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How
large is a cubic meter?
A cubic meter is a very large volume. Imagine a cube that is one meter
long on every side. In the science lab, a volume this large is rarely
used. A more common measurement is the cubic centimeter. Cubic
centimeters are smaller units of volume. A volume of 1 cubic meter is
equal to 1,000,000 cubic centimeters.
| Try This! |
- Draw a square on a piece of paper that is 3 cm on each side.
- Cut out the square and fold it into a cube.
- Tape the sides together.
This cube is 1 cubic centimeter since each side is 1 cm long. |
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Many scientific measurements are made using cubic centimeters.
For example, vaccines like a tetanus shot are measured in cubic
centimeters.
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The Liter is Also a Measure
of Volume
| Even though the liter is a metric measurement,
you are probably already familiar with it. Water often comes in one
liter bottles. |
H20 |
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A liter is the same
volume as 1000 cubic centimeters. |
Volume is a property of
solids, liquids and gases
| The volume of some solids can be measured
with a metric ruler.
If the solid has straight sides, all you have to do is multiply
the length times the width times the height. |
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Practice calculating the volume
of solids in your e-journal. |
| The volume of liquids must be measured
using an instrument.
In your kitchen you might use measuring spoons or a measuring cup.
These measurements are not made with metric units. |
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In a science lab, liquids are often measured using a graduated
cylinder or a beaker.
These instruments are calibrated in metric units. Beakers and
graduated cylinders measure liquids in milliliters.
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| graduated
cylinder |
beaker |
How do these instruments work? Click on the link below to travel to the
explore section and learn how. |
