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Unit 01 - Measurements and Units

This document provides an overview of a physics curriculum covering general physics topics like length, time, volume, density and mass for students in Years 9-11 (equivalent to grades 7-10). It includes the following key points: - Explanations of units, measurements, and the metric system including prefixes for making units bigger or smaller. - How to work with measurements that involve multiple units, such as calculating speed from a change in distance over time. - The use of scientific notation for conveniently writing very large or small numbers. - Overviews of topics to be covered within the unit on general physics, including numbers and units, length and time, volume and density.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
127 views49 pages

Unit 01 - Measurements and Units

This document provides an overview of a physics curriculum covering general physics topics like length, time, volume, density and mass for students in Years 9-11 (equivalent to grades 7-10). It includes the following key points: - Explanations of units, measurements, and the metric system including prefixes for making units bigger or smaller. - How to work with measurements that involve multiple units, such as calculating speed from a change in distance over time. - The use of scientific notation for conveniently writing very large or small numbers. - Overviews of topics to be covered within the unit on general physics, including numbers and units, length and time, volume and density.

Uploaded by

vedika
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 49

Cambridge Physics - iGCSE

2018-20
Year 09-11

Unit 01 – General Physics


1.1 – Length and Time
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 10

Numbers and Units

10M
number unit (m is the symbol for metre)
► When you make a measurement, you might get a result like
the one above: a distance of 10m. The complete
measurement is called a physical quantity. It is made up of
two parts: a number and a unit.
► 10m really means 10 X m (ten times metre), just as in
algebra, 10x means 10 X x (ten times x). You can treat the m
just like a symbol in an algebraic equation. This is important
when combining units.
1.1 – Length and Time
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 10

Combining units !
Advanced Units
► In the diagram above, the girl cycles 10 5 m/s is a space-saving
metres in 2 s. So she travels 5 metres way of writing
every second. Her speed is 5 metres per m
second. To work out the speed, you divide 5
s
the distance travelled by the time taken, 1
But 5 m equals 5m .
like this: s s
speed = 10 m (s is the symbol for second) Also, 1 can be written
2s s
► As m and s can be treated as algebraic as s-1.
symbols: So the speed can be
10 m m
speed = • =5 written as 5 ms-1.
2 s s This method of
► To save space, 5 m is usually written as showing units is more
5m/s. s common in advanced
► So m/s is the unit of speed. work.
1.1 – Length and Time
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 10

Rights and wrongs !


Tables and graphs
► This equation is correct: You may see table
10 m headings or graph axes
speed = = 5 m/s
2s labelled like this:
► This equation is incorrect:
distance or distance/m
10 m
speed = = 5 m/s
2 That is because the
► It is incorrect because the m and s have values shown are just
been left out. 10 divided by 2 equals 5, numbers, without units.
and not 5 m/s. So:
► Strictly speaking, units should be included If distance = 10
at all stages of a calculation, not just at
the end. However, in this book, the Then distance
= 10
m
‘incorrect’ type of equation will sometimes
be used so that you can follow the
arithmetic without units which make the
calculation look more complicated.
1.1 – Length and Time
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 11

Bigger or Smaller
► You can make a unit bigger or smaller by putting an extra symbol, called
a prefix, in front. (Below, W stands for watt, a unit of power.)
Prefix Meaning Example Powers of 10
G (giga) 1 000 000 000 (109) GW (gigawatt) 1000 = 10 X 10 X 10 = 103
M (mega) 1 000 000 (106) MW (megawatt) 100 – 10 X 10 = 102
k (kilo) 1 000 (103) km (kilometre) 0.1 = 1 = 10-1
d (deci) 1 (10-1) dm (decimetre) 10
10 0.1 = 1 = 1 = 10-1
c (centi) 1 (10-2) cm (centimetre) 10 102
100 0.001 = 1 = 1 = 10-3
m (milli) 1 (10-3) mm (millimetre) 1000 103
1 000
‘milli’ means ‘thousandth’ not
μ (micro) 1 (10 )
-6
μW (microwatt) ‘millionth’
1 000 000
You would not normally be
n (nano) 1 (10 )
-9
nm (nanometre) tested on micro, nano or giga
1 000 000 000 in a Cambridge IGCSE
examination (See also yellow
1.1 – Length and Time
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 11

