The difference between capacity and mass lies in what they measure:
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Capacity refers to the amount of space a container can hold. It is used to measure volume and is typically expressed in liters (L), milliliters (mL), gallons, or cubic meters (m³).
- Example: A bottle has a capacity of 1 liter, meaning it can hold up to 1 liter of liquid.
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Mass refers to the amount of matter in an object. It is measured in kilograms (kg), grams (g), or pounds (lb) and does not change with shape or volume.
- Example: A watermelon has a mass of 2 kg, meaning it contains 2 kg of matter regardless of its shape.
Key Differences:
Feature | Capacity | Mass |
Measures | Volume (how much space something can contain) | Amount of matter in an object |
Units | Liters (L), milliliters (mL), cubic meters (m³) | Kilograms (kg), grams (g), pounds (lb) |
Example | A tank with a capacity of 50 liters | A rock with a mass of 5 kg |