What is the term for the curve at the upper surface of a liquid caused by surface tension?

The term that describes the curve at the upper surface of a liquid, which occurs due to surface tension, is known as a meniscus. The meniscus forms as a result of the cohesive forces between the molecules of the liquid and their adhesive forces with the surface of the container. When a liquid is placed in a container, the molecules at the surface experience a net inward pull due to surface tension, causing the liquid to curve up or down at the edges depending on the interactions with the container material. This curvature is significant in various applications, such as in accurate measurement of liquid volumes in lab settings, where the lowest point of the meniscus should be read for precision.

Convection refers to the movement within a fluid caused by the warmer, less dense portions rising and the cooler, denser portions sinking, which does not relate to the shape of a liquid's surface. Adhesion refers to the attraction between different substances, such as a liquid and a solid surface, but it isn't the specific term describing the curved shape itself. Surface layer is a vague term and does not point to the specific phenomenon of liquid surface curvature due to tension. Therefore, calling it a meniscus specifically identifies the effect created by the molecules at the liquid's surface.