Which of the following apparatus can be used to measure accurately a specific volume of a liquid?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which apparatus measures a specific volume of liquid accurately. The keywords are "specific volume" and "accurately".

Step 2: Concept Laboratory glassware differs in precision:

• Beaker: Used for holding, mixing and heating liquids. Its markings are only rough estimates, so it is not accurate.
• Conical flask: Used for titrations, mixing and holding solutions. Its markings are also approximate.
• Measuring cylinder: Measures variable volumes with moderate accuracy. It is better than a beaker, but it is not the most precise.
• Pipette: Calibrated to deliver one fixed volume (e.g. 10 cm³, 20 cm³, 25 cm³) with high accuracy. It is used in titrations to measure out the exact volume of the solution, such as 25.0 cm³ of an acid or base.
• Burette (not listed): Delivers variable volumes accurately.

Step 3: Solution A measuring cylinder can measure many volumes, but only to moderate precision. A pipette is made to deliver one exact, specific volume, such as 25.0 cm³, with great accuracy. The phrase "specific volume" therefore points to the pipette.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is D. Pipette.

Exam tip: Remember this ranking for accuracy: beaker/conical flask < measuring cylinder < pipette/burette. If a question says "fixed or specific volume," think pipette. If it says "variable volume delivered accurately," think burette.