EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION 25.4 How can we measure the volume of an irregular solid?
Equipment Overflow can Block
Method
1. Place the overflow can on the block with the spout directly above the empty graduated cylinder. You must be sure to keep all equipment on a very steady surface.
SAFETY • Clear up any spills immediately.
2. Slowly pour water into the overflow can until it begins to pour out through the spout into the graduated cylinder.
3. Wait until the water has stopped dripping from the overflow can into the graduated cylinder. This may take a few minutes.
4. Record the volume reading in the graduated cylinder, making sure to read the bottom of the meniscus.
5. Tie the string around the stone and carefully lower it into the overflow can until it is fully submerged. Make sure not to splash any water when doing this.
6. The water will flow out of the overflow can spout into the graduated cylinder. Once it has stopped dripping, take the volume reading, making sure to read the bottom of the meniscus again.
7. Subtract the first volume reading from the second reading. This will equal the volume of the stone, as the amount of water that flowed out of the overflow can is equal to the volume of the stone that was placed into it.
Graduated cylinder Water
Stone (that fits into the overflow can) String
Water String
Stone
Overflow can
Block
)Fig. 25.18 To measure the volume of an irregular solid
j Go to page 73 of your Experimental Investigations Log to write up this investigation.