Volume is the amount of space
an object occupies. The volume of an object
can be calculated geometrically using mathematical equations or by measuring liquid
displacement. In the experiment below you will measure
the volume of a cube using the formula V=(side)x(side)x(side) and by using a graduated
cylinder to measure liquid displacement. Case
I. Finding volume geometrically.
What is the volume of the metal cube shown here (to
the nearest tenth of a cm)?
Note:The side
of the cube is approximately 3.1 centimeters. How many inches does this convert
to (use 2.54 cm. = 1 inch)? A calculator is available to the right.
Case
II. Measuring Volume using a graduated cylinder.
It is also possible to find the volume of an object
by measuring the volume of water that it displaces. What
will happen when we lower the above metal block slowly into a graduated cylinder
containing water?
What
was the amount of water displaced by the object? BeforeAfter Please enter your
answer in the space provided. If you need a calculator one is available. to
the right.
Notice that both methods give fairly accurate values
for the volume of the cube. Why are the volumes not exactly the same for the two
methods used? What are some factors that will determine the accuracy of your measurements?
How does the volume of a cube vary with the
area of one of its surfaces? With the length of one side of the cube?Type
in any value for length and then click on one of the other boxes.
Please
continue to the next chapter! Please
continue to the next chapter on density
Or search for more specific information on
Mass -- Density -- Volume
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