Scientific notation
► An atlas says that the population of Iceland is this:
320 000
► There are two problems with giving the number in this form. Writing lots of
zeros isn’t very convenient. Also, you don’t know which zeros are accurate.
Most are only there to show you that it is a six-figure number. These
problems are avoided if the number is written using powers of ten:
3.2 x 105 (105 = 10 x 10 x 10 x 10 x 10 = 100 000)
► ‘3.2 X 105’ tells you that the figures 3 and 2 are important. The number is
being given to two significant
figures. If the population were Decimal Fraction Scientific Notation
known more accurately, to three 500 5 X 102
significant figures, it might be
0.5 5 5 X 10-1
written like this: 10
3.20 X 10 5

► Numbers written using powers of 0.05 5 5 X 10-2


100
ten are in scientific notation or
standard form. The examples on 0.005 5 5 X 10-3
1 000
the right are to one significant figure.
1.1 – Length and Time
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 11

1. How many grams are there in 1 kilogram?


Q
2. How many millimetres are there in 1 metre?
3. How many microseconds are there in 1 second?
4. This equation is used to work out the area of a rectangle:
area = length x width.
If a rectangle measures 3m by 2m, calculate its area, and
include the units in your calculation.
5. Write down the following in km:
2000 m 200 m 2 X 104 m ?
6. Write down the following in s:
5000 ms 5 x 107μs
7. Using scientific notation, write down the following to two
significant figures:
1 500m 1 500 000m 0.15m 0.015m
1.2 – A System of Units
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 12

► There are many different units - including those above. But in


scientific work, life is much easier if everyone uses a common
system of units.
SI units
► Most scientists use SI units (full name: Le Systeme International
d’Unites). The basic SI units for measuring mass, time, and length
are the kilogram, the second, and the metre. From these base units
come a whole range of units for measuring volume, speed, force,
energy, and other quantities.
► Other SI base units include the ampere (for measuring electric
current) and the kelvin (for measuring temperature).
1.2 – A System of Units
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 12

Activity 8.1 Mass


A line down the side ► Mass is a measure of the
of the text means that amount of substance in an
the material is only object. It has two effects:
required for Extended  All objects are attracted to the
Level. Earth. The greater the mass
* An asterisk indicates
of an object, the stronger is
the Earth’s gravitational pull
extension material, on it.
provided to set  All objects resist attempts to
physics in a broader make them go faster, slower,
context. You would or in a different direction. The
not normally be tested greater the mass, the greater
on this in a CIE is the resistance to change in
IGCSE examination. motion.
1.2 – A System of Units
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 12

► The SI base unit of mass is the kilogram (symbol


kg). The standard kilogram is a block of platinum
alloy kept at the Office of Weights and Measures in
Paris. Other units based on the kilogram are shown
below:

► The mass of an object can


be found using a balance
like this. The balance really
detects the gravitational
pull on the object on the
pan, but the scale is
marked to show the mass.
1.2 – A System of Units
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 12
1.2 – A System of Units
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 12

► The SI base unit of time is the second (symbol s). Here are some
shorter units based on the second:
1 millisecond (ms) = s = 10-1s
1 microsecond (μs) = s = 10-6s
1 nanosecond (ns) = s = 10-9s
► To keep time, clocks and watches need something that beats at a
steady rate. Some old clocks used the swings of a pendulum.
Modern digital watches count the vibrations made by a tiny quartz
crystal.

!
The second was originally defined as of a day, one day being the time it
takes the Earth to rotate once. But the Earth's rotation is not quite
constant. So, for accuracy, the second is now defined in terms of
something that never changes: the frequency of an oscillation which can
occur in the nucleus of a caesium atom.
1.2 – A System of Units
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 12

Length
► The SI base unit of length is the
metre (symbol m). At one time, the
standard metre was the distance
between two marks on a metal bar
kept at the Office of Weights and
Measures in Paris.
► A more accurate standard is now
used, based on the speed of light, as
explained below.
!
By definition, one metre is the distance travelled by
light in a vacuum in of a second.
1.2 – A System of Units
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 12

