When calculating the capacity of a pipe, which measurement is essential to obtain volume?

To determine the volume within a pipe, both the diameter and length are essential measurements. The diameter is crucial because it defines the cross-sectional area, which directly impacts how much fluid can flow through the pipe. The cross-sectional area can be calculated using the formula for the area of a circle, A = π(d/2)², where d is the diameter.

Once the cross-sectional area is known, to find the total volume of the pipe, this area must be multiplied by the length of the pipe. The formula for volume in this context is V = A × L, where A is the cross-sectional area and L is the length. Thus, without either measurement, it wouldn’t be possible to accurately calculate the total volume of fluid the pipe can hold.

The material of the pipe, while important for considerations like pressure ratings, durability, and resistance to corrosion, does not affect the capacity in terms of volume calculation. Therefore, focusing on both diameter and length is necessary to obtain an accurate volume for the pipe.