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Figure 2 shows a rock found by a student on a beach - AQA - GCSE Physics - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 2
Figure 2 shows a rock found by a student on a beach. To help identify the type of rock, the student took measurements to determine its density. ### 02.1 Descr... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 2 shows a rock found by a student on a beach - AQA - GCSE Physics - Question 2 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe a method the student could use to determine the density of the rock.
Answer
To determine the density of the rock, the student can follow these steps:
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Measure Mass: Use a balance or scales to weigh the rock, recording its mass in grams (g).
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Prepare Water: Fill a measuring cylinder with a known volume of water, noting this initial volume.
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Submerge the Rock: Gently place the rock into the measuring cylinder, ensuring it is fully submerged without touching the sides.
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Measure Displaced Water: Observe the new water level in the measuring cylinder and note the final volume.
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Calculate Volume of the Rock: Subtract the initial volume of water from the final volume to find the volume of the rock (V = final volume - initial volume).
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Calculate Density: Finally, use the formula for density:
ext{Density} = rac{ ext{Mass}}{ ext{Volume}}
where mass is the weight of the rock in grams and volume is the volume of the rock in cubic centimeters (cm³).
Step 2
Step 3
Explain why taking the measurements more than once may improve the accuracy of the density value.
Answer
Taking measurements multiple times can enhance accuracy by:
- Reducing Random Errors: Repeating measurements allows for identification and elimination of anomalies or errors that might occur during a single measurement.
- Averaging Results: By taking multiple readings and calculating an average, the student can mitigate the effects of outliers, leading to a more reliable density value.