Final answer:
For volumes exceeding 3 mL, a syringe with a capacity of at least 5 mL is recommended to ensure accuracy and precision, and to avoid the risk of overfilling.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the volume exceeds 3ml, you would start using a syringe that is at least 5mL. This would ensure that the syringe has a larger capacity than the volume to be measured, providing enough room for accurate measurement while avoiding the risk of overfilling. In laboratory practice, particularly within a pharmaceutical context, it is crucial to use proper measurement instruments to maintain accuracy and precision.
When working with volumes that approach the maximum capacity of the instrument, such as a 3mL syringe, it is advisable to use a larger syringe to allow for better precision. For example, a graduated cylinder can be used to measure in milliliters and centiliters, while syringe sizes may vary from 1mL (similar to an eyedropper) to sizes that can hold much larger volumes such as soda bottles (around 1 liter).