Water Displacement Method for Volume
Grade 7 students in Big Ideas Math Advanced 2 (Chapter 8: Volume and Similar Solids) learn the water displacement method to find the volume of an object. When an object is submerged in water, the volume of water displaced equals the volume of the object, making this method ideal for irregular shapes.
Key Concepts
When an object is submerged in water, the volume of water displaced equals the volume of the object: $V {object} = V {displaced}$.
Common Questions
What is the water displacement method for finding volume?
When you submerge an object in water, the water level rises by an amount equal to the object volume. V_object = V_final minus V_initial (multiplied by the container base area for non-graduated containers).
How do you use a graduated cylinder to find volume by water displacement?
Record the initial water level, submerge the object, record the new water level, and subtract: V_object = V_final - V_initial. If water rises from 50 mL to 78 mL, the object volume is 28 mL.
When is water displacement useful?
Water displacement works for objects with irregular shapes where formulas cannot be easily applied, and also to verify calculated volumes of regular shapes.
What chapter in Big Ideas Math Advanced 2 covers water displacement?
Chapter 8: Volume and Similar Solids in Big Ideas Math Advanced 2 (Grade 7) covers the water displacement method.
What units are used in water displacement volume measurements?
Volume by water displacement uses milliliters (mL) or cubic centimeters (cm3), which are equivalent: 1 mL = 1 cm3.