Notes on Volume Compiled by Woodruff
Volume: The amount of 3- dimensional space an object takes up.
Measured in three dimensions.
What units are used to measure volume? The volume of a liquid is measured in milliliters (mL) or liters (L). The volume of solids are measured in cubic centimeters ( ) or cubic meters ( ).
How to find the volume of a solid object: Regular object (rectangular prism) = L x W x D Irregular object = the displacement of water in a graduated cylinder.
Graduated cylinder: A tool used to find the volume of liquids. The word graduated means that it has even markings for measuring.
Using a graduated cylinder: To read a graduated cylinder, you make your reading from the bottom of the meniscus at eye level. Meniscus- the curved upper surface of a column of a liquid.
Using a graduated cylinder: 1.Put on safety goggles. 2.Place the graduated cylinder on a flat, level surface. 3.Move your head so you are eye level with the surface of the liquid. 4.Read the volume of the liquid from the bottom of the meniscus.
Picture of meniscus
Read at eye level
What is the volume of the liquid?
Displacement of water: A method used to find the volume of irregular objects using a graduated cylinder and water.
Steps (displacement of water): 1.Measure the volume of a liquid in a graduated cylinder. Record data. 2.Carefully place the irregular object in the cylinder, note the new volume of water. Record data. 3.Calculate the volume of the irregular object (subtract the two volume measurements). 4.Always use the smallest graduated cylinder possible
Why does the displacement of water work for finding the volume of a solid object? Because: Therefore, once you calculate the volume of an object in mL (milliliters), it is very easy to convert to cubic centimeters ( ).
Volume of rock: 40mL – 20mL = 20mL Because, the volume of the rock is 20 Starting volume of water: 20 mL Volume after addition of rock: 40 mL