Which method measures irregular object volume by observing water level change?

Which method measures irregular object volume by observing water level change?

• A. Measuring with a ruler
• B. Water Displacement
• C. Calculating volume from dimensions
• D. Estimating by appearance

Answer: (B)

Measuring irregular object volume by observing water level change uses the displacement of water. When you fully submerge the object in a graduated cylinder filled with water, the water level rises. The amount the water rises equals the volume of the object, because that much space is taken up by the object. Subtract the initial water volume from the final volume to get the object's volume. This method works for any shape since it relies on how much space the object occupies, not on its dimensions or geometry. For accuracy, make sure the object is completely submerged with no trapped air, read the meniscus at eye level, and use a properly calibrated cylinder. Units come out in milliliters (mL) or cubic centimeters (cm³), since 1 mL of water equals 1 cm³ of volume. Other methods—measuring with a ruler, calculating from dimensions, or estimating by appearance—depend on knowing regular shapes or making subjective judgments, so they don’t directly measure the actual displaced volume.

Measuring irregular object volume by observing water level change uses the displacement of water. When you fully submerge the object in a graduated cylinder filled with water, the water level rises. The amount the water rises equals the volume of the object, because that much space is taken up by the object. Subtract the initial water volume from the final volume to get the object's volume. This method works for any shape since it relies on how much space the object occupies, not on its dimensions or geometry.

For accuracy, make sure the object is completely submerged with no trapped air, read the meniscus at eye level, and use a properly calibrated cylinder. Units come out in milliliters (mL) or cubic centimeters (cm³), since 1 mL of water equals 1 cm³ of volume. Other methods—measuring with a ruler, calculating from dimensions, or estimating by appearance—depend on knowing regular shapes or making subjective judgments, so they don’t directly measure the actual displaced volume.