► There are larger and smaller units of length based on


the metre:
1.2 – A System of Units
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 11

1. What is the SI unit of length?


Q
2. What is the SI unit of mass? R
3. What is the SI unit of time? Related topics:
4. What do the following symbols stand for? numbers and units
g mg t μm ms 1.01; mass 2.07
5. Write down the value of
a. 1564 mm in m
c. 261 in kg
e. 3.65 x 104g in kg
b. 1750 gin kg
d. 62 μs in s
f. 6.16 x 10-7 mm in m
?
6. The 500 pages of a book have a mass of 2.50 kg. What is the mass of
each page a in kg b in mg?
7. km μg μm t nm kg m ms s mg ns
μs g mm
Arrange the above units in three mass length Time
columns as below. The units in
each column should be in order,
with the largest at the top Largest unit
1.3 – Measuring Length & Time
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 14

► Lengths from a few millmetres up to a metre can


be measured using a rule, as shown above.
When using the rule, the scale should be placed
right next to the object being measured. If this is
not possible, calipers can be used, as shown
on the left. The calipers are set so that their
points exactly match the ends of the object.
Then they are moved across to a rule to make
the measurement.
► Lengths of several metres can be measured
using a tape with a scale on it. ▲If the rule cannot
► With small objects, more accurate length be placed next to the
measurements can be made using the object being
methods shown next. measured, calipers
1.3 – Measuring Length & Time
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 14

► Micrometer (below) This


has a revolving barrel with
an extra scale on it. The
barrel is connected to a
screw thread and, in the
example shown, each turn
of the barrel closes (or
opens) the gap by one
millimetre.
► First, the gap is opened wide.
Then it is closed up until the
object being measured just
fits in it (a 'clicking' sound is
▲Reading a
heard). The diagram shows
micrometer
you how to take the reading.
1.3 – Measuring Length & Time
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 14

► Vernier calipers* (below right) This is an extra sliding scale


fitted to some length-measuring instruments. Its divisions are
set slightly closer together than normal so that one of them
coincides with a
division on the fixed scale.
► The diagram shows you
how to take the reading.
(The vernier shown is part
of a set of calipers used for
making external
measurements. A second
type of caliper has jaws for
making internal
measurements.)
▲Reading a vernier
1.3 – Measuring Length & Time
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 14

Measuring time
► Time intervals of many seconds or minutes can be measured
using a stop-clock or a stop-watch. Some instruments have
an analogue display, with a needle ('hand') moving round a
circular scale.
► Others have a digital display, which shows a number. There
are buttons for starting the timing, stopping it, and resetting
the instrument to zero.
► With a hand-operated stop-clock or stop-
watch, making accurate measurements of
short time intervals (a few seconds or less)
can be difficult. This is because of the time
it takes you to react when you have to press
the button.
Related topics: units of length and time 1.02; timing a falling object 2.04
1.3 – Measuring Length & Time
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 15

Measuring time Zero error


!
► Fortunately, in some experiments, You have to allow for this
there is an simple way of overcoming on many measuring
instruments. For example,
the problem. Here is an example: bathroom scales might
rigid support give a reading of 46.2 kg
when someone stands on
A pendulum can be set up them, but 0.1 kg when
to investigate the time taken they step off and the
for a single swing expected reading is zero.
In this case, the zero error
is 0.1 kg and the
string One complete corrected measurement is
swing 46.1 kg.
Single To find the zero error on a
pendulum Bob micrometer or vernier
(small calipers, you take a
mass) reading when the gap is
▲ Measuring the
fully closed.
time f it takes for a steel ball to fall a distance h.
1.3 – Measuring Length & Time
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 15

Measuring time !!
► The pendulum above takes about two seconds to
make one complete swing. Provided the swings
are small, every' swing takes the same time. This
time is called its period. You can find it
accurately by measuring the time for 25 swings,
and then dividing the result by 25. For example:
Time for 25 swings - 55 seconds
So: time for 1 swing - 55/25 seconds = 2.2
seconds
► Another method of improving accuracy is to use
automatic timing, as shown in the example on
the right. Here, the time taken for a small object
to fall a short distance is being measured. The
timer is started automatically when the ball cuts
one light beam and stopped when it cuts
another.
1.3 – Measuring Length & Time
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 15

