Grade 7 → Measurement and units ↓
Measuring the Volume of Regular and Irregular Objects
Volume is a measure of how much space an object occupies. Understanding volume in physics is essential because it helps us measure the amount of matter in physical space. In grade 7 physics, students learn about the basic techniques used to measure the volume of both regular and irregular objects.
Measuring the volume of regular objects
Regular objects are those that have a definite geometric shape. Examples include cubes, rectangular prisms, cylinders, spheres, and more. The key to measuring the volume of these objects is to use mathematical formulas derived from their geometric properties.
Volume of a cube
A cube has equal sides, so you can easily find its volume by measuring the length of one side and cubing it. The formula for a cube with side length s is:
Volume = s × s × s = s³
Suppose we have a cube with a side of 3 cm. The volume will be calculated as follows:
Volume = 3 cm × 3 cm × 3 cm = 27 cm³
Volume of a rectangular prism
A rectangular prism has different length, width, and height. The volume formula is:
Volume = length × width × height
For example, the volume of a prism with dimensions 4 cm (length), 3 cm (width) and 2 cm (height) will be:
Volume = 4 cm × 3 cm × 2 cm = 24 cm³
Volume of a cylinder
For a cylinder, the volume is calculated using the radius and height. The formula is:
Volume = π × radius² × height
Let's find the volume of a cylinder with a radius of 2 cm and a height of 5 cm:
Volume = π × (2 cm)² × 5 cm = π × 4 cm² × 5 cm = 20π cm³
Measuring the volume of irregular objects
Irregular objects have no definite geometric shape, making them more challenging to measure directly. Instead, we use the water displacement method to determine their volume.
Water displacement method
The water displacement method involves submerging an object in water and measuring the amount of water it displaces. This method is based on Archimedes' principle, which states that the amount of water displaced by an object is equal to the volume of the object.
- Fill a graduated cylinder with a known quantity of water.
- Submerge the irregular object in the water. Make sure it is completely submerged.
- Record the new water level.
- Subtract the initial water volume from the new water volume to find the volume of the object.
Let's look at an example:
Initial water level: 50 ml
New water level: 70 ml
Volume of object = New water level - Initial water level = 70 ml - 50 ml = 20 ml
Using these techniques, you can easily measure the volume of both regular and irregular objects. Understanding these measurements is important for observing physical properties and engaging in a variety of scientific and engineering applications.
Practical considerations
When measuring volume, especially for irregular objects, be aware of the following potential challenges:
- Make sure the item does not dissolve or react with water.
- Make sure all air bubbles are removed when submerging the object in the water.
Sample practice
Let's practice some problems:
- Find the volume of a rectangular prism of dimensions 5 cm, 3 cm and 6 cm.
- Determine the volume of a sphere with a radius of 4 cm using the formula:
Volume = (4/3)π × radius³
3. Use the water displacement method to find the volume of an object if the water level in a graduated cylinder rises from 60 ml to 85 ml after submerging the object.
Conclusion
Knowing how to measure volume is a fundamental skill in science. It allows you to accurately measure space, which is essential for many practical applications and theoretical explorations. By mastering these techniques and understanding the principles behind them, students gain a better understanding of the physical world around them.