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The liquid molecules are more strongly attracted to the graduated cylinder than to each other. This causes the liquid to rise up on the sides of the graduated cylinder. Therefore it is important to read the line, even with the center of the meniscus, and at the bottom of the meniscus to accurately measure the volume of a liquid in the graduated cylinder.
If you are still a bit confused I also found some information at this website:
http://chemistry.about.com/od/chemistrylabexperiments/qt/meniscus.htm
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoIt is a matter of minimizing your error. Taking your reading from the lower end gives you a small excess of solution due to the capillary effect. Taking your reading from the top of the meniscus; however, would give a large excess of nothing.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoIn graduated cylinders and scientific devices you read the lower meniscus of liquids because of the surface tension of water that causes the outside rim of water against the glass to rise (and that is how it is calibrated).
Wiki User
∙ 11y agobecause if you do not read the bottom of the meniscus you will not read the true level of the liquid
Wiki User
∙ 16y agoAs it gives more accurate value
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When measuring you do the measurement from the bottom of the meniscus?
You should always measure at the lowest part of the meniscus. The meniscus is a slight curvature at the top of a liquid in a container.
How do you read meniscus on a graduated cylinder?
All liquids have a surface tension. This tension creates a meniscus or curve on the surface, most noticeable in small diameter tubes or cylinders. The meniscus of water curves up the sides of the cylinder, while heavy liquids like mercury curves down the cylinder. You should always measure light liquids at the bottom of the meniscus and heavy liquids at the top of the meniscus.
How is a meniscus used in measuring?
As the diameter of the container decreases, the meniscus becomes more pronounced. The meniscus may be convex (curving upward) or concave (curving downward). Most of the time you will find that the meniscus is concave. The most notable exception is the meniscus that forms from mercury. When taking measurement readings it is important that the reading is done properly. The following rules must be adhered to: I. Read the meniscus at eye level. Do not read the meniscus from above or below eye level. Significant measurement errors may occur II. Read the bottom of a concave meniscus and the top of a convex meniscus.
Why should liquid volumes be read at eye level?
Liquid volume readings should be at the bottom of the menicus or at the level of the liquid in the middle of the container. The accuracy of the reading may vary slightly with the viscosity of the liquid and the diameter of the container.
When reading the volume of fluid in a graduated cylinder the eye should be?
at the bottom of the curve there are two miniscus(curves) in all liquids present in cylinders.when a coloress liquid is present then we see the lower miniscus but when we see colored fluid we see the upper miniscus.
When measuring you do the measurement from the bottom of the meniscus?
You should always measure at the lowest part of the meniscus. The meniscus is a slight curvature at the top of a liquid in a container.
Would a graduated cylinder be read at the middle of a meniscus?
The answer depends on the liquid, or more specifically, how the surface tension in the liquid affects the meniscus. It should be the top of the meniscus for liquids such as mercury but the bottom for liquids such as water or alcohol.
How do you read meniscus on a graduated cylinder?
All liquids have a surface tension. This tension creates a meniscus or curve on the surface, most noticeable in small diameter tubes or cylinders. The meniscus of water curves up the sides of the cylinder, while heavy liquids like mercury curves down the cylinder. You should always measure light liquids at the bottom of the meniscus and heavy liquids at the top of the meniscus.
How is a meniscus used in measuring?
As the diameter of the container decreases, the meniscus becomes more pronounced. The meniscus may be convex (curving upward) or concave (curving downward). Most of the time you will find that the meniscus is concave. The most notable exception is the meniscus that forms from mercury. When taking measurement readings it is important that the reading is done properly. The following rules must be adhered to: I. Read the meniscus at eye level. Do not read the meniscus from above or below eye level. Significant measurement errors may occur II. Read the bottom of a concave meniscus and the top of a convex meniscus.
You are using a pipette that has a mark every 0.1 mL. If you want to measure 5.15 mL of liquid using this pipette to what level should you fill the pipette?
The bottom of the meniscus should be halfway between the 5.1-mL mark and the 5.2-mL mark
Why should volume measures always be placed on a level surface?
When measuring volumes you should always measure from the bottom of the meniscus - the surface of a volume of liquid always has a slight curve called the 'meniscus'. Since the surface of any still volume of water is not flat (it is always either a convex or concave curve), it should be measured on a level surface at eye level - bend your knees until your eyes are level with the miniscus to measure accurately.
When reading a graduated cylinder you look at?
When you read a scale on the side of a container with a meniscus, such as a graduated cylinder or volumetric flask, it's important that the measurement accounts for the ... For mercury, take the measurement from the top of the meniscus. ...
What should you look at to measure a volume of water in a graduated cylinder?
Place the cylinder on a flat surface. Read the volume contained in a graduated cylinder or volumetric flask, by comparing the bottom of the meniscus (the curved surface of the liquid),at eye level, to the nearest graduation or ring.
What is the miniscus?
mEniscus is the curve or crescent of the surface on a liquid or substance and can be concave or convex. The meniscus should be taking in to account when a readings made to make precise measurements.
Where should you position your eye in order to avoid parallax error?
It should be in the same horizontal line as the meniscus of the liquid
When reading the volume of fluid in a graduated cylinder the eye should be .?
Level with the bottom of the fluid's meniscus
Why should liquid volumes be read at eye level?
Liquid volume readings should be at the bottom of the menicus or at the level of the liquid in the middle of the container. The accuracy of the reading may vary slightly with the viscosity of the liquid and the diameter of the container.
