What might be the consequence of not aligning your eye level with the meniscus?

Not aligning your eye level with the meniscus can lead to measurement distortion. The meniscus is the curved surface of a liquid in a container, often seen in a graduated cylinder. When your eye is not level with the meniscus, it can create a parallax error, which is the discrepancy that occurs when viewing the liquid level from an angle rather than straight on. This angle can cause you to misread the actual level of the liquid, resulting in either overestimating or underestimating the volume. Accurate measurements are crucial in scientific experiments, as they can affect the outcomes and interpretations of data. Therefore, proper alignment with the meniscus helps ensure that measurements are as precise as possible, avoiding errors that could lead to incorrect conclusions.