Final answer:
The 10 mL graduated cylinder will provide the most precise measurement of 8 mL of water due to its finer gradations and lower level of uncertainty compared to the other options given.
Step-by-step explanation:
When measuring a specific volume of liquid, the precision is determined by how finely a measuring tool is marked. In this case, we're comparing the precision for measuring 8 mL of water using three types of glassware: a 10 mL graduated cylinder, a 100 mL graduated cylinder, and a 100 mL beaker.
The 10 mL graduated cylinder will typically have more finely marked increments (often 0.1 mL or 0.2 mL), allowing for a more precise measurement of 8 mL. The small graduations make it easier to determine the level of the liquid, especially when looking at where the bottom of the meniscus falls. Given that each mark represents a smaller volume, the uncertainty is less than in larger devices.
A 100 mL graduated cylinder will have larger increments because it is designed to measure larger volumes. While it's still possible to measure 8 mL with this cylinder, the estimated division between marks will be larger, hence a higher uncertainty in comparison to a 10 mL cylinder.
The 100 mL beaker is generally the least precise instrument for measuring liquid volumes because the marks are even more widely spaced than on a graduated cylinder. Beakers are typically used for rough measurements and mixing solutions rather than for precise volume determination.
Therefore, for the most precise measurement of 8 mL of water, the 10 mL graduated cylinder is the best choice due to its finer gradations and lower level of uncertainty.