LAB #3 – Measurement: Volume

Introduction

Volume is the amount of space occupied by matter - solid, liquid, or gas. Objects occupy space within a gas, liquid or even within a solid.  We measure volume in units of mL for liquids and cm³ for solids. 

Problem                              

●        A: How can we find the volume of a rectangular object? 

●        B: How can we find the volume of an irregularly shaped object?

Hypothesis

A:

B.

Materials

A: Rectangular shaped objects

B: Irregular shaped objects

A: Ruler

B: Graduated cylinder

Procedure A

 1) Use a metric ruler to measure the dimensions of your rectangular objects; measure to the nearest tenth (0.1) cm.
 2) Calculate the volume in cm³ of your rectangular object by multiplying the length (cm) times the width (cm) times the height (cm). V = L x W x H
 3) Record your measurements in the data table.

Results

Data Table: Volume of rectangular objects
        

Object	length (cm)	width (cm)	height (cm)	Volume (cm3)
A
B
C
D

Procedure B

Use a graduated cylinder to measure the volume of an irregular shaped solid. 

1. Fill the graduated cylinder to 50 mL or 25 mL (depending on the size of graduated cylinder you have) and record this into your notebook.

2. Carefully drop the object in on an angle.

3. Subtract your initial volume from the new water level.

    Results

     1.   New Volume ------------à        _____mL

   Initial Volume ------------à        _____mL

Volume of irregularly shaped object: _______mL

     2.   New Volume ------------à        _____mL

   Initial Volume ------------à        _____mL

Volume of irregularly shaped object: _______mL

  

Analysis

1) What is volume?

2) A. Why would a scientist measure volume?  B. Give two examples of a situation in which a scientist would measure the volume of a liquid.  C. Give two examples of a situation in which a scientist would measure the volume of a solid. 

3) Where do you encounter volume on a day to day basis? 

4) How does understanding volume assist you in your life?

5) If you wanted to measure the volume of an irregular shaped object, what is the name of the device you would use?

6) One side of a cube is 5 cm long; what is its volume? (Don’t forget units!)

7) How are cubic centimeters and milliliters related?

  

Conclusion