Question

How do you measure the volume of irregular solids using a measuring cylinder?

Answer 1

• Take a measuring cylinder and fill almost half of it with water. Record the volume of water. 
• Let us assume it is “a” cm³ (or “a” ml).

• Now tie a small irregular solid (stone) with a fine cotton thread. 
• Put the solid gently into the water in the cylinder so that it is completely immersed in water. 
• We notice that the level of water in the measuring cylinder rises as the stone displaces water equal to its own volume. 
• Record the new volume of water. Let us assume that it is “b” ml. 
• Now the volume of stone will be the difference between the second volume and the first volume i.e volume of the stone = (b – a) cm³ .