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Measurement - Volume. Volume. Volume is how much space an object or substance inhabits. To measure the volume of a solid (a substance that has a fixed shape and size), you measure the height, width, and length of the solid and multiply them together.
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Volume • Volume is how much space an object or substance inhabits. • To measure the volume of a solid (a substance that has a fixed shape and size), you measure the height, width, and length of the solid and multiply them together. • This only works nicely if the solid is a cube or has a rectangular face on every side.
English vs Metric • The volume of liquids is measured in the English units of ounce (oz.), cup (c), pint (pt), quart (qt), and gallon (gal). • In the laboratory, the metric units of milliliter (mL) and liter (L) are used most often. • There are 1000mL in one L. Also, one mL is equal to one cubic centimeter (cm3 or cc).
Measuring Liquid • Always measure a liquid at the bottom of the meniscus. • A meniscus is formed because the liquid, water in particular, has an attraction for its container. • The smaller the diameter of the measuring device, the more the liquid creeps up the side. The very bottom of the curve, or meniscus, is where the measurement should be taken. • The dotted line indicates where the measurement should be taken.
Measuring Liquid • You should also place the beaker or cylinder down on a flat surface and then lower yourself so that the liquid you are measuring is at your eye level. • If you have to look down at the beaker or cylinder to read the measurement, it will appear that the liquid is lower than it actually is. • If you hold the beaker or cylinder above your head, the liquid will appear to be higher than it really is. • If you hold the measuring device in your hand you might accidentally tilt it one way or the other and thereby cause a faulty reading.