In this experiment you will measure the capacity of a drinks cup by three different methods. The capacity of a cup is the maximum volume of liquid that it can hold. You are provided with: • a drinks cup with a capacity of approximately 200 cm³ • a 30 cm ruler • a metre rule • approximately 80 cm of thin string • a 250 cm³ measuring cylinder • a supply of water.
- (a)method 1 Fig. 1.1 shows the measurements to be taken. [Figure 1.1]
- (a)(i)Measure the height h, the diameter D and the diameter d of the cup provided. h = cm D = cm d = cm[2]
- (a)(ii)Calculate the average diameter d_A of the cup using your readings from (a)(i) and the equation: d_A = (D + d) / 2 d_A = cm[1]
- (a)(iii)Calculate a value for the capacity V_1 of the cup using the equation: V_1 = π d_A² h / 4 V_1 = cm³[1]
- (b)method 2 Use the string and the metre rule to determine the average circumference C of the cup.
- (b)(i)Describe the method you use and show your working. You may draw a diagram, if you wish. C = cm[2]
- (b)(ii)Calculate a value for the capacity V_2 of the cup using the equation: V_2 = C²h / (4π) V_2 = cm³[1]
- (c)method 3 Pour water into the measuring cylinder up to a level that is greater than 200 cm³ and record the volume. This is reading R_1. Pour water from the measuring cylinder into the cup until it is full and record the volume of water left in the measuring cylinder. This is reading R_2. Determine the volume of water V_3 in the cup. Show your working. R_1 = cm³ R_2 = cm³ V_3 = cm³[1]
- (d)All three methods of determining the capacity of the drinks cup give values which are approximate. State one reason why the volume calculated in method 2 and one reason why the volume calculated in method 3 are not accurate. method 2 method 3[2]
This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.
Mark scheme
Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.
- [1] h, D and d recorded to the nearest 0.1 cm (only) ;
- [1] expect values within ± 0.2 cm of supervisor's values with trend: h > D > d ;
- [1] d_A calculation correct ;
- [1] V₁ calculation correct ;
- [1] C present and realistic value ;
- [1] evidence of at least 3 loops of string around middle of the cup or correct positioning of string e.g., around the top and at the bottom and averaged ;
- [1] V₂ sensible and calculation correct ;
- [1] V₃ = R₁ - R₂ ;
- [1] method 2: string not correctly positioned/loops of string may overlap / string has thickness/the external diameter is being measured ;
- [1] method 3: cup underfilled or overfilled / water spilled on transfer / water left in the cup / readings not taken perpendicularly to scale ;
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