Question

The graduated cylinder is calibrated in milliliters. Determine the volume of liquid in the graduated cylinder and report it to the correct number of significant figures.

a) 20.89 mL
b) 28.95 mL
c) 29 mL
d) 30 mL

Answer 1

To measure the volume of liquid in a graduated cylinder, read the bottom of the meniscus and estimate to the nearest 0.1 mL, with the final volume having all certain digits plus one estimated digit.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the volume of liquid in a graduated cylinder, one must read the bottom of the meniscus, which is the curved surface of the liquid. In a graduated cylinder calibrated in milliliters, each mark typically represents one milliliter, and one can estimate to one tenth of a milliliter (0.1 mL) by subdividing mentally.

So, if the meniscus lies between the 21 and 22 mL markings, and is closer to the 22-mL mark, a reasonable estimate would be 21.6 mL or 21.7 mL, depending on your judgment of its position. Volume measurements are usually reported with all certain digits plus one estimated digit, which in this case would be to the tenth-place of a milliliter (0.1 mL).