Question

The letters TC and TD on volumetric glassware indicate whether it is calibrated to contain or to deliver a given volume. Which mode of calibration would be best for the following items as they are used in the experiment?

(a) Buret
(b) Volumetric flask

Answer 1

Burets are best calibrated as TD (to deliver) for accuracy in titrations, while volumetric flasks should be calibrated as TC (to contain) for precise volume measurements.

Step-by-step explanation:

The letters TC ("to contain") and TD ("to deliver") indicate the mode of calibration for volumetric glassware. A buret is a device used for the precise delivery of variable liquid volumes, like in a titration analysis, and is thus calibrated to deliver (TD).

Therefore, a buret would be best calibrated as TD to provide accurate measurements during the delivery of a liquid. On the other hand, a volumetric flask is designed to contain a precise volume of liquid when filled to the mark, so it would be best calibrated as TC to ensure that the contained volume is accurate.