Weight vs Volume as a measure of quantity

[mumu]

So bullion at some point was decided to be measured in terms of its weight. But this is somewhat arbitrary in that volume, as measured by displacement of water, could just as well have been selected, as the amount of space something takes up can be seen as the amount something is. So give 2 equal amounts of volume of silver and gold, you would have 2 round or bars of the same size within space but with varying weight.(Currently it is the other way around where volume is deemed the meaningless property).

[skippy]

You would get the same answer either way - two quantities of silver (or gold) that displace the same amount have the same value.

 

But people are much more used to talking about weights than displacement, and displacement doesn't have same intuitive feel for humans who are used to picking something up and feeling its weight.

 

You can't compare value of gold vs silver using displacement anymore than you can using weight. You need a table that says a given displacement (or a given weight) has x value for the specific metal you are measuring.

 

[dcarr]

A hollow gold coin does not have the same quantity of gold as a solid gold coin.

But measuring by volume would show no difference between the two.

 

[asdfgh]

Using both would tell one if one has a fake. However most people do not have a quick and easy method of checking volume.

[WoodenJefferson]

Hand held balance scales have been used since ancient times to weigh out goods as it was simple, portable, but yet accurate. Rather hard to measure out precious metals using a graduated beaker, a fluid and a calculator.

 

To me, it's a 'no brainer' to trust weight vs volume, as volume only confirms a known quantity of weight.

[mumu]

A hollow gold coin does not have the same quantity of gold as a solid gold coin.

But measuring by volume would show no difference between the two.

 

True, but fill the hollow parts with lead and then the weight is just as suspect.

[Conder101]

True, but fill the hollow parts with lead and then the weight is just as suspect.

Except that two "gold" coins, bars etc. one solid and one hollow but filled with lead of the same volume will not have the same weight. In order to get the weight right the hollow one would have to be of greater volume (hence the specific gravity test. A comparison of weight AND volume.)

[mumu]

True, but fill the hollow parts with lead and then the weight is just as suspect.

Except that two "gold" coins, bars etc. one solid and one hollow but filled with lead of the same volume will not have the same weight. In order to get the weight right the hollow one would have to be of greater volume (hence the specific gravity test. A comparison of weight AND volume.)

 

Well I agree with you on the AND, but that brings us full circle, where we have gone to 1 of the 2 as the sole measure of quantity.

[RWB]

The answer is in the back of most good cookbooks.

 

[mumu]

The answer is in the back of most good cookbooks.

 

Cooking uses both. A cup is a measure of volume. So are fluid ounces.

[physics-fan3.14]

The answer is in the back of most good cookbooks.

 

Cooking uses both. A cup is a measure of volume. So are fluid ounces.

 

Many cookbooks, especially European ones, give the recipes in grams.

[mumu]

The answer is in the back of most good cookbooks.

 

Cooking uses both. A cup is a measure of volume. So are fluid ounces.

 

Many cookbooks, especially European ones, give the recipes in grams.

 

Maybe so,I've never been to Europe, but here in the USA a common list of ingredients might include a "cup of flour/sugar", "a teaspoon of salt/spice", "One Extra Large egg"....all measures of volume.

[RWB]

For ordinary purposes, convenience gets the nod: volume for liquids and weight for bulky solids; divisible solids - butter, sugar, salt, spices - are often measured by volume. But, as Pi noted, grams could be used for everything.

[WoodenJefferson]

Yes, the Cops on COPS use the terminology 'grams' in just about every episode. If there were a popular TV show called COINS, the same terminology would be used.

[RWB]

Maybe a show about "boiler rooms" -- could be called "Coin Cons" ---- ?