Final answer:
Graduated cylinders should not be heated because they are not designed for thermal stress and may break. Use labware designed for heating, such as beakers or flasks, instead and handle them.
Step-by-step explanation:
Graduated cylinders are a common piece of laboratory equipment used to measure the volume of liquids accurately. When it comes to heating, not all glassware is created equally.
In general, graduated cylinders should not be heated because they are not designed to withstand the stresses of rapid temperature change and may break or shatter.
This is particularly true for thick glassware like graduated cylinders, which can have uneven heat distribution, leading to stress points and potential breakage.
Some laboratories may use specially designed graduated cylinders that can tolerate heat, often made of borosilicate glass like Pyrex or Duran, known for its thermal resistance properties.
However, unless specifically stated that the graduated cylinder is heat-resistant, the safe practice is to avoid heating it. When handling heated substances or reactions requiring temperature control, beakers, flasks, or other glassware designed for heating should be used instead.
To summarize, do not heat measuring cylinders as they can easily break with heat exposure. Always look for labware that is designed to be heat-resistant when necessary, and remember to handle hot equipment with caution to avoid burns.