Edexcel IGCSE Physics 5.4 Density Practical Questions

Practise density methods for irregular shapes and liquids, including meniscus readings, repeat measurements and common sources of error.

Exam points

Measure mass with a balance and determine volume by displacement for an irregular solid; keep the sample dry for weighing, fully submerge it and prevent splashing.
Read the initial and final measuring-cylinder levels at eye level from the bottom of the meniscus, then subtract them to find displaced volume.
Improve and compare density measurements by zeroing and levelling equipment, repeating readings where appropriate, and considering resolution, parallax and other sources of error.

[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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Edexcel IGCSE Physics 5.4 Density Practical Questions question 1