Question

which of the following would allow you to find the volume of an irregular shaped solid object?
a length x width x height
b water displacement
c graduated cylinder
d triple beam balance

Explanation:

• Option a: \( \text{length} \times \text{width} \times \text{height} \) is for regular rectangular prisms, not irregular shapes.
• Option b: Water displacement works by submerging the irregular object in water; the volume of displaced water equals the object’s volume (Archimedes’ principle), suitable for irregular solids.
• Option c: A graduated cylinder is a tool (often used with water displacement) but not the method itself.
• Option d: A triple beam balance measures mass, not volume.

Answer:

b. water displacement