Measuring Cylinder

Published: 01 Aug 2026

Interactive Measuring Cylinder Lab

Class 9 Physics · Read a meniscus, avoid parallax error, and measure an irregular solid by water displacement.

Controls

Correct practice: keep the eye horizontally level with the meniscus.
Tap a part name to highlight it.
Cylinder capacity100 mL
Least count1 mL
Correct reading64 mL
Meniscus ruleRead bottom
Eye positionEye level
Apparent reading64 mL
How to take the reading

    Irregular Solid Controls

    The object must be fully submerged, and it should not dissolve or react with the liquid.
    Initial volume, V₁40 mL
    Final volume, V₂58 mL
    Volume of object18 cm³
    Water displacement calculation
      Read the correct part of the meniscus at eye level and use the scale divisions.

      Practice Question

      What is a measuring cylinder?

      A measuring cylinder is a graduated container used to measure the volume of a liquid more accurately than an ordinary beaker.

      Least count

      Least count = difference between two numbered marks ÷ number of small divisions

      Every reading should be reported according to the smallest scale division.

      Reading the meniscus

      • Water and most liquids form a concave meniscus: read the bottom.
      • Mercury forms a convex meniscus: read the top.
      • Keep your eye level with the meniscus to avoid parallax error.

      Water displacement

      Volume of irregular solid = final volume − initial volume
      1 mL = 1 cm³

      Good measuring technique

      • Place the cylinder upright on a level surface.
      • Do not hold it in your hand while reading.
      • Wait until the liquid becomes still.
      • Record the unit with the numerical value.

      Common mistakes

      • Reading from above or below the meniscus.
      • Using the top of a concave meniscus.
      • Ignoring the least count.
      • Forgetting to subtract the initial volume in displacement.
      Muhammad Jawad Avatar
      Muhammad Jawad
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