Volume of a Liquid Graduated Cylinder

In order to measure the volume of a liquid, we use a tool known as a Graduated Cylinder. This is a
container that has volume measurements marked on it. A graduated cylinder measures volume using the
units mL (milliliters) or L (liters). These units also represent 3-dimensional space. A beaker also measures
volume of a liquid, but it is not as precise as a graduated cylinder.


Volume of an Irregular Shape - Displacement
About 2000 years ago, a Greek scientist named Archimedes (ahr-kuh-MEE-deez) made an
interesting observation. He stepped into a bathtub full of water and noticed that the water level rose. Some
of the water spilled over the edge of the tub. What Archimedes observed was that when objects are placed in
water, they make the water level rise. The water level rises because water is pushed out of the way by the
object. The amount of water that an object pushes out of the way is called its displacement (dis-PLAYS-
muhnt). The amount of water that is displaced is equal to the volume of the object.




Measuring Volume of an Irregular Solid

Rock Quarter Binder Clip
Starting Volume
Ending Volume
Volume of Object

50g weight Chalk Key
Starting Volume
Ending Volume
Volume of Object


Review Questions
1. What is the definition of volume?


2. Why is a graduated cylinder better at measuring volume than a beaker?


3. Why is it important to keep the graduated cylinder on a flat surface when reading the meniscus?


4. Why does the water level go up when a solid object is placed in a container of water?


5. Explain how you would find the volume of each of the following objects: a) glass of milk, b) box of
cereal, c) hairbrush