Meniscus
Key Stage 3
Meaning
A meniscus is the curved shape of the surface of a liquid when it is in a container because the liquid sticks to the edges of the container.
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| When water is in a tube the water sticks to the sides making a 'U' shape called a meniscus. This makes it difficult to read a measuring cylinder accurately. | If you are too high you will read a bigger volume than there is. In this case 48ml. | If you are too low you will read a smaller volume than there is. In this case 46ml. | When you get to 'eye level' you will read an accurate volume of water. In this case 47ml. |
References
AQA
- Meniscus, page 126, GCSE Chemistry, Hodder, AQA
- Meniscus, page 228, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy 1, Hodder, AQA