When measuring liquids, how should you read the measurement on the cup?

When measuring liquids, how should you read the measurement on the cup?

• A. Read from the top
• B. View at eye level
• C. Read from the side
• D. Estimate

Answer: (B)

To measure liquids accurately, you read at eye level to avoid parallax errors. The liquid surface in a measuring cup forms a slight curve called a meniscus, so the correct reading is taken at the bottom of that curve where it meets the measurement marks. If you look from above or from the side, your line of sight shifts and can make the liquid appear higher or lower than it really is. Estimating is less reliable than using the precise marks, so rely on the bottom of the meniscus at your eye level. Place the cup on a flat surface and read the value where the curve intersects the scale.

To measure liquids accurately, you read at eye level to avoid parallax errors. The liquid surface in a measuring cup forms a slight curve called a meniscus, so the correct reading is taken at the bottom of that curve where it meets the measurement marks. If you look from above or from the side, your line of sight shifts and can make the liquid appear higher or lower than it really is. Estimating is less reliable than using the precise marks, so rely on the bottom of the meniscus at your eye level. Place the cup on a flat surface and read the value where the curve intersects the scale.