Calculating density and measuring volume
I can define density, calculate its value, and describe how to measure volume.
Calculating density and measuring volume
I can define density, calculate its value, and describe how to measure volume.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Density is calculated using the equation: density = mass ÷ volume
- Density is measured in kg/m³ or g/cm³.
- The volume of water displaced by a submerged object is equal to the volume of the object.
- The dimensions of a regular cuboid can be measured accurately with Vernier callipers.
- The volume of a regular cuboid is calculated using the equation: volume = length × width × height
Common misconception
Pupils confuse the mass or weight of an object with density.
Provide pupils with a range of objects of varying sizes they are going to measure the density of and, before starting to do so, ask the pupils to rank the objects in order of density with explanations. Compare results to the list after measurements.
Keywords
Density - the mass per cubic metre (m³) or cubic centimetre (cm³) of a material
Kilograms per cubic metre - the unit for density when mass is measured in kilograms (kg) and volume in cubic metres (m³), written as kg/m³
Grams per cubic centimetre - the unit for density when mass is measured in grams (g) and volume in cubic centimetres (cm³), written as g/cm³
Vernier callipers - a device used to measure length precisely
Micrometer - a device used to measure length to a very high precision
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
7.955 -
7.96
7.946 -
7.95
7.9449 -
7.94
7.9032 -
7.90
7.999 -
8.00