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Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Physics Your notes

Mass, Weight & Density

Contents
Mass & Weight
Density
Measuring Density
Floating

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Mass & Weight

Your notes
Mass & weight
Mass
Mass is defined as:
A measure of the quantity of matter in an object at rest relative to the observer
Consequently, mass is the property of an object that resists change in motion
The greater the mass of an object, the more difficult it is to speed it up, slow it down, or change its
direction
Mass is a scalar quantity that has magnitude but no direction
Mass is measured in kilograms (kg)
Sometimes mass may be given in grams (g) but this will need to be converted to kilograms when
used in calculations
1000 g = 1 kg
1 g = 0.001 kg
To convert g to kg, divide the mass in g by 1000
To convert kg to g, multiply the mass in g by 1000

Weight
Weight is a gravitational force on an object with mass
Since weight is a force, it is a vector quantity with both magnitude and direction
Weight is measured in newtons (N)

WORKED EXAMPLE
An object has a mass of 4.5 kg.
State the mass of the object in grams (g).
Answer:
Step 1: State the conversion between g and kg

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1 kg = 1000 g
Step 2: Convert kg into g by multiplying
Your notes
m = 4 . 5 × 1000
m = 4500 g

EXAMINER TIP
Students commonly confuse mass and weight because the terms are used interchangeably in
everyday speech. In Physics, mass and weight mean very different things, and you must be
confident that you can explain the difference.
Mass is the amount of matter an object has; it is a scalar quantity, and it is measured in kg.
Weight is a force; it is a vector quantity, and it is measured in N.

Weight & gravity

Extended tier only

Weight and gravitational field strength

Weight is the effect of a gravitational field on a mass
Weight is defined as:
The force acting on an object with mass when placed in a gravitational field
Planets have strong gravitational fields
Hence, they attract nearby masses with a strong gravitational force
Because of weight:
Objects stay firmly on the ground
Objects will always fall to the ground
Satellites are kept in orbit

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Your notes

Some of the phenomena associated with gravitational attraction and the weight force

Defining gravitational field strength

Gravitational field strength is defined as:
The force per unit mass acting on an object in a gravitational field
On Earth, this is equal to 9.8 N/kg

W
g=
m
Where:

g = gravitational field strength, measured in newtons per kilogram (N/kg)

W = force of weight, measured in newtons (N)
m = mass of object, measured in kilograms (kg)

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An object in free fall in a vacuum, in a uniform gravitational field, will accelerate at a rate also known as g

Where g = acceleration of free fall Your notes

In this context, g = 9.8 m/s2

Gravitational field strength and acceleration of free fall are equivalent quantities

Mass vs. weight

An object’s mass always remains the same, regardless of its location in the Universe
The weight force exerted on the object will differ depending on the strength of the gravitational field in
its location
For example, the gravitational field strength on the Moon is 1.63 N/kg, meaning an object’s weight will
be about 6 times less than on Earth

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Your notes

On the Moon, a person's mass will stay the same but their weight will be much lower
You can find more information about the gravitational field strength on different planets in the revision
note Gravitational field strength

WORKED EXAMPLE
NASA's Artemis mission aims to send the first woman astronaut to the Moon. Isabelle hopes to one
day become an astronaut. She has a mass of 42 kg.
Compare the difference between Isabelle's weight on Earth, and her weight on the Moon.

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Take the Earth's gravitational field strength as 9.8 N/kg, and the Moon's gravitational field strength as
1.6 N/kg.
Your notes
Answer:
Step 1: List the known values

Mass, m = 42 kg
Gravitational field strength on Earth, g = 9 . 8 N/ kg
E
Gravitational field strength on Moon,
Step 2: State the equation linking weight, mass and gravitational field strength

W
g=
m
Step 3: Rearrange to make weight the subject

W = mg
Step 3: Calculate the weight force exerted on Isabelle on Earth

W E = mg E

W E = 42 × 9 . 8

W E = 411 . 6 N = 410 N (2 s . f . )
Step 4: Calculate the weight force exerted on Isabelle on the Moon

