What is the definition of volume in relation to solid shapes?

• A. The area of the surface
• B. The amount of space taken up by a solid shape
• C. The distance around the shape
• D. The total number of sides

Answer: (B)

Volume is defined as the amount of space taken up by a solid shape. This measurement indicates how much three-dimensional space an object occupies and is typically measured in cubic units, such as cubic centimeters or cubic meters. Understanding volume is essential in various applications, such as construction, manufacturing, and shipping, where knowing the capacity of an object is necessary for proper planning and execution.

The concept of volume is distinct from the other definitions provided. For instance, the area of the surface pertains to the two-dimensional measurement of the outer layer of a solid, which does not account for the space within. The distance around a shape refers to the perimeter, which is a linear measurement and also does not represent internal space. Lastly, the total number of sides describes the shape's geometric properties but does not provide any insight into the space that the object occupies. Thus, the correct understanding of volume aligns perfectly with the definition stating that it is the amount of space taken up by a solid shape.