Volume
Volume is how much space an object takes up.
Common units include litres (L), millilitres (mL), and cubic metres (cm^3).
We commonly use mL and L to meaure liquids, while cm^3 and dm^3 to measure solids and gases.
Common Conversions
Couple of units that are equivalent to each other:
1 L = 1 dm^3 = 1000 cm^3 = 1000 mL
1mL = 1 cm^3
Conceptual Understanding
For some people that aren't clear with this: If you take a 1 cm^3 box and pour in enough liquid that fills the box completely, then that liquid will have a volume of 1mL.
If you take a 1 dm^3 box, or 1000 cm^3 and pour in enough liquid that fills the box completely, then that liquid will have a volume of 1 L.
Calculation
1) Regular Solids
If you get a three-dimensional shape, to find its volume, find its dimensions first. Dimensions can be found by measuring each side with a ruler, then multiplying all three lengths together.
This can also be accomplished by finding the base area first, then multiplying it by its height.
(Useful for solids like triangular prisms)
2) Liquids
For liquids, simply use a measuring cylinder or burette (more accurate). Fill the device and read the level at eye level. This should be common sense!
3) Irregular Solids
Fill a measuring cylinder or measuring container with a set amount of liquid. Then, place the irregular solid into the liquid and measure the change in liquid level i.e. the displacement.
3) Gases
Volume of gases can be measured by displacement or with a balloon by trapping the gas into a sphere and measuring the volume of the sphere. These methods are just some types and are by no means a comprehensive guide on measuring volume! In reality, there are lots of ways to measure the volume of a substance or object!
