What is the primary function of a burette in a laboratory setting?

A burette is specifically designed for measuring varying volumes of liquid with high precision. It allows for the gradual addition of a reagent to a reaction mixture, which is crucial in titration experiments, where the exact volume of solution needed for a reaction is essential. The burette has a scale marked along its length, enabling the user to read the volume of liquid dispensed accurately as it is released through a stopcock at the bottom. This feature distinguishes it from other laboratory equipment that measures fixed volumes, making it ideal for applications where precision is paramount.

In contrast, equipment that measures fixed volumes, such as a graduated cylinder or a pipette, does not provide the same flexibility for adjusting volumes during an experiment. Other uses, such as heating substances or mixing solutions, are not the primary functions of a burette, which is strictly focused on dispensing liquids accurately.