes. Graduated cylinders, on the other hand, offer a broader measurement range and are generally read to the nearest 0.1 mL, depending on the smallest division. A volumetric flask or glass pipette, such as one with a capacity of 3.00 mL, is calibrated to deliver or contain a single, precise volume when filled to the marked line. The precision with which these volumes are measured is critical in fields like pharmaceuticals, where accuracy in liquid measurement is vital.
When using laboratory glassware, it is important to read the volume at the bottom of the meniscus, which is the curved surface of the liquid. The value observed directly above this mark is the most accurate reading. The precision of these measurements is important in many applications, such as quality control processes within the pharmaceutical industry, where accurate dosages are crucial.