Which instrument would you use to measure the volume of a liquid with marked increments?

• A. Graduated Cylinder
• B. Beaker
• C. Thermometer
• D. Anemometer

Answer: (A)

Measuring the volume of a liquid with marked increments relies on a tool that provides precise, evenly spaced graduation marks along its side. A graduated cylinder is designed for this purpose: its tall, narrow shape and clear graduations let you read the exact amount of liquid by looking at the bottom of the meniscus at eye level. This setup minimizes reading errors and gives a more accurate volume than other common containers.

A beaker does have volume markings, but they are broader and the shape makes precise readings harder, so it’s less reliable for exact measurements. A thermometer is used to measure temperature, not volume, and an anemometer measures wind speed, which is unrelated to liquid volume. So the graduated cylinder is the best instrument for measuring a liquid’s volume with marked increments.