To find the volume of a box shaped object or an other object with all flat sides is easy, there's a formula to follow. But there's no formula for irregular shaped object, like pebbles or erasers, so scientists use the displacement method. How the displacement method works is that, first, the scientist fills up a beaker, flask, or graduated cylinder big enough to hold the object, with enough water to cover the object. Then, the scientist measures the meniscus, or lowest point, of the water, and records it. Then the object is dropped in, and the new meniscus is recorded. The scientist then finds the difference between the two meniscuses  in millliliters and converts it to cubic centimeters.

When measuring the meniscus during the displacement method, or any time when measuring liquid volume, it is important to note the increments of measurement on the container. For example, if you think that each line is 25 mL, and it is really 50mL than everything will be off.



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