W M = mg M

W M = 42 × 1 . 6

W M = 67. 2 N = 67 N (2 s . f . )
Step 5: Compare the two values of weight
The weight force is greater on Earth than on the Moon
This is because the Earth has a larger gravitational field strength than the Moon, so Isabelle's
weight force is larger on Earth than on the Moon

EXAMINER TIP

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You won't be expected the learn the exact value of g (9.81 N/kg), but you will be expected to
remember that g = 9.8 N/kg and use it in calculations
Your notes
Using a balance
The weight of two objects can be compared using a balance
Because the gravitational field strength is constant everywhere on Earth, this also allows us to
measure the mass of an object

W
m=
g

A balance can be used to compare two different weights

Balances can be digital or analogue
The object being measured is placed on the balance
The reading given is mass in kg or g
Force meters, or newton meters, consist of a spring and hook
The object being measured is hung from the hook
The reading given is weight in N

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Density
Your notes
Density
Density is defined as:
The mass per unit volume of a material
Density is related to mass and volume by the following equation:

m
ρ=
V
Where:
ρ = density, measured in kilograms per metre cubed (kg m−3)

m = mass, measured in kilograms (kg)

V = volume, measured in metres cubed (m3)

Formula triangle for density, mass and volume

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Your notes

To use a formula triangle, simply cover up the quantity you wish calculate and the structure of the
equation is revealed
For more information on how to use a formula triangle, refer to the revision note on Speed and velocity
Objects made from low density materials typically have a low mass
Similarly sized objects made from high density materials have a high mass
For example, a bag full of feathers is far lighter compared to the same bag full of metal
Or another example, a balloon is less dense than a small bar of lead despite occupying a larger
volume
Gases, for example, are generally less dense than solids because the particles in a gas are more spread
out (same mass, over a larger volume)

Comparing the density of solids and gases

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Your notes

A gas is less dense than the same substance in liquid or solid form
The units of density depend on what units are used for mass and volume:
If the mass is measured in g and volume in cm3, then the density will be in g/cm3
If the mass is measured in kg and volume in m3, then the density will be in kg/m3

Determining volume to calculate density

The volume of an object may not always be given directly, but can be calculated with the appropriate
equation depending on the object’s shape

Common formulae required to calculate the volumes of objects

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Your notes

Volumes of common 3D shapes

WORKED EXAMPLE
A paving slab has a mass of 73 kg and dimensions 0.04 m × 0.5 m × 0.85 m.
Calculate the density, in kg/m3, of the material from which the paving slab is made.

Answer:
Step 1: List the known quantities
Mass of slab, m = 73 kg
Volume of slab, V = 0.04 m × 0.5 m × 0.85 m = 0.017 m3
Step 2: Write out the equation for density, mass and volume

m
ρ=
V

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Step 3: Substitute in values

73 Your notes
ρ=
0 . 017
ρ = 4294 kg/m3
Step 4: Round the answer to two significant figures

ρ = 4300 kg/m3

EXAMINER TIP
Make sure you are comfortable converting between units such as metres (m) and centimetres (cm)
or grams (g) and kilograms (kg).
When converting a larger unit to a smaller one, you multiply (×)
E.g. 125 m = 125 × 100 = 12 500 cm
When you convert a smaller unit to a larger one, you divide (÷)
E.g. 5 g = 5 ÷ 1000 = 0.005 or 5 × 10-3 kg

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Measuring Density
Your notes
Measuring density
Equipment
Equipment list
Apparatus Purpose

Regular and irregularly shaped objects Objects used to measure the density of

A suitable liquid (e.g. sugar or salt Liquid to use to measure the density
solution)

A 30 cm ruler To measure objects up to 30 cm in length

Vernier Calipers To measure objects to around 15 cm in length

Micrometer To measure objects to around 3 cm in length

Digital Balance To measure the mass of objects

Displacement "Eureka" can To measure the displacement of water of irregularly shaped

objects

Measuring cylinders To measure the volume of liquid

Resolution of measuring equipment:

