Why is it important to read a volume measurement using a graduated cylinder at eye level on the lab bench top verse just holding it in your hand? explain your reasoning in detail

Measuring with a graduated cylinder is complicated somewhat by a meniscus.  A meniscus is the curvature of the surface of the water.  Water "sticks" to the walls of the graduated cylinder, but only on the sides and not the middle.  

Answerthe half-reaction having the greatest tendency to occur at the anode:     i₂(aq) + 2e⁻  ⇄ 2i⁻  ;   e = +0.53 v======oxidation occurs at the anode. we must therefore find the half-reaction with the greatest tendency to oxidize.the given values of e are reduction potentials (the form of the half-reactions are of reduction).the lower the reduction potential, the higher the potential to oxidize. the half-cell with the lowest reduction potential will have the greatest tendency to oxidize at the anode.the half-reaction having the greatest tendency must be    i₂(aq) + 2e⁻  ⇄ 2i⁻    e = +0.53 vbecause its reduction potential is the lowest out of the three.