Q
1. A student measures the time taken for 20 swings of a
pendulum. He finds that the time taken is 46 seconds,

?
a. What time does the pendulum take for one swing?
b. How could the student have found the time for one
swing more accurately?
2. A student wants to find the thickness of one page of this
book. Explain how she might do this accurately.
3. A micrometer is used to measure the diameter of a length
of copper wire. The zero error and scale reading are as
shown.
a. What is the zero error
of the micrometer?
b. What is the correct
diameter of the wire?
1.4 – Volume & Density
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 16

Volume
► The quantity of space an object takes up is called its volume.
► The SI unit of volume is the cubic metre (m3), However, this
is rather large for everyday work, so other units are often
used for convenience, as shown in the diagrams below:

1 cubic centimetre
(cm3) is the volume of
a cube measuring 1
cm X 1 cm X 1cm. It
1 cubic metre (rn3) is the volume of 1 litre is The same volume as 1 is the same volume
a cube measuring 1 m x 1 m x 1 m. cubic decimeter (dm3) as 1 millilitre (ml)
1.4 – Volume & Density
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 16

Density
► Is lead heavier than water? Not necessarily. It depends on
the volumes of lead and water being compared. However,
lead is more dense than water: it has more kilograms
packed into every cubic metre.
► The density of a material is calculated
like this: Density =
► In the case of water:
 a mass of 1000 kg of water
has a volume of 1 m3 ▲The glowing gas in the
 a mass of 2000 kg of water tail of a comet stretches for
millions of kilometres behind
has a volume of 2 m3 the comet's core. The
 a mass of 3000 kg of water has density of the gas is less
a volume of 3 m3, and so on. than a kilogram per cubic
1.4 – Volume & Density
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 16

Density
► If masses are measured in grams (g) and volumes
in cubic centimetres (cm3), it is simpler to calculate
densities in g/cm3. Converting to kg/m3 is easy:
1 g/cm3 = 1000 kg/m3
► The density of water is 1 g/cm3. This simple value is
no accident. The kilogram (1000 g) was originally
supposed to be the mass of 1000 cm3 of water
(pure, and at 4°C). However, a
very slight error was made in the early
measurement, so this is no longer
used as a definition of the kilogram.
1.4 – Volume & Density
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 17

The densities of solids and liquids vary slightly with


temperature. Most substances get a little bigger The rare metal osmium is the
when heated. The increase in volume reduces the densest substance found on
density. Earth. If this book were made of
The densities of gases can vary enormously osmium, it would weigh as much
depending on how compressed they are. as a heavy suitcase.
1.4 – Volume & Density
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 16

Density calculations
► The equation linking density, mass, and volume can
be written in symbols:
p = where p = density, m = mass, and
V = volume
► This equation cart be rearranged to give:
V= m = Vp
and
► These are useful if the density is
known, but the volume or mass
is to be calculated. On the right ▲Cover V in the
triangle and you can
is a method of finding all three see what is equal to. It
equations. works for m and p as
1.4 – Volume & Density
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 16

Density calculations
Example: Using density data from the table above, calculate the
mass of steel having the same volume as 5400 kg of aluminium.
► First, calculate the volume of 5400 kg of aluminium. In
this case, p is 2700 kg/m3, m is 5400 kg, and V is to be
found. So:
V = = = 2m3 In the density equation,
► This is also the volume of the
the symbol p is the
Greek letter 'rho'.
steel. Therefore, for the steel,
p is 7800 kg/m3, V is 2m3, and m is to be found. So:
m = Vp = 7800 kg/m3 X 2m3 = 15 600 kg
► So the mass of steel is 15 600 kg.
1.4 – Volume & Density
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 15

