1. Title: Measuring Volume
Activity 8
Title: Measuring Volume

2. Read A-32 Problem: How do you measure volume of a solid object?
Hypothesis/Initial Thoughts:

3. Unit A Vocabulary Metric System
The measuring system used by scientists and most countries other than the U.S. and United Kingdom

4. Unit A Vocabulary Volume The amount of space a material takes up
mL or cm3
1 mL = 1 cm3

5. Unit A Vocabulary Water Displacement
The amount or water that is moved (displaced).
This determines the volume of the object that caused the water to be moved.

6. How would you arrange these objects from the least to the greatest volume?
Discuss with your group.

7. Units of Measure copy this into your notebook
Common Metric Unit
Basic Unit in SI
Length
centimeter (cm)
meter (m) = 100 cm
kilometer (km) = 1000 m
meter
Mass
gram (g)
kilogram (kg) = 1000 g
kilogram
Volume
milliliter (mL) (1 mL = 1 cm3)
liter (L) = 1000 mL
cubic centimeter (cm3)
cubic meter (m3)
cubic meter
Base Unit

8. Reading a Graduated Cylinder
Make sure it is on a flat surface
Bring your eye down to the same level of the fluid’s surface.
Read the lowest point of the meniscus (the liquid’s curve)
Estimate the volume in mL if it falls between marks.

9. Reading a Metric Ruler Find cm and mm lines.
Make sure you are starting the measurement on the Zero line.
Estimate the length if it falls between marks.
Make sure your units are correct (cm or mL).

10. Significant Figures
Depends on the level of accuracy of the measuring tool
Consists of all digits know with certainty, plus one final digit

11. Measuring Length WorksheetD C B
Using the ruler provided:
15 cm
0.1 cm
The length of the pencil is:
10.5 cm
14.1 cm
10.0 cm
10.9 cm
9.2 cm

12. Measuring Volume WorksheetC A
For the 50-mL graduated cylinder:
50 mL
4 mL
0.5 mL
The amount of liquid in the containers is:
15 mL
18 mL
21 mL
31 mL
48 mL

13. Two Methods to Determine Volume
There are two methods to determine the volume of a solid object.
You will learn both methods.
Then will use your judgment to decide which method is the most appropriate to use for measuring particular objects.

14. Procedure: Remove and observe the six objects from the cup
Predict the order of the objects from least to greatest volume. Record prediction.
Watch teacher demonstration of how to measure the volume of an object using two methods:
Measurement and calculation
Water displacement

15. Prediction: Which object has the greatest volume?
Put a number under each object, ordering them from LEAST (1) to GREATEST (3)
v = l w h or s3
v = l wh
v = πr2h
r = ½ d
Your calculated value cannot be more precise than the least precise measurement

16. Method 1: Measurement and Calculation
Only works for objects that have regular shapes
Measure and calculate using the appropriate formula
Example: Measure the dimensions of the lt. gray cube
l = 2.5 cm
w = 2.5 cm
h = 2.5 cm
v = l wh
v = 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm
v = cm3
v = 15.6 cm3
Appropriate formula
Most precise measurement is tenths
tenths

17. Object Method Used Meas. Formula & Calc. Volume Light gray bar Displ.
Dark gray bar
Light gray cube
L = 2.5 cm
w = 2.5 cm
h = 2.5 cm
v = 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm
v = 15.6 cm3
Dark gray cube
Light gray cylinder
Dark gray cylinder
Your choice

18. Method 2: Water-Displacement
How much do you think the water will rise when the light gray bar is put in it?
Use a pipette to add or remove water so you can start with a convenient initial volume.
Irregular objects cannot be measured, so you must use water-displacement.
Volume = Final Volume - Initial Volume
v = vf – vi (units are mL)
vi = 30 mL ,
v = 37.5 mL – 30 mL
v = 7.5 mL
vf = 37.5 mL

19. Object
Method Used
Meas.
Formula & Calc.
Volume
Light gray bar
Displ.
vi = 30 mL
vf = 37.5 mL
v = 37.5 mL – 30 mL
v = 7.5 mL

20. 4. Divide objects into two sets, one dark grey & one light gray
4. Divide objects into two sets, one dark grey & one light gray. Each pair begins with one set.
5. Determine which method is best for determining the volume. Use both methods for lt. gray cylinder & lt. gray bar.
6. Determine volume of each and record data in your table.
7. Exchange object sets and repeat steps 5 & 6.
8. Compare your results with the other pair in your group. Repeat anything you think is inaccurate.
9. Base on you data, list the objects from least to greatest volume. Record in notebook.

21. Discussion
Were there any differences in your results for the volumes of the different objects?
What do you think caused them?
Error in measurements (reading the ruler or graduated cylinder incorrectly)
Calculation errors
Final Rankings
Which was more accurate?
Measurement and calculation because you did not have to round as closely.
Water Displacement is best for irregular objects