Erin believes she has devised a way to make easy measurements of liquids in a graduated cylinder. She takes the volume reading from the top of the meniscus and a volume reading from the very bottom of the meniscus, and then she averages these readings. Explain why this method is flawed.

Question

nvidiaintely · Answer

@kittiwitti1

kittiwitti1 · Answer

MEOW

kittiwitti1 · Answer

As far as I know this method does not work. I will have to get back to you on why though

nvidiaintely · Answer

Okay, could you get back to me on why? lol

kevin · Answer

She don't need to average it.
She just need to find the difference between the top of the meniscus and the very bottom of the meniscus.

kittiwitti1 · Answer

You don't average or subtract anything regarding the meniscus...

kittiwitti1 · Answer

http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-a-meniscus-definition-uses-lab-examples.html

kittiwitti1 · Answer

Alright, I've found the answer: To measure the volume of a liquid in a graduated cylinder, read the level at the BOTTOM or the meniscus. Since the water "hugs" the cylinder, it sort of creeps up on the sides (see adhesive force above), if you account for the higher mark you are making a mistake, you are reading water creep on the side of the cylinder. Read the BOTTOM of the meniscus. source: https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20120120115739AAJgG5M

kittiwitti1 · Answer

basically: "the water clings to the sides so you are not actually measuring the water level at the top of the meniscus"

nvidiaintely · Answer

Okay, thanks Kitti!
Thanks Kevin!

kittiwitti1 · Answer

np. Here is another clarification link though: http://chemistry.about.com/od/chemistrylabexperiments/qt/meniscus.htm

nvidiaintely · Answer

Thanks!
Great research.
You found that fast :P

kevin · Answer

yw :)