IGCSE Physics - Density

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering definitions, units, measurement techniques, and properties of density based on IGCSE Physics lecture notes.

Density

The mass per unit volume of a material.

Scalar

The physical classification of density, indicating it has magnitude but no direction.

$$g\,cm^{-3}$$

The unit of density used when mass is measured in grams and volume in cubic centimeters.

$$kg\,m^{-3}$$

The unit of density used when mass is measured in kilograms and volume in cubic meters.

Density of water

A constant value defined as $1\,g/cm^3$ or $1000\,kg/m^3$.

$$1\,cm^3$$

A unit of volume equivalent to $1\,ml$.

$$1\,dm^3$$

A unit of volume equivalent to $1\,l$.

Water displacement method

A technique used to find the volume of an irregular shaped object by measuring the volume of water it displaces in a measuring cylinder.

Eureka can

A container with a spout used to measure the volume of objects too large to fit in a measuring cylinder by collecting displaced water.

Meniscus

The curve at the surface of a liquid; the bottom of this curve is used to accurately measure liquid volume.

Floating

The state of an object when its density is less than the density of the liquid it is in.

Sinking

The state of an object when its density is more than the density of the liquid it is in.

Wooden block

An object with a density of $0.9\,g/cm^3$, which allows it to float in water.

Polystyrene block

An object with a very low density of $0.05\,g/cm^3$.

Iron block

An object with a density of $7.9\,g/cm^3$, which causes it to sink in water.

Increasing density of liquids

A sequence of liquids from least dense to most dense: Ethyl alcohol, Olive oil, Water, Liquid soap, and Honey.