Assume that you have two graduated cylinders, one with a capacity of 5 mL (a) and the other with a capacity of 50 mL (b). Draw a line in each, showing how much liquid you would add if you needed to measure 2.64 mL of water. Which cylinder will give the more accurate measurement? Explain.

Key Concepts

Graduated Cylinder Accuracy

Graduated cylinders are designed to measure liquid volumes accurately. The accuracy of a graduated cylinder depends on its size and the smallest division marked on it. A smaller cylinder, like the 5 mL one, typically has finer graduations, allowing for more precise measurements compared to a larger cylinder with broader divisions.

Meniscus Reading

When measuring liquid in a graduated cylinder, the meniscus, or the curve of the liquid's surface, must be read at eye level. The correct reading is taken at the bottom of the meniscus, which can help avoid parallax errors. This technique is crucial for ensuring that the measurement is as accurate as possible.

Volume Measurement Precision

Precision in volume measurement refers to the ability to consistently reproduce a measurement. In this context, using a 5 mL graduated cylinder to measure 2.64 mL will yield a more precise result than using a 50 mL cylinder, as the smaller cylinder's scale allows for finer adjustments and reduces the relative error in the measurement.