You will find the volume of a small glass ball (marble) by two different methods. You are provided with: • six similar small glass balls (marbles) • a metre rule fixed in place on the bench • two set squares • a 50 cm³ measuring cylinder • a 100 cm³ beaker containing water • access to a top-pan (electronic) balance • paper towels.
- (a)method 1 • Place six small glass balls by the side of the metre rule, as shown in Fig. 1.1. • Make sure that there are no gaps between the balls. [Figure 1.1]
- (a)(i)Use the set squares to help you take readings on the metre rule of the positions of points A and B, as shown in Fig. 1.1. Give your readings to the nearest 0.1 cm. position of point A = .................................................... cm position of point B = .................................................... cm[1]
- (a)(ii)The length l is the distance between points A and B. The average diameter d of one ball can be found using the equation: l = 6d Use your answers to (a)(i) to find length l and diameter d. Give your answers to the nearest 0.1 cm. l = .................................................... cm d = .................................................... cm[2]
- (a)(iii)The average volume V of one glass ball found using this method is given by the equation: V = 3.14d³/6 Calculate V. V = .................................................... cm³[1]
- (b)method 2 • Pour water into the measuring cylinder until it is just over half full.
- (b)(i)Record the volume V₁ of the water in the measuring cylinder. V₁ = .................................................... cm³[1]
- (b)(ii)• Carefully add the six glass balls to the water in the measuring cylinder. Record the new volume V₂ of the water and glass balls in the measuring cylinder. V₂ = .................................................... cm³ The volume V_T of the six balls is given by the equation: V_T = V₂ – V₁ Calculate V_T. V_T = .................................................... cm³[1]
- (b)(iii)• Remove the glass balls from the measuring cylinder and dry them using the paper towel. Calculate the average volume V of one ball found using this method. V = .................................................... cm³[1]
- (c)Suggest whether method 1 or method 2 gives the more accurate value for the volume of the ball. Explain your answer. method giving more accurate value ............................................................................................ explanation ................................................................................................................................[1]
- (d)The average mass of a glass ball can be found using a small beaker and a top-pan balance. Find the average mass of one glass ball using the small beaker and the top-pan balance supplied. Describe your method and record the readings you take. method ..................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... readings .................................................................................................................................... mass of one glass ball = .................................................... g[2]
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Mark scheme
Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2024). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.
- [1] (a)(i) two points 9.5 +/-0.5cm apart ;
- [1] (a)(ii) l correct from (a)(i) values to 0.1 cm ;
- [1] (a)(ii) correct value of l divided by 6, written to 0.1 cm ;
- [1] (a)(iii) Candidate's d substituted into formula and V correctly calculated ;
- [1] (b)(i) sensible reading approx. 25 (cm³) ;
- [1] (b)(ii) V₂ value seen (at least 8 cm³ more than (b)(i)) and V_T correct ;
- [1] (b)(iii) average value of V correct (i.e. their V_T/6 calculated) ;
- [1] (c) method 1 as the measuring cylinder can only measure to the nearest 0.5 cm³ / 1.0 cm³
- or
- [1] (c) measuring the diameter to the nearest mm is more accurate ;
- [1] (d) put beaker on balance and tare ;
- [1] (d) add 6 balls to find mass and divide by 6 ;
- or
- [1] (d) put beaker on balance and record mass then add 6 balls to find mass again;
- [1] (d) subtract the masses and divide answer by 6;
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