Measuring Tools for Solid Objects
Solid objects are defined as entities with fixed shapes and volumes. They can be categorized based on their shape into two main types: regular-shaped and irregular-shaped solids.
Regular-Shaped Solids
The volume of regular-shaped solids can be determined by measuring their three dimensions, followed by calculations using established volume formulas. For example, the volume of a cube can be calculated by measuring its length, width, and height, with the volume being the product of these dimensions.
Irregular-Shaped Solids
To measure the volume of irregular-shaped solids, the displacement method is commonly employed, utilizing a graduated cylinder as follows:
- Fill the graduated cylinder with a known quantity of water and record the water level using the scale on the cylinder.
- Submerge the solid object whose volume you want to measure into the cylinder, then take a new reading of the water level.
- Subtract the initial water level from the new water level reading.
- The difference in the water levels indicates the volume of the irregular-shaped solid.
Tools for Measuring Liquid Volume
Although liquids adopt the shape of their container, they maintain a consistent volume. Measuring instruments for liquids are typically made from glass or plastic, and occasionally from metal. Scientists and chemists, in particular, use a variety of glassware for volume measurements. The specific type of glassware selected for measuring liquid volume primarily depends on two factors: the required volume and the measurement precision. Some examples of such instruments include:
- Burette
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Graduated Cylinder
- Syringes and Pipettes
- Volumetric Flask
Tools for Measuring Gas Volume
Gas is known as one of the three states of matter, consisting of particles that do not have a fixed shape or volume. Gases can be composed of single element atoms such as hydrogen or argon, compounds like carbon dioxide, or mixtures such as air and natural gas. One essential method for measuring gas volume involves water displacement, which follows several steps outlined below:
- Fill a balloon with a specific amount of gas by placing the balloon over the gas supply and securing it.
- Prepare two containers of different sizes, placing the smaller container inside the larger one.
- Fill the smaller container to the brim with water, ensuring that the larger container remains completely dry.
- Position the balloon over the filled smaller container and push it down with a flat object until it is fully submerged, which will cause some water to spill into the larger container. It is important to note that the volume of water displaced from the smaller to the larger container corresponds to the volume of gas contained in the balloon.