30 cm ruler = 1 mm
Vernier calipers = 0.01 mm
Micrometer = 0.001 mm
Digital balance = 0.01 g

Experiment 1: measuring the density of regularly shaped

objects
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The aim of this experiment is to determine the densities of regular objects by using measurements of
their dimensions
Your notes
Variables:
Independent variable = Type of shape / volume
Dependent variable = Mass of the object

Method
Equipment needed to measure the density of regularly shaped objects

1. Place the object on a digital balance and note down its mass
2. Use either the ruler, Vernier callipers or micrometer to measure the object’s dimensions (width, height,
length, radius) – the apparatus will depend on the size of the object
3. Repeat these measurements and take an average of these readings before calculating the density

Results

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An example results table to measure the density of regularly shaped

objects Your notes

A suitable results table must contain space for multiple readings and any calculations that need to
performed
Analysis of results
Calculate the volume of the object depending on whether it is a cube, sphere, cylinder (or other regular
shape)
Then use the formula for density to calculate the density of each object
The formulae for volume and density are explained in the revision note Density

Experiment 2: measuring the density of irregularly shaped

objects
This experiment aims to determine the densities of irregular objects using a displacement technique

Variables:
Independent variable = Different irregular shapes / mass
Dependent variable = Volume of displaced water
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Method
Equipment needed to measure the density of irregularly shaped Your notes
objects

Apparatus for measuring the density of irregular objects

1. Place the object on a digital balance and note down its mass
2. Fill the eureka can with water up to a point just below the spout
3. Place an empty measuring cylinder below its spout
4. Carefully lower the object into the eureka can
5. Measure the volume of the displaced water in the measuring cylinder
6. Repeat these measurements and take an average before calculating the density
Alternatively, the object can be placed in a measuring cylinder containing a known volume of liquid, and
the change in volume then measured

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Your notes

When an irregular solid is placed in a measuring cylinder, the level of the liquid will rise by an amount
equal to the volume of the solid
Once the mass and volume of the shape is known, its density can be calculated

Results
An example results table to measure the density of irregularly shaped
objects

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Your notes

A suitable results table must contain space for multiple readings and any calculations that need to
performed
Analysis of results
The volume of the water displaced is equal to the volume of the object
Once the mass and volume of the shape are known, the density can be calculated using:

m
ρ=
V

Experiment 3: measuring the density of liquids

This experiment aims to determine the density of a liquid by finding a difference in its mass

Variables:
Independent variable = Volume of water added
Dependent variable = Mass of cylinder

Method
Equipment needed to measure the density of liquid

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Your notes

Apparatus for determining the density of a liquid

1. Place an empty measuring cylinder on a digital balance and note down the mass
2. Fill the cylinder with the liquid and note down the volume
3. Note down the new reading on the digital balance
4. Repeat these measurements and take an average before calculating the density

Results
An example results table to measure the density of a liquid

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Your notes

A suitable results table must contain space for multiple readings and any calculations that need to
performed
Analysis of results
Find the mass of the liquid by subtracting the final reading from the original reading
Mass of liquid = Mass of cylinder with water – mass of cylinder
Once the mass and volume of the liquid are known, the density can be calculated using the equation
for calculating density
This is explained in the revision note Density

Evaluating the experiments

Systematic errors
Ensure the digital balance is set to zero before taking measurements of mass
This includes when measuring the density of the liquid – remove the measuring cylinder and zero
the balance before adding the liquid
Random errors
A main cause of error in this experiment is in the measurements of length
Ensure to take repeat readings and calculate an average to keep this error to a minimum
Place the irregular object in the displacement can carefully, as dropping it from a height might cause
water to splash, which will lead to an incorrect volume reading

Safety considerations
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There is a lot of glassware in this experiment, ensure this is handled carefully

