What is the correct method for reading liquid in a graduated cylinder?

The correct method for reading liquid in a graduated cylinder is to hold the cylinder at eye level and read the bottom of the meniscus. The meniscus is the curve at the surface of the liquid, which forms due to surface tension.

When reading the meniscus, it is crucial to ensure that your line of sight is level with the bottom of the curve in order to get an accurate measurement. This approach minimizes parallax errors, which can occur if you view the measurement from above or below the meniscus, resulting in inaccurate readings.

Holding the graduated cylinder at eye level ensures that you’re looking straight at the liquid’s surface, allowing for a precise interpretation of the measurement scale without distortions. This technique is essential for accurate volume measurement in laboratory settings or pharmacy practice.