Final answer:
The most accurate method to measure volume in a graduated cylinder is by ensuring the cylinder is level and by reading the volume at the bottom of the meniscus while at eye level with it.
Step-by-step explanation:
Accurately Measuring Volume in a Graduated Cylinder
When measuring the volume of a liquid in a graduated cylinder, it is crucial to use the correct technique to ensure an accurate reading. The proper method involves reading the volume at the bottom of the meniscus, which is the curved surface of the liquid.
To achieve the most accurate measurement, one should ensure the graduated cylinder is level, and the eye should be positioned at the same height as the meniscus. This eliminates any parallax error that might occur if the reading is taken from above or below the meniscus level.
In practice, the liquid in the graduated cylinder will form a meniscus due to the surface tension between the liquid and the container. When viewed from eye level, the bottom of the meniscus gives the most accurate reading of the liquid's volume.
If we refer to Figure 1.26, it becomes evident that the bottom of the meniscus is between the 21 and 22 mL marks, which suggests that we can confidently estimate the volume to the nearest 0.1 mL, depending on the scale of the cylinder.
Therefore, the most accurate way to measure volume in a graduated cylinder is to: D. Be at eye level with the meniscus and read the volume at the lowest point of the meniscus. This ensures that we are considering the inherent properties of liquid measurement and the precision allowed by the instrument itself.