Density

3 marks · Normal

A school laboratory has a large block of wax. A student is asked to determine the density of the wax.

(a)

She records the mass as 1.20 kg. She measures the block’s dimensions as 20.0 cm × 10.0 cm × 5.00 cm. Calculate the volume in m³.

[1 mark]

(b)

Calculate the density of the wax block in kg/m³.

[2 marks]

Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.

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(a) 0.00100 m³

(b) 1200 kg/m³

Common mistakes: Not converting cm³ to m³; Forgetting units

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Marking points

A1 (a) · 1 mark · Correctly calculates the volume in m³.

M1 (b) · 1 mark · Correct substitution into using SI units. (follow-through)

A2 (b) · 1 mark · Correct final density in kg/m³. (follow-through)

Worked solution

(a) Volume = 20.0 × 10.0 × 5.00 = 1000 cm³ = 1000 × 10⁻⁶ = 0.00100 m³

(b) Density = mass / volume = 1.20 kg / 0.00100 m³ = 1200 kg/m³