AQA GCSE Physics Physics Paper 1 (Foundation), November 2021: Question 3
10 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Short Answer
Describe a method to measure the volume of a lime using a displacement can, calculate the mean volume from repeat readings, identify the benefits of taking repeat measurements, and calculate the density of an apple given its mass and volume.
Practise this questionQuestion
Question text
03 A student investigated the density of different fruits.
To determine the density of each fruit, the student measured the volume of each fruit.
Figure 3 shows the equipment the student could have used.
Figure 3
03.1 Describe a method the student could have used to measure the volume of the lime.
[4 marks]
03.2 The student measured the volume of each fruit three times and then calculated a
mean value.
*10* The three measurements for a grape were
2.1 cm3 2.1 cm3 2.4 cm3
Calculate the mean value.
[2 marks]
Mean value = cm3
03.3 What are the advantages of taking three measurements and calculating a
mean value?
[2 marks]
Tick ( ) two boxes.
Allows anomalous results to be identified and ignored.
Improves the resolution of the volume measurement.
Increases the precision of the measured volumes.
Reduces the effect of random errors when using the equipment.
Stops all types of error when using the equipment.12
03.4 The mass of an apple was 84.0 g.
The volume of the apple was 120 cm3.
Calculate the density of the apple.
Give your answer in g/cm3.
Use the equation:
mass
density =
volume
*11* [2 marks]
Density = g/cm3
Mark scheme
Show the mark scheme
Question 3
AO/
Question Answers Mark
Spec. Ref
03.1 Level 2: The method would lead to the production of a valid AO1
3–4
outcome. The key steps are identified and logically sequenced. 4.3.1.1
RPA5
Level 1: The method would not necessarily lead to a valid
outcome. Some steps are identified, but the method is not fully 1–2
logically sequenced.
No relevant content 0
Indicative content
• use a eureka/displacement can
• fill the eureka/displacement can with water
• fill the eureka/displacement can up to the spout
• place lime in eureka/displacement can
• collect water that overflows
• use a measuring cylinder to measure volume of water
OR
• use a measuring cylinder
• part fill the measuring cylinder with water
• measure the initial volume of water
• place lime in measuring cylinder
• record new volume of water
• volume of lime = new volume – initial volume
03.2 (2.1+2.1+2.4) 1 AO2
mean = 4.3.1.1
RPA5
mean = 2.2 (cm3) 1
03.3 allows anomalous results to be 1 AO1
identified and ignored 4.3.1.1
RPA5
reduces the effect of random 1
errors when using the
equipment
03.4 84 1 AO2
density = 4.3.1.1
RPA5
density = 0.70 (g/cm3) 1
Total 10
How to answer it
Investigating Density of Fruits (Required Practical 5)
What this question tests
This question assesses your knowledge of Required Practical 5: measuring the density of irregular solid objects using water displacement. It tests practical description skills, calculation of means, understanding of experimental error, and applying the density equation (density = mass / volume).
Describing a Volume Measurement Method
✅ Correct Method (Displacement Can)
- Fill a displacement (eureka) can with water up to the level of the spout.
- Place a measuring cylinder underneath the spout to collect displaced water.
- Carefully submerge the lime into the water.
- Measure the volume of the water collected in the measuring cylinder, which equals the volume of the lime.
✅ Alternative Method (Measuring Cylinder Only)
- Part-fill a measuring cylinder with water and record the initial volume.
- Place the lime into the water.
- Record the new, higher volume of water.
- Subtract the initial volume from the final volume to find the volume of the lime.
🧠 Exam Technique
This is a Level of Response question (4 marks). To hit Level 2 (3–4 marks), your steps must be in a logical sequence that would successfully yield a valid result. Use clear, step-by-step bullet points rather than a vague paragraph.
❌ Common Errors
- Forgetting to state that the displacement can must be filled right up to the spout initially.
- Failing to mention collecting the overflow in a measuring cylinder.
Calculating a Mean Value
📐 Step-by-Step Calculation
- Identify values: 2.1 cm³, 2.1 cm³, 2.4 cm³.
- Sum the values: 2.1 + 2.1 + 2.4 = 6.6
- Divide by the number of measurements (3): 6.6 / 3 = 2.2
Mean value = 2.2 cm³
🧠 Exam Technique
Always show your working out, even for simple mean calculations. If you make a slip with arithmetic, intermediate working allows examiners to award method marks.
Advantages of Repeats and Means
✅ Correct Ticks (Select Two)
- ✔ Allows anomalous results to be identified and ignored.
- ✔ Reduces the effect of random errors when using the equipment.
💡 Key Knowledge
- Anomalies: Taking multiple readings lets you spot outliers (like a rogue result due to a mistake) and exclude them before calculating a mean.
- Random Errors: Averaging multiple measurements reduces the impact of minor human judgment errors (such as parallax error when reading scales).
- Misconception: Repeats do not improve instrument resolution or stop all types of error (systematic errors like a zero error will still affect every reading).
Calculating Density
📐 Step-by-Step Calculation
- State the equation: density = mass / volume
- Substitute values: density = 84 / 120
- Calculate result: 0.70
Density = 0.70 g/cm³
❌ Common Calculation Traps
- Writing 0.7 instead of 0.70 : While numerically equal, science conventions often expect matching significant figures based on the data given (both 84 and 120 are given to 2/3 sig fig, so keeping the trailing zero is best practice).
- Inverting the formula (dividing volume by mass instead of mass by volume).
Topics
Physics · Required Practicals · P3: Particle Model of Matter · Required Practicals
Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Physics examination, Physics Paper 1 (Foundation), November 2021. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.