AQA GCSE Physics Physics Paper 1 (Foundation), June 2024: Question 4
9 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Short Answer
Investigate density using a measuring cylinder and a balance, including range of volumes, errors from string thickness and zero error, calculating volume and mass, and the density equation.
Practise this questionQuestion
Question text
04 Figure 8 shows a measuring cylinder containing some water.
Figure 8
04.1 What range of volumes can be measured using the measuring cylinder?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
0.0 to 0.2 cm3
0.0 to 2.0 cm3
0.0 to 10.0 cm3 18
A student used the measuring cylinder to measure the volume of a metal ring.
04.2 The student tied the metal ring to some very thin string and lowered the ring into the
measuring cylinder.
The student could have used thick string instead of thin string.
How would using thick string have affected the measured volume of the metal ring?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
*17* The measured volume would be smaller.
The measured volume would not be affected.
The measured volume would be larger.
04.3 Table 1 shows the results.
Table 1
Volume of water Volume of water and ring Volume of ring
in cm3 in cm3 in cm3
5.0 5.4 X
Calculate value X in Table 1.
[1 mark]
19 X = cm3
04.4 The student measured the volume of the ring three times.
The results were all the same.
Which of the following describes the student’s results?
[1 mark]
*18* Tick ( ) one box.
The results are anomalies.
The results are repeatable.
The results contain random errors.20
04.5 The student used a balance to measure the mass of the ring.
Figure 9 shows the balance.
Figure 9
The student noticed that the balance had a reading of 0.02 g when there was no
object on the balance.
How should the student correct this error after the mass of the ring had
been measured?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
Add 0.02 to the measurement
Divide the measurement by 0.02
Multiply the measurement by 0.02
Subtract 0.02 from the measurement21
Use the Physics Equations Sheet to answer questions 04.6 and 04.7.
04.6 Write down the equation which links density (ρ), mass (m) and volume (V).
[1 mark]
04.7 A different metal ring has a volume of 0.3 cm3.
The density of this ring is 22 g/cm3.
Calculate the mass of this ring.
Give your answer in grams.
*20* [3 marks]
Mass = g
Mark scheme
Show the mark scheme
Question 4
AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
04.1 0.0 to 10.0 cm3 1 AO3
4.3.1.1
RPA5
AO /
Spec. Ref.
04.2 the measured volume would be 1 AO3
larger 4.3.1.1
RPA5
AO /
Spec. Ref.
04.3 0.4 (cm3) 1 AO2
4.3.1.1
RPA5
AO /
Spec. Ref.
04.4 the results are repeatable 1 AO3
4.3.1.1
RPA5
AO /
Spec. Ref.
04.5 subtract 0.02 from the 1 AO3
measurement 4.3.1.1
– – – RPA5
AO /
Spec. Ref.
04.6 mass 1 AO1
density =
volume 4.3.1.1
or RPA5
m
ρ =
V
AO /
Spec. Ref.
04.7 m 1 AO2 13
22 =
0.3 4.3.1.1
RPA5
m = 22 × 0.3 1
m = 6.6 (g) 1
Total Question 4 9
How to answer it
Measuring Density and Volume Study Guide
What this question tests
This question assesses your practical skills and understanding of required practical work (RPA5: Density), specifically using measuring cylinders to find volume, handling systematic errors in balances, recognising repeatability, and applying the density equation (density = mass / volume).
Range of a Measuring Cylinder
✅ Correct Answer
0.0 to 10.0 cm³
💡 Key Knowledge
- The range of a measuring device is from its lowest scale division to its highest scale division.
- Looking at Figure 8, the scale starts at 0.0 cm³ at the bottom and goes up to 10.0 cm³ at the top.
Effect of String Thickness on Volume Measurement
✅ Correct Answer
The measured volume would be larger.
❌ Common Errors & Misconceptions
Students sometimes think the string does not matter because it's "just string". However, thicker string displaces a greater volume of water itself, which incorrectly adds to the volume reading of the metal ring.
Calculating Volume (Displacement Method)
✅ Correct Answer
X = 0.4 cm³
📐 Calculation Steps
- Identify values: Initial water volume = 5.0 cm³; Water and ring volume = 5.4 cm³.
- Subtract: 5.4 - 5.0 = 0.4 cm³.
- Check units: Ensure your final answer includes the correct unit ( cm³ ) if not already printed on the answer line.
Evaluating Experimental Results
✅ Correct Answer
The results are repeatable.
💡 Key Knowledge
- Repeatable: When the same student obtains the same (or very similar) results using the same method and equipment.
- Reproducible: If a different person (or method) gets the same results.
Zero Error Correction
✅ Correct Answer
Subtract 0.02 from the measurement
🧠 Exam Technique
A reading of 0.02 g with no object on the balance is a zero error (a type of systematic error). Because the balance is reading 0.02 g too high right from the start, you must subtract 0.02 g from any final measured mass.
Recall of the Density Equation
✅ Correct Answer
density = mass / volume (or ρ = m / V )
❌ Common Errors
Avoid writing upside-down formulas like volume ÷ mass. Memorise the triangle or formula: density is how tightly packed mass is in a given volume (kg/m³ or g/cm³).
Calculating Mass from Density and Volume
✅ Correct Answer
Mass = 6.6 g
📐 Step-by-Step Calculation
- Write equation / substitute: 22 = m / 0.3 (1 mark)
- Rearrange: m = 22 × 0.3 (1 mark)
- Calculate final value: 6.6 g (1 mark)
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), June 2024. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.