Volume of different types of solid object with an example for each
Answers
The volume of a solid is the measure of how much space an object takes up. In this article, we will learn how to calculate the volume of a solid and volume of regular and irregular solids.
The method for determining the volume of solid depends on its shape. The volume of a solid is measured in cubic units i.e. cubic centimeter, cubic meter, cubic feet etc.
Volume of a Solid Formula
Here are the volume formulas for different regular solids:
Rectangular prism
The volume of a rectangular prism is equal to the product of base area (length times width) and the height of the prism:
Volume of a solid rectangular prism = l x w x h
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Cube
Since we know all sides or edges of a cube are equal in length, then the volume of a cube is equal to the any side or edge cubed
Volume of a cube = a³
Prism
The volume of a prism is equal to the product of the base area and the height of a prism.
Volume of a prism = Base area x height
= B x h
Cylinder
The volume of a cylinder is equal to the product of the area of its circular base and the height of a cylinder.
Volume of a cylinder = πr²h
Pyramid
The volume of a pyramid is equal to one -third the product of its base area and its height
Volume of a pyramid = 1/3Bh
Square pyramid
For a square pyramid, the volume is given as:
Volume =1/3s²h
where, s is the side length of the base and h is the height of the pyramid.
Rectangular pyramid
The volume of a rectangular pyramid = 1/3 l w h
Sphere
For, a sphere, the volume is given as:
Volume of a sphere = 4/3 πr³
Cone
Since a cone is a pyramid whose base is circular, therefore, the volume of a cone is:
Volume = 1/3 πr²h
The volume of irregular solids
Since not all solids are regular in shape, it means that their volumes cannot be determined using a volume formula.
In this case, the volume of an irregular shaped solids can be found by water displacement method:
An irregular shaped solid is dropped into a graduated cylinder filled with water.
The volume the solid is then found by determining the difference between the initial and final readings of the graduated cylinder.
The water displacement method of finding the volume of irregular shaped solids is only suitable if: a solid does not absorb water and also if a solid does not react with water.
Alternatively, you can find the volume of an irregular shaped object by applying the following steps:
First, break down the irregular solid into regular shapes whose volume can be calculated.
Calculate the partial volumes of the small shapes
Add up the partial volumes to get the total volume of the irregular shaped solid
Worked examples:
Example 1
Compare the volume of a solid sphere with the radius of 2 cm and a solid square pyramid with the base length of 2.5 cm and height of 10 cm.
Solution
By the formula, volume of a sphere = 4/3 πr³
= 4/3 x 3.14 x 2 x 2 x 2
= 33.49 cm3
And the volume of a square pyramid = 1/3s²h
= 1/3 x 2.5 x 2.5 x 10
= 20.83 cm3
Therefore, the sphere is larger by volume than the pyramid.
Example 2
A cylindrical tank of radius 3 m and height 10 has a hemispherical lid of radius 3 m, on the top. Find the volume of the tank.
Solution
First calculate the volume the cylindrical part of the tank.
Volume of a cylinder = π r² h
= 3.14 x 3 x 3 x 10
= 282.6 m3
Volume of the hemisphere = 2/3 πr³
= 2/3 x 3.14 x 3 x 3 x 3
= 56.52 m3
The total volume of the tank = volume of the cylinder + volume of the hemisphere
= 282.6 m3 + 56.52 m3
= 339.12 m3
Example 3
A truncated square pyramid has a height of 15 cm. If the base length and top length of the truncated pyramid are 8 cm and 4 cm, respectively. Find the volume of the truncated pyramid.
Solution
A truncated pyramid is an example of a frustum.
Let the initial height of the pyramid = x
By similar triangles
x/ x – 15 = 8/4
4x = 8x – 120
–4x = –120
x = 30
Therefore, the height of the pyramid before truncation, was 30 cm
Now, find the volume of the full pyramid
Volume = 1/ 3 x 8 x 8 x 30
= 640 cm3
Volume of the chopped off part of the pyramid = 1/3 x 4 x 4 x (30 – 15)
= 1/3 x 16 x 15
= 80 cm3
So, the volume of the truncated pyramid = (640 – 80) cm3
= 560 cm3.
Practice Problems
A juice carton has the measurements: 5 units by 4 units by 3 units. What is the volume of the carton?
Peter made a solid shape from 12 blocks, in which 8 are small blocks and 4 are big blocks. If the small block is made up of 3 inches cube and the big block is made up of 5 inches cube, what is the total volume of the solid shape?
Two cubes of dimensions 0.5 ft by 1.5 ft by 3 ft each are joined by the third cube measuring 0.25 ft by 0.75 ft by 1.25 ft. Find the total volume of the shape formed.