1 A student finds the volume of a small glass ball (marble) by two different methods.

(a) method 1

The student:

• places six small glass balls by the side of a metre rule as shown in Fig. 1.1
• makes sure that there are no gaps between the balls.

metre rule

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
A B

Fig. 1.1

(i) Take readings on the metre rule of the positions of points A and B shown in Fig. 1.1.

Give your readings to the nearest 0.1 cm.

position of point A = .......................................................... cm

position of point B = .......................................................... cm

[1]

(ii) The length l on Fig. 1.1 is the distance between points A and B.
The average diameter d of one ball can be found using the equation:

l = 6d

Use your answers to (a)(i) to calculate the length l and diameter d. Give your answers to
the nearest 0.1 cm.

l = .......................................................... cm

d = .......................................................... cm
[2]
 (iii) The average volume V of one glass ball using this method, is given by the equation:

3.14d 3
V=
6
Calculate V.

V = .................................................. cm3 [1]

(b) method 2

• The student pours water into a measuring cylinder.

(i) The volume of water in the measuring cylinder V1 is shown in Fig. 1.2.

cm3
50

40 30

30
20
20

10

Fig. 1.2

Write down the reading V1.

V1 = .................................................. cm3 [1]
(ii) • The six glass balls are carefully added to the water in the measuring cylinder.

The new reading on the measuring cylinder V2 is shown in Fig. 1.3.

40

30

Fig. 1.3

The volume VT of the six balls is given by

VT = V2 – V1.

Calculate VT. Show your working.

VT = .................................................. cm3 [1]

(iii) Calculate the average volume V of one ball using this method. Give your answer to the
nearest 0.1 cm3.

V = .................................................. cm3 [1]

(c) Suggest whether method 1 or method 2 gives the more accurate value for the volume of the
ball.

Explain your answer.

method giving more accurate value ..........................................................................................

explanation ...............................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................................
[1]

(d) The student now uses the six glass balls to find the average mass of one glass ball using a
small beaker and a top pan (electronic) balance.

Describe the method the student uses.

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............................................................................................................................................. [2]

[Total: 10]