Discover how to measure the volume of irregularly shaped objects using water displacement.
Select an object and observe how the water level changes to reveal the object's volume!
Initial Volume: 50 mL
Displaced Volume: 0 mL
Observation:
The stone displaced 25 mL of water, revealing its volume is 25 cm³.
The Displacement Method
How It Works:
Measure initial water volume (V₁)
Submerge the object completely
Measure new water volume (V₂)
Calculate volume: V_object = V₂ - V₁
Example Calculation:
Initial Volume = 50 mL
Final Volume = 75 mL
Object Volume = 75 mL - 50 mL = 25 mL = 25 cm³
Key Concepts:
1 mL of water = 1 cm³ of volume
Works for any irregularly shaped object
Object must be fully submerged
No complex measurements needed
Historical Note:
Archimedes famously used this method to verify the purity of a gold crown, discovering the principle while bathing.
Real-world Applications:
Geology: Measuring rock and mineral volumes
Manufacturing: Quality control for irregular parts
