So I was always taught to read liquid measurements, let's say on a graduated cylinder, by using half of the meniscus. The meniscus forms a sort of U shape so I would approximate the middle of the U and read the measurement off of that.
My lab partner this quarter reads measurements from the bottom of the meniscus, that is that bottom of the U. It gets complicated when I set the reference standard of 0 using my middle meniscus readings and he reports measurements with his bottom meniscus readings, sometimes by a margin of 0.3 mL.
I gave in and have since done the labs his way.
But what is the proper way of reading liquids, meniscus wise?
My lab partner this quarter reads measurements from the bottom of the meniscus, that is that bottom of the U. It gets complicated when I set the reference standard of 0 using my middle meniscus readings and he reports measurements with his bottom meniscus readings, sometimes by a margin of 0.3 mL.
I gave in and have since done the labs his way.
But what is the proper way of reading liquids, meniscus wise?
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The laboratory standard is - and has been for decades- you read to the bottom of the meniscus. You can solve your problem very easily if you conform to accepted standards and read to the bottom of the meniscus. Your lab friend is working correctly . You are incorrect - so you must make the change in method.
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Bottom of the meniscus
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You read it from the bottom of the meniscus.