Which instrument typically yields measurements with no digits after the decimal point?

• A. Beaker
• B. Graduated cylinder
• C. Volumetric flask
• D. Erlenmeyer flask

Answer: (A)

Reading precision depends on how finely an instrument is graduated. Beakers are marked in whole milliliters, so you typically estimate to the nearest milliliter and report measurements without a decimal. In contrast, graduated cylinders have finer markings (often 0.1 mL or 0.2 mL), so readings commonly include a decimal. Volumetric flasks are calibrated for a precise nominal volume and often have markings that include decimals, reflecting their higher accuracy. Erlenmeyer flasks usually have coarse graduations like beakers, so their readings are also generally in whole milliliters rather than decimals. So the instrument that typically yields measurements with no digits after the decimal is the beaker.