1. How many cm3 are there in 1m3? Q


2. How many cm3 are there in 1 litre?
3. How many ml are there in 1m3?
4. A tankful of liquid has a volume of 0.2 m3. What is the volume in
a. litres b. cm3 c. ml?
5. Aluminium has a density of 2700 kg/m3,
a. What is the density in g/cm3?
b. What is the mass of 20 cm3 of aluminium?
c. What is the volume of 27 g of aluminium?
?
Use the information in the table of densities at the top of the page to
answer the following:
6. What material, of mass 39 g, has a volume of 5 cm3?
7. What is the mass of air in a room measuring 5m x 2m x 3m?
8. What is the volume of a storage tank which will hold 3200 kg of
petrol?
9. What mass of lead has the same volume as 1600 kg of petrol?
Related topics: pressure in liquids 3.06
1.5 - Measuring Volume & Density
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 18

Measuring volume
► Irregular solid If the shape is too awkward for the
volume to he calculated, the solid can be lowered into
a partly filled measuring cylinder as shown on the left.
The rise in level on the volume
scale gives the volume of the
Increase
solid. in level
► If the solid floats, it can be gives
volume of
weighed down with a lump of solid.
metal. The total volume is
found. The volume of the
metal is measured in a
separate experiment and then ▲Measuring the
subtracted from this total. volume of a solid
1.5 - Measuring Volume & Density
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 18

Measuring volume
► Using a displacement can If the solid is too big
for a measuring cylinder, its volume can be
found using a displacement can, shown right.
► First, the can is filled up to the level of the spout
(this is done by overfilling it, and then waiting for
the surplus water to run out).
► Then the solid is slowly lowered into the water.
The solid is now taking up space once occupied
by the water - in other words, it has displaced its ▲Using a
own volume of water. The displaced water displacement can.
is collected in a beaker and emptied into a Provided the can is
tilled to the spout at
measuring cylinder.
the start, the volume
► The displacement method, so the story goes, of water collected in
was discovered by accident, by Archimedes. the beaker is equal to
You can find out how on the opposite page. the volume of the
object lowered into
1.5 - Measuring Volume & Density
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 18

Measuring Density
► The density of a material can be found by calculation, once
the volume and mass have been measured. The mass of a
small solid or of a liquid can be measured using a balance.
However, in the case of a liquid, you must remember to
allow for the mass of its container.
► Here are some readings from an experiment to find the
density of a liquid:

Volume of liquid in measuring cylinder = 400 cm3 (A)


Mass of measuring cylinder = 240 g (B)
Mass of measuring cylinder with liquid in = 560 g (C)
► Therefore: mass of liquid = 560 g - 240 g = 320 g (C – B)
► Therefore density of liquid = = = 0.8 g/cm3
1.5 - Measuring Volume & Density
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 19

Checking the density of a Liquid*


► A quick method of finding the density of a liquid it to use a small float
called a hydrometer. There is an example on the right. It is based on
the idea that a floating object floats higher up in a denser liquid. You
can read more about floating, sinking, and the link with density in the
next spread, 1.06.
► The scale on a hydrometer normally
indicates the relative density (or specific
gravity') of the liquid: that is the density
compared with water (1000 kg/m3). A
reading of 1.05 means that the density of Stem with
the liquid is 1050 kg/m3. scale
► Density checks like this are important in Liquid
some production processes. For under test
example, creamy milk is slightly less Weighted
dense than skimmed milk, and strong Bulb
beer is slightly less dense than weak
1.5 - Measuring Volume & Density
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 19

Archimedes and the crown


Archimedes, a Greek mathematician, lived in Syracuse (now in
Sicily) around 250 bce. He made important discoveries about levers
and liquids, but is probably best remembered for his clever solution
to a problem set him by the King of Syracuse.
The King had given his goldsmith some gold to make a crown. But when the crown
was delivered, the King V was suspicious. Perhaps the goldsmith had stolen some
of the gold and mixed in cheaper silver instead. The King asked Archimedes to test
the crown.
Archimedes knew that the crown was the correct mass. He also knew that silver
was less dense than gold. So a crown with silver in it would have a greater volume
than it should have. But how could he measure the volume? Stepping into his bath
one day, so the story goes, Archimedes noticed the rise in water level. Here was
the answer! He was so excited that he leapt from his bath and ran naked through
the streets, shouting "Eureka!'', which means "I have found it!".
Later, Archimedes put the crown in a container of water and measured the rise in
level. Then he did the same with an equal mass of pure gold. The rise in level was
different. So the crown could not have been pure gold.
1.5 - Measuring Volume & Density
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 19

