Theory Behind Displacement Method

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 149 views

Introduction

In physics, determining the volume of an object is a crucial aspect of various experiments and calculations. One of the most common methods used to determine the volume of an object is by displacement, where the object is submerged in a fluid (usually water) and the volume of the fluid displaced is measured. In this article, we will discuss the determination of volume by displacement and estimation of errors using a measuring cylinder, water, a spherical object that sinks in water, a weight balance, and a micrometer screw gauge.

Theory Behind Displacement Method

The displacement method is based on the principle of Archimedes, which states that the buoyancy force exerted on an object immersed in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. When an object is submerged in a fluid, it displaces a volume of fluid equal to its own volume. By measuring the volume of the fluid displaced, we can determine the volume of the object.

Experimental Setup

To determine the volume of the spherical object using the displacement method, we need to set up the following equipment:

A measuring cylinder with a known volume
Water
A spherical object that sinks in water
A weight balance
A micrometer screw gauge

Procedure

The procedure for determining the volume of the spherical object using the displacement method is as follows:

Measure the initial water level: Fill the measuring cylinder with water to a known level, and record the initial water level.
Submerge the object: Carefully submerge the spherical object in the water, making sure that it is fully submerged.
Measure the final water level: Record the final water level after the object has been submerged.
Calculate the volume of water displaced: The volume of water displaced is equal to the difference between the final and initial water levels.
Calculate the volume of the object: The volume of the object is equal to the volume of water displaced.

Calculating the Volume of the Object

To calculate the volume of the object, we need to use the following formula:

V = V_displaced

where V is the volume of the object, and V_displaced is the volume of water displaced.

Estimating Errors

When determining the volume of an object using the displacement method, there are several sources of error that need to be considered:

Error in measuring the initial and final water levels: The error in measuring the initial and final water levels can be minimized by using a high-precision measuring cylinder.
Error in calculating the volume of water displaced: The error in calculating the volume of water displaced can be minimized by using a high-precision weight balance.
Error in calculating the volume of the object: The error in calculating the volume of the object can be minimized by using a high-precision micrometer screw gauge.

Using a Micrometer Screw Gauge to Measure the Diameter of the Object

To estimate the error in calculating the volume of the object, we need to measure the diameter of the object using a micrometer screw gauge. The diameter of the object can be calculated using the following formula:

D = 2 * r

where D is the diameter of the object, and r is the radius of the object.

Calculating the Error in Calculating the Volume of the Object

To calculate the error in calculating the volume of the object, we need to use the following formula:

ΔV = (1/3) * π * (Δr)^3

where ΔV is the error in calculating the volume of the object, and Δr is the error in measuring the radius of the object.

Conclusion

In conclusion, determining the volume of an object using the displacement method is a simple and accurate technique. By using a measuring cylinder, water, a spherical object that sinks in water, a weight balance, and a micrometer screw gauge, we can determine the volume of the object with high precision. Additionally, by estimating the errors in measuring the initial and final water levels, calculating the volume of water displaced, and calculating the volume of the object, we can minimize the error in calculating the volume of the object.

References

Archimedes. (c. 250 BCE). On Floating Bodies.
Halliday, D., Resnick, R., & Walker, J. (2013). Fundamentals of Physics. John Wiley & Sons.
Knight, R. D. (2017). Physics for Scientists and Engineers. Pearson Education.

Glossary

Archimedes' Principle: The principle that the buoyancy force exerted on an object immersed in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.
Buoyancy Force: The force exerted on an object immersed in a fluid due to the difference in pressure between the top and bottom of the object.
Displacement Method: A method used to determine the volume of an object by measuring the volume of fluid displaced by the object.
Micrometer Screw Gauge: A precision measuring instrument used to measure the diameter of an object.
Volume of Water Displaced: The volume of water displaced by an object when it is submerged in water.
Weight Balance: A precision measuring instrument used to measure the weight of an object.
Frequently Asked Questions: Determining Volume by Displacement and Estimation of Errors =====================================================================================

Q: What is the principle behind the displacement method?

A: The principle behind the displacement method is Archimedes' Principle, which states that the buoyancy force exerted on an object immersed in a fluid is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.

Q: What are the advantages of using the displacement method to determine the volume of an object?

A: The advantages of using the displacement method to determine the volume of an object include:

High accuracy
Simple and easy to perform
No need for specialized equipment

Q: What are the disadvantages of using the displacement method to determine the volume of an object?

A: The disadvantages of using the displacement method to determine the volume of an object include:

Limited to objects that sink in water
Requires a high-precision measuring cylinder and weight balance
May be affected by surface tension and other factors

Q: How do I choose the right measuring cylinder for my experiment?

A: To choose the right measuring cylinder for your experiment, consider the following factors:

Accuracy: Choose a measuring cylinder with a high accuracy rating (e.g. ±0.1 mL)
Precision: Choose a measuring cylinder with a high precision rating (e.g. ±0.01 mL)
Size: Choose a measuring cylinder that is large enough to hold the volume of water displaced by the object

Q: How do I minimize errors in measuring the initial and final water levels?

A: To minimize errors in measuring the initial and final water levels, consider the following:

Use a high-precision measuring cylinder
Take multiple readings and average them
Use a level or other reference point to ensure the water level is accurate

Q: How do I calculate the volume of water displaced by the object?

A: To calculate the volume of water displaced by the object, use the following formula:

V_displaced = V_final - V_initial

where V_displaced is the volume of water displaced, V_final is the final water level, and V_initial is the initial water level.

Q: How do I calculate the volume of the object?

A: To calculate the volume of the object, use the following formula:

V_object = V_displaced

where V_object is the volume of the object, and V_displaced is the volume of water displaced.

Q: What are some common sources of error in determining the volume of an object using the displacement method?

A: Some common sources of error in determining the volume of an object using the displacement method include:

Error in measuring the initial and final water levels
Error in calculating the volume of water displaced
Error in calculating the volume of the object
Surface tension and other factors affecting the buoyancy force

Q: How do I estimate the error in calculating the volume of the object?

A: To estimate the error in calculating the volume of the object, use the following formula:

ΔV = (1/3) * π * (Δr)^3

where ΔV is the error in calculating the volume of the object, and Δr is the error in measuring the radius of the object.

Q: What are some tips for performing the displacement method experiment successfully?

A: Some tips for performing the displacement method experiment successfully include:

Use a high-precision measuring cylinder and weight balance
Take multiple readings and average them
Use a level or other reference point to ensure the water level is accurate
Minimize errors in measuring the initial and final water levels
Calculate the volume of water displaced and the volume of the object accurately