1. Density of a substance is the mass per unit volume of the substance.

Mass

Density Volume

2. An object floats in a liquid if it is less dense than the liquid. For example, Cork floats on water because
it is less dense than water.
3. An object sinks in a liquid if it is denser than the liquid. For example a copper sinks in water because it
is denser than water.

(a) 272 g of mercury has a (b) 120 cm3 of alcohol has a density (c) 50 g alcohol has the density
volume of 20 cm3. Calculate the of 0.8 gcm-3. What is the mass of of 0.8 gcm-3. What is its volume.
density of mercury. the alcohol.
Answer:
Answer: Answer:

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1. The density of irregular objects can be determined by using water displacement method.

Mass of stone = 63.2 g

Volume of stone = 4 ml
Stone = 4 cm3

Eureka 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 63.2 𝑔

can Density of stone = =
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 4.0 cm3
Measuring = 15.8 gcm-3
cylinder

Volume
of stone

1. Ice is less dense than water, so ice floats on the surface.

2. Timber can be transported by water because timber is less dense than water.
3. A float contains air, air is less dense than water, therefore it helps swimmer to float on the surface
of water.
4. Balloons that contain helium gas floats in the air because helium gas is less dense than air.
5. Submarine can dive or rise underwater by controlling the amount of water in ballast tanks.
6. Plastic balls and metal balls are tied to fishing nets to keep the nets afloat in the sea.
7. Buoy has a steel drum that contains air at the bottom, air is less dense, allowing it to float to keep
boats away from unsafe area.
8. Hot air balloon can rise because hot air is less dense than the cold air around it.
9. Layered drinks are prepared by pouring several liquid with different flavours into the glass,
Different liquid has different concentration and density, therefore if forms layers in a glass.

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Scientific Method is a systematic method used to solve problems in science. This method consists of a few
important steps to enable a problem to be solved or explained using the correct method.

1. Identify a problem Identify a problem that could be tested with a scientific investigation.
2. Construct a Build a hypothesis as an initial explanation of the observation or phenomenon
hypothesis being investigated. The hypothesis has to be tested
Identify the type of variables involved. Variables are physical quantities that
3. Control variables influence the observation or scientific phenomena and it consists of
manipulated variables, constant variables and responding variables
We have to design an experiment carefully beforehand. We also need to
4. Plan an experiment
choose the right materials and apparatus for the experiment
While conducting the experiment, precautions must be practiced at all times to
5. Conduct the
obtain a more accurate data. Safety measures must also be followed to prevent
experiment
accidents.
Data collection is carried out carefully using suitable instruments while
taking into consideration any random or systematic error that might occur.
6. Collect data
Make sure the measurements are carried out at least three times to obtain a
more accurate and precise reading. Use a table to record your data
7. Analyse and Analysis must be accompanied by effective communication forms such as
interpret data graphs and tables. Graphs and tables assist us to easily interpret the data.
Conclusions are made based on experimental analysis; either hypothesis is
8. Make a conclusion accepted or rejected. If rejected, we need to make a new hypothesis and carry
out the experiment again
When writing a report, all important data and information must be included.
Problem statement:
Hypothesis:
Aim:
Variables:
9. Write a report Materials and Apparatus:
Procedure:
Observation/results:
Analysis and interpretation of data:
Conclusion:

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 14.
(a) What is density? [1M]

_______________________________________________________________________________________

(b) (i) An object which is (less dense, denser) than a liquid will float on the liquid. [2M]
(ii) An iron nail (sinks in, floats on) water because its density is (less, more) than the density of water.
(iii) An object that sinks can be made to float by (increasing, decreasing) its density.
(iv) When two liquids that do not mix are placed in the same container, the (less, more) dense liquid will
float on the denser liquid.

