Final answer:
Each small tick mark on a graduated cylinder represents 0.1 mL if the large tick marks are spaced 1 mL apart. To read the volume, estimate the position of the meniscus relative to these divisions, understanding that each small tick is one-tenth of a milliliter.
Step-by-step explanation:
When using a magnifying glass to view the waterline in a graduated cylinder, you can determine the volume of liquid by looking at the position of the meniscus relative to the marked divisions. If the large tick marks on the graduated cylinder represent 1 mL each, then the small tick marks, which you need to divide mentally, represent 0.1 mL. This is because the scale on the cylinder allows for measuring to the nearest tenth of the smallest division, assuming the division is marked at 1-mL intervals.
As an example, if the meniscus is located between the 21 mL and 22 mL marks and appears to be closest to the 22 mL mark, you would estimate the volume as 21.6 mL, where the '21' is certain and the '.6' is an estimate based on how many small tick marks past 21 mL the meniscus sits. Each small tick mark represents an increment of 0.1 mL. Remember, in reading graduated cylinders, it is customary to estimate one digit beyond the smallest marked division, giving the final volume reading as a value such as 19.9 mL, with the '9' in the tenths place being an estimate.