What is the meniscus?

The meniscus refers to the curved upper surface of a liquid in a container, particularly when that liquid is in a tube or graduated cylinder. This curvature occurs due to surface tension and the interaction between the liquid and the walls of the container. It is important to note that when measuring the volume of liquid in a graduated cylinder, the correct measurement should be taken at the bottom of the meniscus. This is essential for accuracy in laboratory measurements, as the curvature can lead to misreading the liquid volume if not accounted for correctly. Understanding the meniscus is fundamental in various scientific applications, especially in pharmacy, where precision in measuring liquid medications is critical.