Measuring Volume

What is Volume? Volume is defined as the amount of space something takes up. SI units for volume is the liter (L) Other units to use are milliliter (mL) and cubic centimeters (cm3). 1000 mL = 1 L 1 mL = 1 cm3

Ways to Find Volume 3 Ways to Find Volume Liquids Irregular Shaped Objects Regular Shaped Objects

Finding Volume of Liquids Graduated Cylinders are often used to find the volume of liquids. Graduated Cylinders are long and cylindrical making it easy to find volume. A curve is created by the liquid when in a graduated cylinder known as a meniscus.

Finding Volume of Liquids 4 Steps to reading a graduated cylinder. Place it on a flat surface. Read at eye level. Read at the bottom of the meniscus. Identify the units on the graduated cylinder.

Volume of Liquids Reading a Meniscus

Measuring Volume by Water Displacement Used for irregular shaped objects Select a graduated cylinder large enough to put the object in Add enough water to completely cover the object. Record the volume.

Adding Object SLOWLY add the object to be measured Read the new level of the water The water will rise an amount equal to the volume of the object

What not to do

Here’s what the cylinder should look like

Do the math Final volume of water – original volume of water = volume of object 22.5 mL - 17.4 mL =  5.1 mL Therefore, the volume of the object by displacement is 5.1 mL

Volume of Regular Shaped Objects Rectangular Prisms Triangular Prisms Spheres Cylinders Use the correct equation to solve. We will only be using rectangular prisms V = L x W x H

Examples