1. Use the information above to decide which crown is gold,


Q
which is silver, and which is a mixture.
2. Use the information above to calculate:
a. the mass, volume, and density of the liquid
b. the mass, volume, and density of the stone.

density: gold 19.3 g/cm3; silver


10.5 g/cm3

Related topics: volume and density 1.04


1.6 - More about Mass & Density
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 20

Comparing Masses
! Beam
Density Essentials
Density = Unknown Standard
mass masses

► A simple Pan Pan


beam balance

► The device above is called a beam balance. It is the


simplest, and probably the oldest, way of finding the mass of
something. You put the object in one pan, then add standard
masses to the other pan until the beam balances in a level
position. If you have to add 1.2 kg of standard masses, as in
the diagram, then you know that the object also has a mass
of 1.2 kg.
1.6 - More about Mass & Density
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 20

Comparing Masses
► The balance is really comparing weights rather than masses. Weight
is the downward pull of gravity. The beam balances when the
downward pull on one pan is equal to the downward pull on the other.
► However, masses can be compared because of the way gravity acts
on them. If the objects in the two pans have the same weight, they
must also have the same mass.
► When using a balance like the one above, you
might say that you were weighing' something.
However, 1.2 kg is the mass of the object, not
its weight. Weight is a force, measured in force
units called newtons. For more on this, and the
difference between mass and weight, ▲A more modern

see spreads 2.07 and 2.09. type of balance. It


► A more modem type of balance is detects the gravitational
pull on the object on the
shown on the right. pan, but gives its
reading in units of
1.6 - More about Mass & Density
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 20

1. On the Moon, the force of gravity on an object is only Q


about one sixth of its value on Earth. Decide whether
each of the following would give an accurate
measurement of mass if used on the Moon,
a. A beam balance like the one in the diagram
previously.
b. A balance like the one in the photograph above.
2. A balloon like the one on slide 22 contains 2000m3 of air.
When the air is cold, its density is 1.3 kg/m3 When
heated, the air expands so that some is pushed out of the
hole at the bottom, and the density falls to 1.1 kg/m3.
Calculate the following,
a. The mass of air in the balloon when cold,
b. The mass of air in the balloon when hot.
c. The mass of air lost from the balloon during heating.
1.6 - More about Mass & Density
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 20

Planet density
► The density of a planet increases towards the centre.
However, the average density can be found by dividing
the total mass by the total volume. The mass of a
planet affects its gravitational pull and, therefore, the
orbit of any moon circling it. The mass can be
calculated from this. The volume can be calculated
once the diameter is known.
► The average density gives clues about a planet's
structure:

Earth Jupiter
Average density 5520 kg/rn3 Average density 1330 kg/m3
This is about double the density of the rocks The low average density is one reason why
near the surface, so the Earth must have a scientists think that Jupiter is a sphere mostly of
high density core probably mainly iron. hydrogen and helium gas, with a small, rocky core.
1.6 - More about Mass & Density
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 19

Float or sink?
You can Tell whether a material will float or sink by
comparing its density with that of The surrounding liquid (or
gas). If it is less dense, it will float; if it is more dense, it will
sink. For example, wood is less dense than water, so it
floats; steel is more dense, so it sinks.
Density differences are not the cause of floating or sinking,
just a useful guide for predicting which will occur. Floating
is made possible by an upward force produced whenever
an object is immersed in a liquid (or gas). To experience
this force, try pushing an empty bottle down into water.
▲Hot air is less dense than cold
air, so a hot-air balloon will rise
upwards provided the fabric, gas
cylinders, basket, and passengers do
not increase the average density by
too much.
◄ Ice is less dense than water in its
liquid form, so icebergs float.
Related topics: mass 1.02; volume & density 1.04-1.05; force 2.06; mass & weight 2.09; convection 5.07
1 – Measurements and Units – Further Questions
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 22

1. Copy and complete the table shown below:


Measurement Unit Symbol ?
Length ? ?
? Kilogram ?
? ? s
2. Write down the number of
A. mg in 1 g B. g in 1 kg C. mg in 1
kg
D. mm in 4 km E. cm in 5 km
[5]
3. Write down the values of
A. 300 cm, in m B. 500 g, in kg C. 1500 m,
in km
1 – Measurements and Units – Further Questions
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 22

