When measuring the volume of a liquid in a graduated cylinder, how should the meniscus be used to obtain the most accurate reading?

• A. Ignore the meniscus and read the volume at any visible line.
• B. Read the volume at the bottom of the meniscus at eye level.
• C. Estimate the volume by averaging the top and bottom of the meniscus.
• D. Read the volume at the top of the meniscus from above the cylinder.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the meniscus is the curve seen at the liquid's surface in a graduated cylinder due to surface tension and adhesion between the liquid and the container.
2. Recognize that for most liquids like water, the meniscus curves downward (concave), and the most accurate volume measurement is taken at the lowest point of this curve.
3. Position your eye level with the meniscus to avoid parallax error, which occurs when the measurement is read from an angle, causing inaccurate readings.
4. Align your line of sight horizontally with the bottom of the meniscus and read the volume at this point on the graduated scale.
5. Avoid reading from above or averaging the meniscus edges, as these methods introduce errors and reduce measurement accuracy.