What “displacement volume” means
When a solid is measured by displacement, you find its volume from how much liquid level rises in a graduated container. The volume of the object equals the increase in volume shown by the liquid.
How to solve
- Read the initial volume before the object is placed in the liquid.
- Read the final volume after the object is fully submerged.
- Subtract: final volume − initial volume.
- Simplify the answer and keep the correct unit, usually cubic units or milliliters.
Important details
- The object must be fully submerged for the measurement to represent its full volume.
- If the numbers are in milliliters, remember that 1 mL = 1 cm³.
- Be careful with the scale on the container so you read the levels accurately.
Check your work
Your result should be a positive amount and should match the amount of liquid displaced. If the final level is lower than the initial level, recheck the readings, because that usually means the values were copied incorrectly.