graduated cylinder why numbers going up on one side and down on the other side
The numbers on a graduated cylinder are used to measure the volume of a liquid. They go up on one side and down on the other side because the cylinder is designed to be read from either orientation.
To understand how to read the volume, let's take an example of a typical graduated cylinder. It has a narrow cylindrical shape, a flat bottom, and a spout at the top. The volume is measured in milliliters (ml) or cubic centimeters (cm³).
When you pour a liquid into the graduated cylinder, the liquid surface forms a curved shape known as a meniscus due to surface tension. The meniscus is important because you need to properly determine its position to get an accurate measurement.
To read the volume, bring your eye to the level of the liquid and align it with the bottom of the meniscus. The meniscus typically looks like a curve, with the center lower than the outer edges. If the liquid is water, the center of the meniscus will appear higher than the outer edges.
Now, observe the scale on the graduated cylinder. The numbers increase as you move up on one side of the cylinder and decrease as you move down on the other side. This allows you to obtain accurate measurements regardless of which side you are reading from.
To read the volume accurately, note the number that aligns with the bottom of the meniscus. Read the whole number closest to the water level and also estimate the measurement to one decimal place between the lines for a more precise value.
Remember to consider the units on the graduated cylinder, whether it's milliliters or cubic centimeters, and record the reading accordingly.
So, the numbers going up on one side and down on the other side of a graduated cylinder allow for accurate measurement of liquids regardless of which orientation you use.