Edexcel IGCSE Physics 5.4 Density practical

Practise planning and interpreting density measurements using balances, measuring cylinders, displacement and accuracy checks.

Exam points

describe using a balance and displacement method to find mass and volume of an irregular solid
read measuring-cylinder diagrams and subtract water levels to determine displaced volume
compare practical methods, including zeroing a balance and avoiding parallax or splashing

[Maximum number: 4]

Hailstones are small pieces of ice that sometimes fall to the ground during storms.

Describe how to determine the density of a hailstone.

Assume that hailstones are spherical.

Any four from:
- measure mass
- use a mass balance
- measure diameter
- use ruler / callipers / micrometer
- further experimental detail, e.g. use set square against ruler, use callipers in different orientations, fully submerged, avoid splashing
- repeat readings and take average
- use formula to find volume of a sphere, e.g.
$V=\frac{4}{3}\pi r^{3}$
- use
$\text{density}=\frac{\text{mass}}{\text{volume}}$

Accept:
- scales for balance
- displacement method and measuring cylinder for measuring volume

Condone:
- letting the ice melt

Reject:
- scale for balance

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5.4 Density practical question 1