Final answer:
The volume of an irregular shaped solid is best determined by the water displacement method, which measures the change in water level after submerging the object. The object's density is then calculated by dividing its mass by the measured volume.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best way to determine the volume of an irregular shaped solid is by using the water displacement method. This technique involves submerging the object in water and measuring the amount of water displaced, which is equal to the volume of the object. Firstly, the object's mass is found using an analytical balance. Then, a graduated cylinder or a similar container is filled with a known volume of water, and the object is submerged. The change in water level indicates the volume of the irregular solid.
To determine the density of the object, take the mass measured earlier and divide it by the volume found through water displacement. After getting the density, you can estimate masses and volumes using this and knowing the material's density. For example, the density of water is 1000 kg/m³, so if an object sinks in water, it is denser than water, thus allowing you to estimate its density in comparison.
In conclusion, using a graduated cylinder to measure the displaced water is a straightforward and accurate method to find the volume of an irregular solid. By knowing the mass and volume, one can easily calculate the density of an object.