Final answer:
To accurately measure the volume of a liquid using a graduated cylinder, one should read the liquid level at the bottom of the meniscus, estimating to the nearest tenth of a milliliter.
Step-by-step explanation:
When measuring the volume of liquid in a graduated cylinder, the correct method is to read the measurement at eye level by looking at the bottom of the meniscus. The meniscus is the curve formed by the liquid in response to the walls of the container, due to surface tension. It is important to ensure that the cylinder is level and that your eye is at the level of the top of the liquid when making this observation.
If, for example, the bottom of the meniscus lies between the 21 and 22 mL marks, then the liquid volume is greater than 21 mL but less than 22 mL. By estimating where the meniscus falls in relation to these marks, you can determine a more precise volume, often to the nearest 0.1 mL. Referencing an illustration like FIGURE 1.26, if the bottom of the meniscus is closer to the 22-mL mark, one might estimate the volume to be around 21.6 mL. The digit 6 is an estimate and represents a tenths place that is uncertain, thereby rendering any estimation beyond this point (i.e., to the hundredths place) as pointless.