A graduated cylinder contains water with the meniscus at the 37.5 mL mark. What is the volume of the water in the graduated cylinder?

• A. 30.0 mL
• B. 40.0 mL
• C. 35.0 mL
• D. 37.5 mL

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the volume of a liquid in a graduated cylinder is read at the bottom of the meniscus, which is the curved surface of the liquid.
2. Identify the position of the meniscus on the graduated cylinder scale; in this problem, it is at the 37.5 mL mark.
3. Recognize that the volume reading corresponds directly to the meniscus level, so the volume of water is the value indicated by the meniscus.
4. Confirm that the meniscus is read at eye level to avoid parallax error, ensuring an accurate measurement.
5. Conclude that the volume of water in the graduated cylinder is 37.5 mL, as indicated by the meniscus.