IGCSE Physics: Density & Volume by Displacement

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts, formulas, measurement procedures, and apparatus for density and volume by displacement.

Density ($\rho$)

A physical quantity defined as mass divided by volume ($\rho = m \div V$), with SI and common units of $\text{kg/m}^3$ or $\text{g/cm}^3$.

Mass ($m$)

A physical quantity measured on a balance, with SI or common units of kilograms ($\text{kg}$) or grams ($\text{g}$).

Volume ($V$)

A physical quantity representing the space an object occupies, with units of $\text{m}^3$ or $\text{cm}^3$ (where $1\,\text{cm}^3 = 1\,\text{mL}$).

Displacement Method

A laboratory procedure used to find the volume of an irregular solid by measuring water in a measuring cylinder before and after submerging the object ($\text{Volume} = V_{\text{Final}} - V_{\text{Initial}}$).

Parallax Error

An observational measurement error avoided when reading a measuring cylinder by keeping the line of sight level with the bottom of the meniscus.

Meniscus

The curved surface of liquid in a graduated measuring cylinder, which must be read at eye level from the bottom.

Eureka Can (Displacement Can)

A specialized container with a spout used to measure the volume of an object too large for a measuring cylinder by collecting and measuring the displaced overflow water.

Density Tower

A column formed by layering immiscible liquids in a container, where liquids with lower densities float near the top and liquids with higher densities sink toward the bottom.

Floating Condition in Water

The behavior of a substance or object that remains at the surface of water because its density is less than the density of water ($< 1.0\,\text{g/cm}^3$).

Sinking Condition in Water

The behavior of a substance or object that drops below water because its density is greater than the density of water ($> 1.0\,\text{g/cm}^3$).

Sinker Method

A modified displacement technique used to measure the volume of an object that floats (such as a wooden block) by attaching a dense weight or steel sinker to submerge it fully.

Pure Gold Density

The standard physical density value for pure gold given as $19.3\,\text{g/cm}^3$, used to verify the authenticity of King Hiero's crown.