G3 Measuring Matter – Mass, Volume and Temperature_03
Volume
Anything that has matter takes up space. Large things take up more space than small things. Scientists refer to this as volume. Volume is how much space an object takes up. Do you know how it can be measured?
There are two ways to find the volume of an object. Items with straight sides can be measured.
The term cubic means the object looks like a cube. Cubes have a length, width, and height. In a cube, the volume can be found by using math. Simply multiply the length, width, and height. The common unit is the cubic meter (m3).
Some objects do not look like a cube. A liquid can even change its shape. It can take the shape of its container. Other objects are solid but do not have straight sides. Neither can be measured with a ruler. You will need another way. You will need a special tool.
These tools use a different unit of measure. This measure is called the Liter (L). Small amounts are measured in the milliliters (mL). This tool is called a graduated cylinder. So how is it used?
To find the volume of a liquid is easy. The sides of the cylinder have tiny marks. It works just like a ruler. Simply pour the liquid in the cylinder. See how high it goes. Some objects are not cubic. How can you find the volume of those objects? The method below shows you how.
What is the volume of the water alone? (Answer 20.0 mL) What is the volume of the water and the rock? (Answer 23.0 mL) What is the difference in the two amounts? (Answer 23.0 mL – 20.0 mL = 3.0 mL)