Question

A student uses a graduated cylinder to measure a volume of water. The student incorrectly reports that 25 milliliters of water are in the graduated cylinder. How should the student report the correct measurement?

A) change the unit of measurement to kilograms
B) change the unit of measurement to centimeters
C) read the volume at the lowest point of the curved water surface
D) read the volume while the water is moving in the graduated cylinder

Answer 1

The student should correct the volume measurement by reading the level of water at the bottom of the meniscus in the graduated cylinder, which provides the most accurate reading in milliliters. Therefore, the correct option is C.

Step-by-step explanation:

To report the correct measurement of the volume of water in a graduated cylinder, the student should read the volume at the bottom of the meniscus, which is the lowest point of the curved water surface. When using a graduated cylinder, it's important to mentally subdivide the markings if needed and then make a reading (estimate) at the bottom of the meniscus. This technique ensures an accurate measure of volume, which in the case of liquids in the lab, is usually reported in milliliters (mL).

A common mistake is to read the volume at the top of the meniscus or while the liquid is moving; this will not provide an accurate measurement. The correct answer to the student's question is option C: read the volume at the lowest point of the curved water surface.