Volumetric flask

A volumetric flask is laboratory glassware calibrated to contain one precise liquid volume at a marked fill line and a specified temperature.

Calibration mark: A mark on measuring equipment that identifies a specified measurement value. The flask’s narrow neck carries the line that defines its calibrated volume.
Standard solution: A solution whose concentration is known with sufficient accuracy for quantitative analysis. A flask’s fixed volume helps prepare standard solutions at calculated concentrations.
Volumetric glassware: Laboratory vessels and instruments calibrated to measure or contain specified liquid volumes. The volumetric flask is one member of this calibrated glassware family.
Stopper: A plug used to close the opening of a container. A stopper seals the flask during mixing and storage of its prepared solution.
Meniscus: The curved upper surface of a liquid in a container. Accurate filling requires aligning the meniscus with the flask’s calibration mark.
Volumetric analysis: Quantitative chemical analysis based on measuring the volume of reacting solutions. Precisely prepared solutions support quantitative measurements in volumetric analysis.
Graduated cylinder: A tall vessel marked with graduations for measuring different liquid volumes. Unlike a flask, it measures a range of volumes rather than containing one specified volume.
Borosilicate glass: A glass containing boron oxide, noted for low thermal expansion and chemical resistance. Many volumetric flasks use borosilicate glass to withstand routine laboratory conditions.
Calibration: The process of comparing an instrument’s readings with standards to establish measurement accuracy. A flask’s stated volume depends on calibration against measurement standards.
Serial dilution: A sequence of dilutions in which each solution is prepared from the preceding one. A flask can provide a controlled final volume when preparing dilution series.

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