Final answer:
The meniscus is the curved surface of a liquid in a container. It can be concave if adhesive forces dominate, as in water, or convex if cohesive forces are stronger, as in mercury. Meniscus shape is important for accurate volume measurement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term meniscus refers to the upper surface of a liquid in a tube which can take on various shapes. The shape of menisci can be influenced by the interaction between cohesive forces within the liquid and adhesive forces between the liquid and container. When adhesive forces are stronger, as in the case of water in a glass tube, the meniscus is concave. Conversely, if cohesive forces are dominant, such as with mercury in a glass tube, the meniscus is convex. These shapes are important when measuring liquid volumes, ensuring precision by reading the bottom of the concave meniscus or the top of the convex meniscus at eye level.