Final answer:
To measure the volume of gas or liquid, align the meniscus level with the closest graduation mark, estimating as accurately as the device allows. Record the volume to the nearest 0.5 mL or one-tenth of the smallest scale division, and always consider the measuring equipment's precision.
Step-by-step explanation:
To measure the volume of gas in a syringe, one must observe the level of gas and match it to the nearest graduation mark on the syringe. If the mark falls between two graduations, you should estimate to the nearest 0.5 mL or as accurate as the measurement allows. In a situation where you are given an example to mentally subdivide the distance between marked graduations on a graduated cylinder, you would follow this same essential strategy to determine the volume of liquid, using the bottom of the meniscus as your reference point. For precise measurements, such as those made with a buret, you could measure to even finer increments, such as 0.01 mL. However, when given a syringe or graduated cylinder with divisions of 1 mL, you typically estimate to the nearest 0.1 mL, since that's one-tenth of the smallest scale division indicated.
When measuring the volume of a liquid using a graduated cylinder, you might find the meniscus level between the 21 and 22 mL markings. If the liquid's surface is about halfway between these two marks, you would report the volume as 21.5 mL. Note that there's always a degree of uncertainty in such estimates, and it's good practice to consider the finest reliable measurement that your equipment allows.
Important Steps for Volume Measurement
- Observe the level of the gas against the marked graduations.
- Estimate between graduations to the nearest 0.5 mL or as finely as possible.
- Use the bottom of the meniscus for the most accurate reading in liquids.
- Always consider device-specific margin of error and measurement precision.