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Of the following, which piece of lab equipment is the most precise for measuring liquids?

  1. Graduated cylinder

  2. Burette

  3. Volumetric pipette

  4. Measuring cup

The correct answer is: Volumetric pipette

The volumetric pipette is the most precise piece of lab equipment for measuring liquids, primarily due to its design and functionality. It is specifically calibrated to deliver a fixed volume of liquid with a high degree of accuracy. The single measurement line on a volumetric pipette allows for precise filling to that exact mark, minimizing error in volume measurement. In contrast, a graduated cylinder, while useful for measuring liquid volumes, has multiple graduations, which can introduce slight variations depending on where the liquid level is read. A burette, although more precise than a graduated cylinder, is primarily designed for titration and is not typically used for measuring fixed volumes. It allows for the dispensing of variable volumes, but its precise use requires careful control of the stopcock. Measuring cups, often used in cooking, tend to be less precise and can result in significant measurement errors due to their construction and larger volume increments. Therefore, the design and purpose of the volumetric pipette make it the most suitable choice for achieving precise liquid measurements in laboratory settings.