How does the graduated cylinder work?

Answer 1

A graduated cylinder is simply a beaker with parallel sides and equally spaced volume markings along the side. As the sides are parallel the volume increases proportionately to the level of fluid in the beaker. Equally spaced markings ("graduations") are marked on the side of the cylinder to indicate the volume of fluid to that point.

If you are using a graduated cylinder you will notice that the level of fluid (eg water) will seem to cling to the sides of the glass near the edge in a small radius due to the surface tension of the fluid. This radius is called the miniscus. Always read the volume of fluid from the marking at the bottom of the miniscus.