Question E.2: Reporting the Correct Number of Digits The graduated cylinde...
Reporting the Correct Number of Digits
The graduated cylinder shown here has markings every 0.1 mL. Report the volume (which is read at the bottom of the meniscus) to the correct number of digits. (Note: The meniscus is the crescentshaped surface at the top of a column of liquid.)
Since the bottom of the meniscus is between the 4.5 and 4.6 mL markings, mentally divide the space between the markings into 10 equal spaces and estimate the next digit. In this case, the result is 4.57 mL.
What if you estimated a little differently and wrote 4.56 mL? In general, a one-unit difference in the last digit is acceptable because the last digit is estimated and different people might estimate it slightly differently. However, if you wrote 4.63 mL, you would have misreported the measurement.