Question Constellation Sign up for free AQA · GCSE · Combined Science · Higher
Measuring volume by displacement
The student wanted to determine the density of a bronze coin. The student had several identical coins. The volume of each coin was very small.
Describe how the student could use a displacement method to determine an accurate value for the volume of a single coin.
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Study the marking See what earns credit and compare it with a full-mark answer.
Marking points
- 1 Put several identical coins into the measuring cylinder rather than just one coin.
- 2 Measure the increase/change in the water level caused by the coins.
- 3 Divide the total displaced volume by the number of coins added to find the volume of one coin.
Full-mark answer
Add several identical coins to water in a measuring cylinder and measure the change in the water level. Divide this total change in volume by the number of coins added to find the volume of one coin.
Why this answer loses marks
Put one coin in the water and read the new volume.
Using only one coin does not address the small volume, and the answer must use the change in water level and divide by the number of coins if several are used.