mätkolv

A mätkolv, or volumetric flask in English, is a piece of laboratory glassware used to prepare solutions of precise volume. It is characterized by a single graduation mark on its narrow neck, indicating a specific total volume when filled to that mark. Mätkolvar are manufactured in various sizes, ranging from a few milliliters to several liters. They are typically made of glass, often borosilicate glass for chemical resistance and thermal stability.

The primary purpose of a mätkolv is accurate dilution or preparation of solutions. To use it, a solute is dissolved in a solvent, and then the solution is carefully brought up to the calibration mark using a dropper or pipette, ensuring the bottom of the meniscus aligns with the line. This precise volume determination is crucial in quantitative chemical analysis, where accurate concentrations are essential for experiments and measurements.

Mätkolvar are not designed for measuring variable volumes; for that purpose, graduated cylinders or pipettes are used. Their accuracy is achieved through careful manufacturing and calibration. The shape of the flask, with its narrow neck and bulbous base, helps to minimize errors in volume readings and ensures a homogeneous mixture once the calibration mark is reached. They are commonly found in chemistry laboratories for tasks such as titrations, preparing standard solutions, and quantitative sample preparation.