Vocabulary - Measures: Capacity

The concept of capacity is an essential part of the measures vocabulary, especially pertinent to Key Stage 2 learners. Capacity refers to the maximum amount that something can contain, which is commonly measured in various units such as litres (l), millilitres (ml), and pints. Understanding capacity involves recognising terms like 'full', indicating that a container can hold no more of a substance, and 'half full', which suggests that it is filled to 50% of its potential volume. Conversely, the term 'empty' is used when a container has nothing inside it. These terms are fundamental in describing the state of a container's occupancy.

In addition to these descriptive terms, learners are introduced to the practical units of measurement for capacity. A 'litre' is a standard unit of capacity in the metric system, often abbreviated as 'l', while a 'half-litre' represents half the volume of a litre. Smaller volumes are measured in 'millilitres', abbreviated as 'ml', which are especially useful for measuring liquids in smaller containers. The term 'container' itself is a general word for any vessel that can hold a substance. For activities and practical measurements, a 'measuring cylinder' is a common tool used to accurately measure and read the volume of liquids. Pints, a unit more familiar in the UK, are also used to measure capacity, especially for beverages. These terms and units form the foundational vocabulary for understanding and working with measures of capacity.