4. The volume of a rectangular block can be calculated using


this equation:
volume = length X width X height
Using this information, copy and complete the table below.
Length/cm Width/cm Height/cm Volume of rectangular
block/cm3
2 3 4 ?
5 5 ? 100
6 7 5 300
? 10 10 50

5. In each of the following pairs, which quantity is the larger?


A. 2 km or 2500 m? B. 2 m or 1500 mm?
C. 2 tonnes or 3000 kg?
cm3?
D. 2 litres or 300 ?
1 – Measurements and Units – Further Questions
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 22

6. Which of the following statements is/are correct?


A. One milligram equals one million grams.
B. One thousand milligrams equals one gram.
C. One million milligrams equals one gram,
D. One million milligrams equals one kilogram.
7. [2]
m g/cm3 m3 km cm3
kg ms ml kg/m3 s

Which of the above are


A. units of mass? B. units of length
C. units of volume? D. units of time?
E. units of density?
[10]
?
1 – Measurements and Units – Further Questions
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 22

8. Which block is made of the densest material?


Block Mass/g Length/cm Breadth/cm Height/cm

A 480 5 4 4
B 360 10 4 3
C 800 10 5 2

?
D 600 5 4 3
9. The mass of a measuring cylinder
and its contents are measured
before and after putting a stone in it.
Which of the following could you
calculate using measurements
taken from the apparatus above?
A. the density of the liquid only
B. the density of the stone only
C. the densities of the liquid and the stone [2]
1 – Measurements and Units – Further Questions
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 22

10. A plastic bag filled with air has a


volume of 0.008 m3. When air in the
bag is squeezed into a rigid container,
the mass of the container (with air)
increases from 0.02 kg to 0.03 kg. Use
the formula:
density =
to calculate the density? of the air in
?
the bag. [2]
1 – Measurements and Units – Further Questions
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
Page 23
11.
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions

In the diagram above, the tanks contain two different liquids, X ?


and Y.
a. What is the volume of each liquid in m3?
[2]
b. If you had 1 m3 of the liquid X, what would its mass be?

[2]
1 – Measurements and Units – Further Questions
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 23

12. Use the table of data on Slide 36 (Spread 1.04) to answer the following:
a. Which of the solids or liquids in the table will float in water? Give a
reason for your answer. [4]
?
b. Which of the solids or liquids in the table will float in petrol?
[2]
13. The table shows the density of various substances. Consider the
following statements:
A. 1 cm3 of mercury has a greater* mass than 1 cm 3 of any other
substance in this table - true or false?
Substance Density
B. 1 cm of water has a smaller mass than
3
/g/cm3
1 cm3 of any other substance in this
Copper 8.9
table - true or false?
C. 1 g of iron has a smaller volume than Iron 7.9
1 g of copper - true or false? Kerosene 0.87
D. 1 g of mercury' has a greater mass than Mercury 13.6
1 g of copper - true or false? [2] Water 1.0
1 – Measurements and Units – Further Questions
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 23

14. A student decides to measure the period of a pendulum (the


period is the time taken for one complete swing). Using a
stopwatch, he finds that eight complete swings take 7.4
seconds. With his calculator, he then uses this data to work out
the time for one swing. The number shown on his calculator is
0.925. ?
a. Is it acceptable for the student to claim that the period of
the pendulum is 0.925 seconds? Explain your answer.

[2]
b. How could the student measure the period more
accurately?

[2]
c. Later, another student finds that 100 complete swings take
1 – Measurements and Units – Revision Summary
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 23

Use the list below when you revise for your IGCSE examination. You can print it from the PPT. The spread
number, in brackets, tells you where to find more information.
Core Level
 How to use units.

(1.01)
 Making bigger or smaller units using prefixes,

(1,01)
 Writing numbers in scientific (standard) notation.

(1.01)
 Significant figures.

(1.01)
 SI units, including the metre, kilogram, and second.

(1.02)
 The meaning of zero error.

(1.03)
 How to measure short intervals of time.

(1.03)
 How to find the period of a simple pendulum.

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