Grade 8 → Mensuration ↓
Surface Area and Volume
In this lesson, we will explore the concepts of surface area and volume. These are two important measurements in mathematics, especially in the field of geometry. Surface area refers to the total area of an object's surface, while volume refers to the amount of space occupied by an object.
Understanding surface area
Surface area is the sum of the areas of all the surfaces of a three-dimensional object. Let us understand this with some simple examples.
Surface area of a cube
A cube is a three-dimensional shape with six equal square faces. If the length of each side of the square is a
, then the area of one face of the cube is a * a
or a 2
.
Since a cube has six faces, the total surface area (SA
) of the cube is:
SA = 6 * a 2
For example, if each side of the cube is 4 cm, then the surface area is:
SA = 6 * 4 2 = 96 cm 2
Surface area of a rectangular prism
A rectangular prism, also called a cuboid, has six rectangular faces. Let its length be l
, width w
and height h
. The surface area (SA
) of a rectangular prism can be found as follows:
SA = 2(lw + lh + wh)
Here's a visual example to help you understand it:
For example, if a rectangular prism has a length of 8 cm, a width of 5 cm, and a height of 10 cm, then the surface area is:
SA = 2(8 * 5 + 8 * 10 + 5 * 10) = 2(40 + 80 + 50) = 340 cm 2
Surface area of a cylinder
A cylinder has two circular bases and a curved surface. Let's denote the radius of the base by r
and the height of the cylinder by h
. The surface area (SA
) of the cylinder is composed of the areas of the two bases and the curved surface area:
SA = 2πr 2 + 2πrh
Here's a simple, conceptual representation:
For example, if the radius of a cylinder is 3 cm and the height is 7 cm:
SA = 2π(3) 2 + 2π(3)(7) = 2π(9) + 2π(21) = 18π + 42π = 60π cm 2
Note: Use π ≈ 3.14 to calculate approximate numerical results.
Understanding volume
Volume is a measure of the amount of space occupied by a three-dimensional object. It is expressed in cubic units.
Volume of a cube
The volume of a cube is simply the cube of the length of its side. If the side of the cube is a
, then the volume (V
) is:
V = a 3
For example, if each side of a cube is 5 cm, then its volume is:
V = 5 3 = 125 cm 3
Volume of a rectangular prism
The volume of a rectangular prism (cuboid) is the product of its length, width and height. Let the length be l
, width w
and height h
. The volume (V
) is:
V = l * w * h
Using an example: If a prism has a length of 10 cm, a width of 4 cm, and a height of 6 cm, then its volume is:
V = 10 * 4 * 6 = 240 cm 3
Volume of a cylinder
The volume of a cylinder is found by multiplying the area of its base by its height. The base of the cylinder is a circle, so use the formula πr 2
for the area of a circle. Therefore, the volume (V
) of the cylinder is:
V = πr 2 h
Let's take an example where the radius is 4 cm and the height is 9 cm:
V = π(4) 2 (9) = π(16)(9) = 144π cm 3
Custom question
To become proficient at calculating surface area and volume, try solving these problems:
Question 1
The length of the side of a cube is 3 cm. Find its surface area and volume.
Surface Area (SA) = 6 * 3 2 = 54 cm 2
Volume (V) = 3 3 = 27 cm 3
Question 2
Find the surface area and volume of a rectangular prism of length 5 cm, width 4 cm and height 2 cm.
Surface Area (SA) = 2(5 * 4 + 5 * 2 + 4 * 2) = 2(20 + 10 + 8) = 76 cm 2
Volume (V) = 5 * 4 * 2 = 40 cm 3
Question 3
A cylinder has a radius of 2 cm and a height of 10 cm. Find its surface area and volume (use π ≈ 3.14 for calculations).
Surface Area (SA) = 2π(2) 2 + 2π(2)(10) = 8π + 40π = 48π ≈ 150.72 cm 2
Volume (V) = π(2) 2 (10) = 40π ≈ 125.6 cm 3
Conclusion
We have discussed how to find the surface area and volume of various three-dimensional shapes such as a cube, rectangular prism, and cylinder. These calculations require an understanding of geometric properties and mathematical operations such as addition, multiplication, and exponents. Practicing with various examples can further enhance the understanding and skills in solving problems involving surface area and volume in real-world scenarios.