A burette is a type of laboratory glassware specifically designed for precise and controlled measurement of liquids. It is commonly used in chemistry experiments and analytical procedures where accurate titration is required.
A burette typically consists of a long, vertical tube made of transparent glass, with milliliter (ml) markings engraved along its length. The tube is connected to a stopcock or a valve at the lower end, which allows for controlled release or flow of the liquid.
The burette is mounted on a stand, usually in an inverted position, so that the liquid can be dispensed from the bottom end. The top end of the burette is equipped with a reservoir, usually a funnel-shaped container or a glass bulb, which is used to fill the burette with the desired liquid.
To use a burette, the liquid to be measured is carefully and precisely added through the funnel or bulb until the desired initial volume is reached. Then, the stopcock is opened, allowing the liquid to flow out in a controlled manner. The liquid level is monitored and measured, usually with the help of a meniscus, until the desired final volume is achieved. The difference between the initial and final volume readings provides an accurate measurement of the dispensed liquid.
Burettes are commonly used in various scientific applications, such as acid-base titrations, where small volumes of a liquid reactant must be carefully measured and delivered into a reaction flask. Their design and precise measurement capabilities make burettes an essential tool for any laboratory working with quantitative analysis and precise liquid measurement.
