What Is Unit of Capacity Definition Formula and Examples
Capacity is an important quantity we use to measure liquids. We use different units of capacity daily. Capacity is the amount that can be held in a hollow container. We measure chemicals in millilitres and petrol in litres.
What is Capacity?
Before we learn the units of capacity, let’s first learn what capacity is. Capacity is the amount that can be held in a hollow container. Its unit is a litre. In other words, it refers to the volume of a hollow container. We should keep in mind that volume and capacity are not the same. Volume is measured in cm3, and m3 but capacity is measured in litres or gallons.
Capacity
Unit of Capacity
The SI unit of capacity is litres. But in some places in the world, it is measured in gallons. The short term for litre is L and that for millilitre is ml. Mathematically, 1 litre \[ = \] 1000 millilitres. Below is given the metric chart to convert the units of capacity.
Metric chart
Difference between Capacity of a Container and Volume of Liquid in it
Volume of a liquid in a container refers to the total amount of space covered by an object in a three-dimensional space. Whereas, capacity is the amount of matter that can be held by a hollow object. For example, volume of a liquid in a container is the amount of liquid present in a container, while the capacity is the maximum amount of liquid that can be held by the same container. All three-dimensional shapes have volume whether they are solid or hollow, whereas only hollow three-dimensional shapes can have capacity otherwise they would not be able to hold any liquid or matter within themselves. To find the capacity of a hollow shape we need its volume, we pour a liquid into the hollow shape till it's full and then we can conclude that the capacity of the container is equal to the volume of liquid in it.
Capacity of a container versus Volume of liquid in a container
Converting Litre into \[{\rm{c}}{{\rm{m}}^3}\]
It is very important to know how to convert units of volume of liquid between litres and \[{\rm{c}}{{\rm{m}}^3}\]. We know that 1 litre is equal to 1000 \[{\rm{c}}{{\rm{m}}^3}\]. So if the volume of water in a pot is 5 litres then it has a volume of 5000\[{\rm{c}}{{\rm{m}}^3}\].
Great, We have learned about capacity and volume of an object. We have successfully understood the meaning of capacity and the difference between volume and capacity of shapes and containers. We learned how to convert the units of capacity into the metric system. And we know how to convert Litre into \[{\rm{c}}{{\rm{m}}^3}\] and vice versa.
Conclusion
Capacity is commonly used to measure the amount of liquid in a container. It is important to know how much 1 litre is and its other units. We also learned the conversion of different units of capacity. And also understood that volume and capacity are not the same.
Solved Examples
1. What is the capacity of a hollow cuboid of dimensions 10 cm x 20 cm x 30 cm?
Ans. The volume of the cuboid is 6,000 \[{\rm{c}}{{\rm{m}}^3}\].
We know that 1L \[ = \] 1,000\[{\rm{c}}{{\rm{m}}^3}\]. So the volume of the cuboid is 6 x 1L. Hence 6,000 cm3\[ = \] 6L.
2. Find the volume and capacity (in metric units) of a cube of side length 20 cm.
Ans. The volume of a cube is [side]\[ \times \][side]\[ \times \][side]
Volume \[ = 20 \times 20 \times 20\]\[{\rm{c}}{{\rm{m}}^3}\]
Volume \[ = 8000\]\[{\rm{c}}{{\rm{m}}^3}\]
Now for capacity, we need to convert the \[{\rm{c}}{{\rm{m}}^3}\]
into a litre
We know that 1 L \[ = \] 1000\[{\rm{c}}{{\rm{m}}^3}\]
Hence, capacity \[ = \] 8 litres.
FAQs on Unit of Capacity in Maths with Definition and Conversions
1. What is a unit of capacity in Maths?
A unit of capacity is a standard measurement used to measure how much liquid a container can hold. In Mathematics, capacity is commonly measured in litres (L) and millilitres (mL). It is used to measure quantities of liquids such as water, milk, juice, and petrol. Capacity tells us the maximum volume a container can contain.
2. What are the standard units of capacity?
The standard units of capacity are litre (L) and millilitre (mL).
- 1 litre (L) = 1000 millilitres (mL)
- Kilolitre (kL), centilitre (cL), and decilitre (dL) are also metric units
- Smaller quantities are usually measured in millilitres
3. How do you convert litres to millilitres?
To convert litres to millilitres, multiply the number of litres by 1000.
- Formula: mL = L × 1000
- Example: 3 L = 3 × 1000 = 3000 mL
4. How do you convert millilitres to litres?
To convert millilitres to litres, divide the number of millilitres by 1000.
- Formula: L = mL ÷ 1000
- Example: 2500 mL = 2500 ÷ 1000 = 2.5 L
5. What is the difference between capacity and volume?
The difference between capacity and volume is that capacity refers to how much liquid a container can hold, while volume refers to the space occupied by a solid, liquid, or gas. Volume is measured in cubic units like cm³ or m³, whereas capacity is usually measured in litres and millilitres. For liquids, 1 mL is equal to 1 cm³.
6. What is the formula for measuring capacity?
Capacity is generally measured directly in litres or millilitres, but when relating it to volume, the formula is 1 mL = 1 cm³.
- If volume is in cubic centimetres, capacity in millilitres is numerically equal
- Example: 500 cm³ = 500 mL
7. Can you give an example of solving a capacity word problem?
Yes, capacity word problems are solved using unit conversions and basic operations.
- Example: A bottle holds 2 L of water. How many millilitres is this?
- Step 1: Use conversion 1 L = 1000 mL
- Step 2: 2 × 1000 = 2000 mL
8. Why is litre used as the main unit of capacity?
The litre (L) is used as the main unit of capacity because it is a standard metric unit that is convenient for measuring liquids. It is practical for daily use such as measuring milk, fuel, and beverages. Larger and smaller units can be easily converted using powers of 10, making calculations simple.
9. What are some real-life examples of units of capacity?
Units of capacity are used daily to measure liquids in real life.
- A water bottle may hold 1 L
- A medicine syrup may be measured in 5 mL
- A fuel tank capacity may be 40 L
10. What are common mistakes when learning units of capacity?
A common mistake when learning units of capacity is forgetting that 1 L = 1000 mL.
- Confusing litres with millilitres
- Using the wrong operation (multiplying instead of dividing)
- Mixing up capacity and volume units
