Question

How can you determine the volume of an irregular solid (say a piece of brass) ? Describe in steps with neat diagrams.

Answer 1

To measure the volume of a piece of stone. Take a piece of brass, a measuring cylinder, fine thread of sufficient length and some water. 

Place a measuring cylinder on a flat horizontal surface and fill it partially with water. Note the reading of the water level very carefully. Now tie the piece of brass with a thread and dip it completely into water. We see that the level of water rises. Note the reading of the new water level.

 

The difference in the two levels of water gives the volume of the piece of brass 

Initial level of water = 60 ml 

Level of water when brass is immersed = 80 ml 

∴ Volume of water displaced = 80 ml – 60 ml = 20 ml 

∴ Volume of the piece of brass = 20 cm³ 

Note : 1 ml = 1 cm³