How do you determine the volume of an irregular-shaped object?

How do you determine the volume of an irregular-shaped object?

• A. Measure its length, width, and height.
• B. Weigh it.
• C. Submerge it in water and measure the water displacement.
• D. Use a graduated scale.

Answer: (D)

When dealing with an irregular-shaped object, you determine its volume by water displacement. The idea is that the volume of water displaced equals the volume of the object. This works because irregular shapes don’t have simple length × width × height measurements that give you their space inside. To do it, fill a graduated cylinder with water and record the initial volume. Gently submerge the object so it is fully under the water (making sure no air is trapped). Read the new water level and subtract the initial volume from the final volume. The difference is the object's volume. This method is preferred for irregular shapes because other approaches—like measuring dimensions or weighing and trying to infer volume—don’t directly reflect the space the object occupies.

When dealing with an irregular-shaped object, you determine its volume by water displacement. The idea is that the volume of water displaced equals the volume of the object. This works because irregular shapes don’t have simple length × width × height measurements that give you their space inside.

To do it, fill a graduated cylinder with water and record the initial volume. Gently submerge the object so it is fully under the water (making sure no air is trapped). Read the new water level and subtract the initial volume from the final volume. The difference is the object's volume.

This method is preferred for irregular shapes because other approaches—like measuring dimensions or weighing and trying to infer volume—don’t directly reflect the space the object occupies.