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Density of materials - Teacher Slides.pptx
The lesson slides with the teacher's notes on each slide, and every question and mark scheme built in. Built from the lesson script on 30 September 2026.
AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Density of materials
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Warm-up
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
Answer each one, then check.
1
What is the unit of mass in physics calculations?
2
How do you find the volume of a cuboid?
3
Convert 1 cm³ to m³.
4
What are the three states of matter?
5
What does displacement mean when finding volume?
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Warm-up - Answers
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
1
What is the unit of mass in physics calculations?
Kilograms (kg)
2
How do you find the volume of a cuboid?
length × width × height
3
Convert 1 cm³ to m³.
1 × 10⁻⁶ m³
4
What are the three states of matter?
Solid, liquid and gas
5
What does displacement mean when finding volume?
The volume of water pushed out or the rise in water level
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Learning Objectives
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
1
Recall and apply the equation for density.
2
Explain differences in density between solids, liquids and gases using the arrangement of particles.
3
Describe how to measure the density of regular and irregular solids and of liquids.
4
Convert between g/cm³ and kg/m³.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
DENSITY
density = mass ÷ volume ρ= m/V
Density is in kilograms per metre cubed (kg/m³), mass in kilograms (kg) and volume in metres cubed (m³). Mass is conserved when a substance changes state.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Solids, Liquids and Gases
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
In a solid or liquid the particles are close, so the density is high.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Required Practical 5: Measuring Density
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
Mass with a balance; volume from dimensions or by displacement.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Why the Densities Differ
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
Solids
Particles are packed closely in a regular arrangement: high density.
Liquids
Particles are close but randomly arranged: similar to solids, usually slightly lower.
Gases
Particles are far apart: very low density.
Mass is conserved
When a substance changes state the number of particles is unchanged, so the mass stays the same.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Required Practical 5: Method
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
Find the density of a solid or liquid.
1
Mass
Measure the mass on a balance (for a liquid, subtract the container's mass).
2
Regular solid: volume
Measure length, width and height with a ruler or micrometer and use V = l × w × h.
3
Irregular solid: volume
Lower it into water in a measuring cylinder, or a displacement can; the volume is the rise in water level (or the volume collected).
4
Liquid: volume
Read it from a measuring cylinder at eye level.
5
Calculate
ρ= m ÷ V; repeat and find a mean.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Density of a Block
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
A metal block has a mass of 0.60 kg and a volume of 0.00020 m³. Calculate its density.
1
Write the equation
ρ= m ÷ V
2
Substitute
ρ= 0.60 ÷ 0.00020
3
Answer
ρ= 3000 kg/m³
ANSWER
3000 kg/m³
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Unit Conversion
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
A cube of side 4.0 cm has a mass of 512 g. Calculate the density in kg/m³.
1
Volume
4.0³ = 64 cm³ = 64 × 10⁻⁶ m³
2
Mass
512 g = 0.512 kg
3
Density
0.512 ÷ (64 × 10⁻⁶) = 8000 kg/m³
ANSWER
8000 kg/m³ (or 8.0 g/cm³)
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Irregular Solid by Displacement
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
A stone of mass 45 g is lowered into a measuring cylinder. The water level rises from 50 cm³ to 68 cm³. Calculate the density in g/cm³.
1
Volume of stone
68 − 50 = 18 cm³
2
Density
45 ÷ 18 = 2.5 g/cm³
ANSWER
2.5 g/cm³ (2500 kg/m³)
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Watch Out
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
Common mistakes.
Units
Convert cm³ to m³ (× 10⁻⁶) and g to kg (÷ 1000) before using kg/m³.
Reading volume
Read the bottom of the meniscus at eye level.
Mass conserved
Density changes with volume, not with mass, when a substance changes state.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Key Terms
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
Density
Mass per unit volume of a material.
Displacement
The volume of water moved aside by an object placed in it.
Meniscus
The curved surface of a liquid in a tube.
Regular
A solid with a shape whose volume can be worked out from its dimensions.
Particle model
A model in which matter is made of tiny moving particles.
Conserved
Stays the same in total.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
YOUR TASK
Which Floats?
10 minutes
Water has a density of 1000 kg/m³. A block has a mass of 0.80 kg and a volume of 0.0010 m³. Calculate its density and say if it floats.
1
Calculate the density.
2
Compare with water.
WHAT A GOOD ANSWER SHOWS
Density = 0.80 ÷ 0.0010 = 800 kg/m³. This is less than 1000 kg/m³, so it floats.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Can I...?
