0
If the shape is a regular 3D object, such as a cylinder, cone, prism, etc., then you could measure some of the important parameters (e.g. edge lengths, circle radius, height, etc.) and substitute them into the volume formula for that shape.
If the shape is irregular/complex, and you have a hollow physical model of it, you could simply fill the model with water, tip it out and take the volume that way (a tried and tested method). This will provide a reasonably good estimate of the volume (especially if the walls of the vessel are very thin, and therefore have negligible volume).
If you don't have a model of the shape, you could try and "break" the shape into smaller, regular pieces and apply the first method outlined above.
Still curious? Ask our experts.
Chat with our AI personalities
Fran
Judy
ReneAdd your answer:
Earn +20 pts
How do you work out the volume of a L shape?
By dividing it into two rectangles.
How do you work out the volume of a L shape prism?
Divide it into 2 pieces and work out the volume of each piece separately and then add the volumes together
How do you find the volume of a three-dimensional irregular shape?
If it is a small shape that is denser than a convenient fluid and insoluble in it and also does not react with it then the displacement method is simplest. Fill a graduated cylinder with the fluid, measure the volume of the fluid. Then gently insert the shape and measure the apparent volume of the fluid. The difference between the two volume readings is the volume of the shape. If the shape is less dense than the fluid you have to make one change. You need to find a dense insoluble object. Measure the volume of the fluid with the dense object immersed in it. Then measure the volume when the dense object and the shape are joined together and submerged. The difference between the two measures is the volume of the shape. This method will not work with soluble shapes unless you can find a fluid that it is not soluble in. Similarly, you cannot use a fluid that will react. So measuring the volume of a lump of sugar or a lump of sodium using water are non-starters. Finally, the method will not work if the irregular shape is huge.
How do you measure capacity of a tank?
The answer depends on whether or not the tank has a geometric shape. If it has a shape that can be broken up into simply geometric shapes, each with a volume formula, you can calculate the volume of each section and add them together. Obviously that will not work with a random shape. In that case, you can fill the tank to capacity and then empty it out into measuring jars or flasks. Use the volume of the jars to calculate the volume of the tank.
Do solids have no fixed volume or shape?
Solids have a fixed volume or shape at room temperature or pressure.
