Which of the following laboratory tools would be most appropriate for determining the volume of and irregular shape a) ruler b)triple beam balance c)graduated cylinder d)answers b and c

C)graduated cylinder  

Explanation:

A graduated cylinder is a tube that is sealed at one end and open at the other end. It has a volumetric calibrated scale engraved or marked on the outside. The cylinder has a large base at the bottom for stability and a pouring lip over the upper edge. The graduated cylinder has the ability to measure the volume of something that is irregularly shaped, such as liquid substances.

To measure the volume of liquid using this tool, simply pour the liquid carefully into the graduated cylinder. The cylinder should be kept so that the liquid line is at eye level. Make sure the cylinder is hung up and down. The surface of most liquids will curve upward along the side of the cylinder. This feature is known as the "meniscus" and is caused by the attraction of liquid molecules to the surface of the cylinder. The scale outside the cylinder is read as a ruler. The nearest graduated beaker to the bottom of the meniscus is the correct measured volume of liquid.