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
Recall the equation for density.
Use correct units.
Convert cm³ to m³.
Explain density using particles.
Describe measuring density of a regular solid.
Describe measuring density of an irregular solid.
Read a measuring cylinder.
Say why mass is conserved.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Summary & Exam Focus
ρ= m ÷ V.
Solids and liquids have close particles: high density; gases: far apart, low density.
Mass is conserved in changes of state.
Volume of an irregular object: use displacement.
EXAM FOCUS
A metal block has a mass of 0.60 kg and a volume of 0.00020 m³. Calculate its density. (2 marks)
Substitute and include kg/m³.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Exam Practice: Density of materials
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
Answer all questions. Use the mark allocation as a guide to how much to write. · 21 minutes
Question 1 · 2 marks · Calculate
A block of metal has a mass of 0.60 kg and a volume of 0.00020 m³. Calculate the density of the metal. Use the equation: density = mass ÷…
Question 2 · 4 marks · Calculate
A cube has sides of length 4.0 cm and a mass of 512 g. Calculate the density of the cube in kg/m³.
Question 3 · 3 marks · Use the diagram
A student measures the volume of a stone using a measuring cylinder. The mass of the stone is 45 g. Use the diagram to calculate the…
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Exam Practice: Density of materials (cont.)
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
Question 4 · 3 marks · Explain
Explain, in terms of particles, why the density of a gas is much lower than the density of a solid.
Question 5 · 6 marks · Describe
Describe how to determine the density of an irregularly shaped solid, such as a stone. Your answer should include the apparatus, the…
Question 6 · 2 marks · Explain
1.0 kg of ice melts. Explain what happens to the mass and to the density.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 1 · 2 marks · Calculate
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
“
A block of metal has a mass of 0.60 kg and a volume of 0.00020 m³. Calculate the density of the metal. Use the equation: density = mass ÷ volume
HOW TO ANSWER IT
Command word: Calculate. Worth 2 marks, so plan before writing.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 1 · mark scheme
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
2 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
Correct substitution
1 mark
3000 kg/m³
1 mark
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 2 · 4 marks · Calculate
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
“
A cube has sides of length 4.0 cm and a mass of 512 g. Calculate the density of the cube in kg/m³.
HOW TO ANSWER IT
Command word: Calculate. Worth 4 marks, so plan before writing.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 2 · mark scheme
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
4 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
Volume = 64 cm³
1 mark
Converts to m³ and kg
1 mark
Correct substitution
1 mark
8000 kg/m³
1 mark
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 3 · 3 marks · Use the diagram
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
A student measures the volume of a stone using a measuring cylinder. The mass of the stone is 45 g. Use the diagram to calculate the density of the stone in g/cm³. (3 marks)
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 3 · mark scheme
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
3 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
Volume of stone = 18 cm³
1 mark
Correct substitution
1 mark
2.5 g/cm³
1 mark
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 4 · 3 marks · Explain
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
“
Explain, in terms of particles, why the density of a gas is much lower than the density of a solid.
HOW TO ANSWER IT
Command word: Explain. Worth 3 marks, so plan before writing.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 4 · mark scheme
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
3 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
Particles far apart in a gas
1 mark
Close together in a solid
1 mark
More volume for the same mass so lower density
1 mark
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 5 · 6 marks · Describe
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
“
Describe how to determine the density of an irregularly shaped solid, such as a stone. Your answer should include the apparatus, the measurements and the calculation.
HOW TO ANSWER IT
Command word: Describe. Worth 6 marks, so plan before writing.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 5 · mark scheme
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
6 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
Level 3 (5 to 6 marks): a complete method with a balance to measure mass, a measuring cylinder or displacement can with water, the volume from the change in water level, the calculation of density = mass ÷ volume and a repeat or precaution
5 to 6 marks
Level 2 (3 to 4 marks): a method covering mass and volume but with some detail missing
3 to 4 marks
Level 1 (1 to 2 marks): simple statements about measuring mass or volume
1 to 2 marks
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 6 · 2 marks · Explain
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
“
1.0 kg of ice melts. Explain what happens to the mass and to the density.
HOW TO ANSWER IT
Command word: Explain. Worth 2 marks, so plan before writing.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 6 · mark scheme
Particle model of matter
Lesson 1 of 6
2 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
Mass stays the same (conserved)
1 mark
Density changes because the volume changes
1 mark
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