This exam focus covers Exam Focus within Density for GCSE Physics. Revise Density in Particle Model for GCSE Physics with 13 exam-style questions and 30 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 11 of 13 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.
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Density questions appear in almost every paper. Examined in Edexcel 1PH0/2 (Paper 2). CP7 (Investigating the density of solids and liquids) is a Core Practical on Edexcel — expect questions that directly test your knowledge of the displacement method and sources of error. Edexcel also uses context-based questions involving material properties (e.g. why aluminium is used in aircraft, why wood floats).
- Calculation questions (2-3 marks): Given mass and volume, calculate density. Or given density and one other quantity, find the third. Always show units clearly — kg/m³ or g/cm³.
- CP7 Required practical questions (3-4 marks): Describe how to measure density of a regular or irregular object. Include: measure mass with balance, find volume (geometry or displacement), calculate ρ = m/V.
- Explain floating/sinking (2 marks): Compare the density of the object to the density of water/fluid. State whether it is greater or less, and the consequence.
- Unit conversion: Examiners sometimes mix kg/m³ and g/cm³. Know that 1 g/cm³ = 1000 kg/m³.
- "Suggest" questions (Edexcel): Given an unusual material or object, suggest why it floats or sinks — apply ρ = m/V reasoning to the context.
Practice questions for Density
What is the correct equation for density?
Explain why gases have a much lower density than solids, using ideas about particles.