Mathematics Class 5 - Capacity Notes

Capacity

Welcome to the chapter on Capacity for Class 5. In this chapter, you will learn what capacity means, how to measure it, and how to solve problems using different units of capacity. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to compare, measure, and calculate capacity in real-life situations!

Introduction

Capacity is the amount a container can hold. We measure capacity using units like litres (L) and millilitres (mL). Capacity is important when we measure liquids like water, milk, juice, and oil.

Units of Capacity

• Litre (L): Used for larger amounts of liquid. Example: A bottle of water may have 1 litre.
• Millilitre (mL): Used for smaller amounts. 1 litre = 1000 millilitres.

Measuring Capacity

• Use measuring cups, bottles, or jars to measure liquids.
• Read the markings on containers to know their capacity.

Example: A juice box may have 200 mL. A bucket may hold 10 L of water.

Comparing Capacity

• Which container holds more? Compare their capacity in litres or millilitres.
• 1 litre is more than 500 millilitres.

Addition and Subtraction of Capacity

• Add or subtract capacities to solve problems.
• Remember to use the same units before adding or subtracting.

Example: If you have 2 bottles of 500 mL each, total capacity = 500 mL + 500 mL = 1000 mL = 1 L.

Conversion of Units

• To convert litres to millilitres, multiply by 1000.
• To convert millilitres to litres, divide by 1000.

Example: 3 L = 3 × 1000 = 3000 mL
2500 mL = 2500 ÷ 1000 = 2.5 L

Word Problems

Use capacity to solve real-life problems. Read the question, choose the correct operation, and solve.

• Example: A tank has 15 L of water. If 6 L is used, how much is left? (15 L - 6 L = 9 L)
• Example: You pour 250 mL of juice into each of 4 glasses. How much juice do you use? (250 mL × 4 = 1000 mL = 1 L)

Fun Activity: Capacity Hunt!

Find containers at home. Check their capacity and arrange them from smallest to largest. Try pouring water to see which holds more!

Summary

• Capacity is the amount a container can hold.
• We measure capacity in litres (L) and millilitres (mL).
• We can add, subtract, and convert units of capacity.
• Capacity is useful in daily life for measuring liquids.

Practice Questions

1. How many millilitres are there in 2 litres?
2. Which holds more: 750 mL or 1 L?
3. Add: 1.5 L + 500 mL (give your answer in litres).
4. Convert 3500 mL to litres.
5. A bottle has 1 L of water. You drink 400 mL. How much is left?

Challenge Yourself

• Make your own word problem using litres and millilitres.
• Find three containers at home and write their capacity.

Did You Know?

• A swimming pool can hold thousands of litres of water!
• Doctors use millilitres to measure medicine.

Glossary

• Capacity: The amount a container can hold.
• Litre (L): A unit for measuring large amounts of liquid.
• Millilitre (mL): A unit for measuring small amounts of liquid.
• Convert: To change from one unit to another.

Answers to Practice Questions

1. 2000 mL
2. 1 L (1000 mL is more than 750 mL)
3. 2 L (1.5 L + 0.5 L = 2 L)
4. 3.5 L
5. 600 mL (1000 mL - 400 mL = 600 mL)

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Practice measuring and comparing capacity to become a maths expert!