One app for all your study abroad needs
The difference between mass and volume is that mass is the measure of the amount of matter (something you can touch physically) in an object, whereas volume is the space occupancy of the object. Mass and volume are both physical units that are used for measurement purposes. It is easier to get it this way: Mass explains the internal matter content, while volume deals with the geometrical configuration of the matter in space or area.
Let us now look in detail at mass and volume and the difference between them.
Table of Contents
What is Mass?
In layman’s terms, anything that occupies space can be touched physically and has some weight and mass, which is a fundamental property of matter. Mass is made up of atoms and molecular objects. Mass is used to measure the amount of matter in the body. The unit of mass is the kilogram (kg), and the tool used to calculate the object’s mass is commonly known as a balance.
Also Read: What is the Difference Between Uniform and Non-Uniform Motion
What is Volume?
Any amount of space that an object holds is volume. Different shapes and sizes possess different volumes. For example, if a bottle can hold 500 ml of water, then its volume will be 500 ml. It is defined as the capacity occupied by a three-dimensional space.
What is the Difference between Mass and Volume?
The table highlights the major difference between mass and volume in a simpler way for you to understand it better.
| Mass | Volume | |
| Definition | The amount of matter in an object | The space taken by an object |
| Nature | Physical Quantity | Geometric Entity |
| Units | Calculated in Kilograms and grams | Calculated in litres and milliliters |
| Variability | Calculated in litres and millilitres | Varies with temperature and pressure in the surroundings |
| Dependence on states of matter | Independent | Dependent |
Formula of Mass
There are different formulas to measure the mass of an object. The parameters are mentioned below on where to use which formula-
- Mass = Density x volume; this formula is applied when you know the density and volume of an object.
- Mass = Force ÷ Acceleration; this means if the object’s force and acceleration are known, one can find the mass through this formula.
- Mass = Weight ÷ Gravitational Acceleration; if the object’s weight and gravitational acceleration are known, this formula can be applied to determine mass.
Als0 Read: Difference Between Torque and Moment
Formula of Volume
Different 3-D shapes have different formulas for volume. Let us look at the formulas of a few of the different 3-D shapes and their formulas-
Cube
To get the volume of a cube is- s × s × s = s 3 where s represents the side of the cube.
Cuboid
The volume of a cuboid, l × b × h = lbh units3, where ‘l’ ‘b’ and ‘h’ represent the cuboid’s length, breadth, and height.
Cone
The volume of a cone, V = (1/3)πr2h cubic units
where,
- ‘r’ = radius of the base of the cone
- ‘h’ = height of the cone
- ‘π’ = constant with a value of either 22/7 or 3.142
Cylinder
The volume of a cylinder, V = πr2h cubic units
where,
- ‘r’ = radius of the base of the cone
- ‘h’ = height of the cone
- ‘π’ = constant with a value of either 22/7 or 3.142
RELATED POSTS
FAQs
Volume is a scalar quantity of three-dimensional space inside a closed surface.
The mass of a body per unit volume is its density. Density is most commonly represented by the symbol ρ.
Yes, as long as the object’s density doesn’t change, we may state that the volume and mass of an object are exactly proportionate.
This was all about the “Difference Between Mass and Volume”. For more such informative blogs, check out our Study Material Section, you can learn more about us by visiting our Indian exams page.