the mass per cubic metre (m³) or cubic centimetre (cm³) of a material

the unit for density when mass is measured in kilograms (kg) and volume in cubic metres (m³), written as kg/m³

the unit for density when mass is measured in grams (g) and volume in cubic centimetres (cm³), written as g/cm³

a device used to measure length precisely

a device used to measure length to a very high precision

Calculating density and measuring volume

Physics

In the Energy of moving particles unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn how the movement and nature of different particles transfers energy by conduction, and how specific heat capacity and specific latent heat quantify the effect of heating on the properties of a material.

In the Heating and cooling unit, pupils learnt how the motion of particles in solids, liquids and gases changes when they are heated, how thermal conduction and insulation work and why heating different materials doesn’t always increase their temperatures by the same amount. 

This unit defines density and explores how it varies between states of matter based on atomic arrangement. It covers mass conservation during physical changes, gas behaviour, fluid pressure, buoyancy, and atmospheric pressure, and calculations involving density, mass, and volume relationships.

Particle explanations of density and pressure

Which of the following instruments are used to measure length?

The mass of water collected equals the mass of the object.

The volume of water collected equals the volume of the object.

The density of water collected equals the density of the object.

A displacement can contains water up to its spout. An object is placed in the water and sinks. A beaker collects the water that flows from the spout. 
Which of the following statements is correct?

A paper clip has mass 1.2 g and volume 0.15 cm³. What is the density of the paper clip in g/cm³?

The diagram shows a Vernier scale. The marking on the lower scale that lines up most closely with a marking on the upper scale has been circled. The reading on the scale is {{ }} cm.

The density of diamond is 3500 kg/m³. What is the density of diamond in g/cm³?

The metal osmium is the densest element that occurs naturally on Earth, with density 22.6 g/cm³. 
The mass of a cube of osmium with side length 3.00 cm is {{ }} g.
Give you answer to 3 sig. fig.

Which of the following quantities does a measuring cylinder measure?

Which of the following quantities means ‘amount of matter’?

Here is a mathematical formula: $$c=\frac{d}{e}$$. Rearrange the formula to make $$d$$ the subject.

Here is a mathematical formula: $$f=\frac{g}{h}$$. Rearrange the formula to make $$h$$ the subject.

On the left is a set of numbers. On the right are the same numbers after rounding to three significant figures. Match each number on the left with its rounded value on the right.

A pupil observes that a beetle runs 5.0 m in 3.0 s, and uses the formula speed = distance ÷ time to calculate the speed. Which of the following is the most accurate way to write the beetle’s speed?

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Calculating density and measuring volume

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.