Question 52

Place the cylinder on a level surface and read the top of the meniscus at eye level

To accurately measure liquid in a graduated cylinder, it is essential to place the cylinder on a level surface and read the top of the meniscus at eye level. This ensures that the measurement is precise and avoids parallax errors.

A) Place the cylinder on a level surface and read the top of the meniscus at eye level

This option is correct because measuring at eye level eliminates parallax error, which can occur if the observer's eye is above or below the meniscus. Additionally, reading the top of the meniscus is standard practice for measuring liquids, as it provides the most accurate reading.

B) Hold the cylinder at eye level and read the bottom of the meniscus

This option is incorrect because while holding the cylinder at eye level is good practice, reading the bottom of the meniscus is not the correct method for measuring liquids. The top of the meniscus should always be used for accuracy.

C) Hold the cylinder at eye level and read the top of the meniscus

Although this option correctly suggests reading the top of the meniscus, it lacks the essential step of placing the cylinder on a level surface. Holding the cylinder can lead to inaccuracies due to tilting, thus making this option incomplete.

D) Place the cylinder on a level surface and read the bottom of the meniscus at eye level

This option is incorrect because, while it includes placing the cylinder on a level surface, it incorrectly suggests reading the bottom of the meniscus. The top of the meniscus should be used to ensure accurate liquid measurement.

Conclusion

Option A is definitively the correct procedure for measuring liquid in a graduated cylinder, as it combines both the necessary stable positioning and the correct method of reading the meniscus. All other options either misinterpret the proper reading point or neglect crucial steps, leading to potential inaccuracies in measurement.