Which statement best describes a meniscus and its importance when measuring liquids in the laboratory?

• A. A meniscus is the curved surface of a liquid in a container; reading the correct part of the meniscus ensures accurate volume measurements.
• B. A meniscus is a type of laboratory glassware used to measure liquids precisely.
• C. A meniscus is a chemical reaction that occurs when liquids are mixed in a beaker.
• D. A meniscus is the flat surface formed by a liquid in a graduated cylinder; it does not affect measurement accuracy.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a meniscus is the curved surface of a liquid that forms in a container, such as a graduated cylinder or a burette, due to the interaction between the liquid and the container walls.
2. Recognize that the curvature of the meniscus can be concave or convex depending on the liquid and container material; for example, water typically forms a concave meniscus because it adheres to glass.
3. Learn that when measuring liquid volumes, it is important to read the measurement at the correct part of the meniscus to ensure accuracy; for most liquids like water, this means reading the bottom of the meniscus at eye level.
4. Note that misreading the meniscus (e.g., reading from the top or ignoring the curve) can lead to systematic errors in volume measurement, affecting experimental results.
5. Conclude that the meniscus is not a piece of glassware or a chemical reaction, but rather a physical phenomenon that must be properly accounted for to obtain precise and accurate volume measurements in the laboratory.