(c) Calculate the density of the substances. [3M]

Substance Volume (cm3) Mass (g) Density (g/cm3)

Cork 5 1.25 Density =
Water 10 1.0
Lead 15 169.5
Mercury 20 13.6
Alcohol 6.32 0.79

Working:

(d) Based on the density of substances that you have calculated, label and draw the diagram below. [2M]

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(e) Why does cork floats on alcohol? [1M]

_______________________________________________________________________________________

(f) Why does lead sinks in water? [1M]

_______________________________________________________________________________________

(g) What if an ice cube of density 0.89 gcm-3 is place into gas jar in diagram 2. Draw and label the position
of the ice cube. [1M]

(h) If substance P which is put into the gas jar floats on mercury but heavier than lead, predict the density
of substance P. [1M]

_______________________________________________________________________________________

15.
(a) A measuring cylinder weighs 250 g. After 50 cm3 of liquid X is filled into it, the new mass of the
measuring cylinder with liquid X becomes 315 g. What is the density of liquid X? [2M]

(b) A gold ingot has a density of 19.3 g cm-3. What is the volume of a gold ingot weighing 3.86 kg? [2M]

(c) Dengue cases has climbed up recently because of stagnant water in many areas.
How can mosquito larvae in stagnant water be destroyed by applying the concept of density? [2M]

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

(d) The diagram shows the use of a gill net in fishing. Despite both being the same size, the plastic ball
floats in the water, whereas the metal ball sinks.

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 (i) What inference can be made from this observation [1M]

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

(ii) Suggest a reason for choosing the materials used in making the balls that are attach to the fish net.
[2M]

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

16.
Cindy is given two oranges as shown in diagram below.

(a) Predict what will happen to the oranges when they are placed in two different beakers filled with
water? Explain your prediction. [3M]

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

(b) The following substances are given to Cindy to study about density.

In your opinion, what will happen when the raisins are placed into the carbonated drinks? Justify your
opinion. [3M]

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

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17.
The diagram shows the steps or stages in a scientific investigation.

(a) Complete the sequence. [5M]

Make a
conclusion

(b) Based on the diagram, state three important elements that are controlled in stage 3 of a scientific
investigation. [2M]

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

(c) Explain the objectives to be achieved in the stages 6 and 8 of a scientific investigation.

Stage 6: ________________________________________________________________________________

Stage 8: ________________________________________________________________________________

Below shows a number of questions suggested by the pupils of a class:

A: Can plants grow faster with the help of music?

B: What is the most popular music among the teenagers?
C: How many odd numbers are there between 1 and 20?
D: When did the World War II begin?
(d) Which of the above questions is suitable for a scientific investigation? Explain your answer. [2M]

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

In an experiment, 5 g of fine sugar is added to tap water in a beaker. Then, 5 g of fine sugar is added to
boiling water in another beaker. The time needed to dissolve the fine sugar in each beaker is recorded.

(e) What are the manipulated and responding variables? [2M]

Manipulated variable :_______________________________________

Responding variable :__________________________________________

(f) What is the constant variable? [1M]

_______________________________________________________________________________________

(g) Based on your answer in (f), state the hypothesis for the experiment. [1M]

_______________________________________________________________________________________
20
 18.
The diagram below shows the apparatus set-up to study the factors affecting the period of oscillation of a
pendulum.

The results were record in the following table.

(c) Complete the time taken for 1 oscillation in the above table. [2M]

(d) State the variable of the experiment. [3M]

(i) Constant variable : _____________________________________________________

(ii) Manipulated variable : _____________________________________________________

(iii) Responding variable : _____________________________________________________

(e) Using the previous table, draw a graph of the time taken for 10 oscillations against the length of
pendulum. [2M]

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(f) State the relationship between the length of the pendulum and the time of oscillation. [1M]

_______________________________________________________________________________________

(g) What inference can be made about the experiment? [1M]

_______________________________________________________________________________________

(h) State the conclusion of the experiment. [1M]

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Harwin and Darwin playing swing in a park. Harwin noticed that his brother swings faster than him.

(i) Harwin want to investigate his observation. Based on the diagram above, state a hypothesis. [1M]

_______________________________________________________________________________________

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