Water should not be poured into the measuring cylinder when it is on the electric balance Your notes
This could lead to electric shock
Make sure to stand up during the whole experiment, to react quickly to any spills

EXAMINER TIP
There is a lot of information to take in here! When writing about experiments, a good sequence is as
follows:
If you need to use an equation to calculate something, start off by giving it as this will give you
some hints about what you need to mention later
List the apparatus that you need
State what measurements you need to make (your equation will give you some hints) and how
you will measure them
Finally, state that you will repeat each measurement several times and take averages

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Floating
Your notes
Floating objects
Density and floating
Whether an object floats or sinks depends on the relative densities of the object and the fluid it is
submerged in
If the object is denser than the fluid, it will sink
If the object is less dense than the fluid, it will float
Upthrust is a force that pushes upwards on an object submerged in a fluid
Upthrust always acts in the opposite direction to the object's weight force
This is how objects float
The size of the upthrust force depends on:
the density of the fluid
the volume of fluid that is displaced (which is equal to the volume of the object)
The denser the liquid, the greater the force of upthrust exerted on the object

Upthrust and weight forces on a boat

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An object will float if the force of upthrust is equal to the force of weight

Factors affecting floating & sinking Your notes

The factors affecting floating and sinking are:
upthrust
density
If the force of upthrust on an object is:
equal to the object’s weight, then the object will float
less than the object’s weight, then the object will sink
If the density of the object is:
greater than the density of the fluid, then the object will sink
less than the density of the fluid, then the object will float
If the density of the object is greater than the density of the fluid, the object can never displace enough
fluid to create an upthrust that will equal its weight (and therefore it sinks)

Objects which are less dense than water will float in water, and those that are more dense will sink
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A polystyrene block will float in water

This is because polystyrene has a density of 0.05 g/cm3 which is much less than the density of Your notes
water (1.0 g/cm3)
A wooden block will be partially submerged but will still float
This is because the density of a wooden block (0.9 g/cm3) is slightly less than the density of water
An iron block will sink
This is because iron has a density (7.9 g/cm3) that is much higher than water

WORKED EXAMPLE
Potassium is an alkali metal that reacts with oxygen and water. Potassium is therefore stored in
containers filled with mineral oil. The potassium must sink in the mineral oil to ensure it has no contact
with any air in the container.
A science teacher has four different mineral oils in which they could store their potassium. Potassium
has a density of 0.862 g/cm3.
Which mineral oil should the teacher choose?

A: White mineral oil, ρ = 0 . 864 g/ cm3

B: Paraffin oil, ρ = 0 . 890 g/ cm3

C: Liquid paraffin, ρ = 0 . 825 g/ cm3

D: Food grade mineral oil, ρ = 0 . 880 g/ cm3

Answer: C
An object will sink in a fluid if the density of the object is greater than the density of the fluid
Therefore, for the potassium to sink, the density of the oil must be less than the density of the
potassium
Liquid paraffin is less dense than potassium 0 . 825 g/ cm3 < 0 . 862 g/ cm3
The only oil which is less dense than potassium is C

EXAMINER TIP
The main thing to remember is that density is mass per unit volume
In Physics, mass is almost always measured in kg

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Density is the only topic in which physicists sometimes use grams instead

Your notes
Floating liquids
Extended tier only
A liquid with a lower density will float on a liquid with a higher density if the liquids do not mix

Lower density liquids float on higher density liquids as long as the liquids do not mix

WORKED EXAMPLE
Liquid A has a density of 0.76 g/cm3 and liquid B has a density of 0.93 g/cm3.
If the two liquids do not mix, which liquid will float on top of the other?
Answer:
Step 1: List the known quantities
Liquid A = 0.76 g/cm3
Liquid B = 0.93 g/cm3
Step 2: Determine which liquid has the lowest density
The liquid with the lowest density will float on top of the liquid with the higher density
0.76 is less than 0.93
Therefore, liquid A has the lowest density

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Step 3: State your answer

Liquid A will float on top of liquid B Your notes

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