Volume is the quantity of three-dimensional space enclosed by a body or contained in a container. It applies to solids, liquids, and gases, indicating how much space they occupy.
- Volume measures space, not weight or mass.
- Used in diverse fields: science, engineering, cooking, packaging, and more.
Common Units of Volume
Volume units differ for liquids, solids, and gases, but all measure spatial capacity.
| Substance | Units | Abbreviation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liquids | Liter, Milliliter | L, mL | 1 L = 1,000 mL |
| Solids | Cubic meter, Cubic centimeter | m³, cm³ | 1 m³ = 1,000,000 cm³ |
| Gases | Liter, Cubic meter | L, m³ | Gases expand/contract with temp |
- SI unit for volume: cubic meter (m³)
- 1 liter = 1,000 cubic centimeters (cm³) = 1 dm³
The SI unit for volume is the cubic meter (m³).
Liters and milliliters are commonly used to measure the volume of liquids.
Volume is important in cooking, engineering, packaging, and science.
Measuring Volume
- Liquids: Measured with graduated cylinders, measuring cups, or flow meters.
- Solids: Calculated (L×W×H for regular shapes) or measured by displacement for irregular shapes.
- Gases: Measured in containers with known volume, using pressure and temperature for calculations.
An irregular solid's volume is measured by water displacement.
Solids' volume is measured using formulas or water displacement.
A graduated cylinder is most commonly used for precise liquid volume measurements.
Volume Formula for a Rectangular Prism
For a box-shaped (rectangular) solid:
Volume = Length × Width × Height
- Measured in cubic units (e.g., cm³, m³).
The volume of a rectangular prism is Length × Width × Height.
Volume from dimensions is expressed in cubic units like cm³ or m³.
Conclusion
Volume is a fundamental measurement describing the space occupied by matter in any form.
- Measured in liters, cubic meters, and related units depending on context.
- Essential for science, engineering, everyday life, and more.
Volume measures the space occupied by an object or substance.
Liter, cubic meter, and milliliter are all units of volume.
The volume of a rectangular box is found by multiplying length × width × height.