In this experiment, you will determine the density of a wooden block. You are provided with - a block of wood with a small hook, - a 30 cm ruler, - a spring, - a stand, two bosses and two clamps, - a 200 g mass, - a set square. (a) Fig. 1.1 shows a diagram of the block of wood. Take measurements to determine average values for the length $l$, the width $w$ and the height $h$ of the wooden block. $l$ = \_\_\_\_\_\_ $w$ = \_\_\_\_\_\_ $h$ = \_\_\_\_\_\_ (b) Set up the…

Physics 5054/31 — October/November 2014

Cambridge O-Level · Practical Test · worked solutions for every part, with the mark scheme

questions

marks

120

minutes

Topics Experimental Contexts · Observations and Measurements · Analysis, Conclusions and Evaluation · Use of Techniques, Apparatus and Materials

Q15MExperimental ContextsObservations and MeasurementsAnalysis, Conclusions and EvaluationFree sample

In this experiment, you will determine the density of a wooden block.

You are provided with

a block of wood with a small hook,
a 30 cm ruler,
a spring,
a stand, two bosses and two clamps,
a 200 g mass,
a set square.

(a)

Fig. 1.1 shows a diagram of the block of wood.

Fig. 1.1

Take measurements to determine average values for the length $l$ , the width $w$ and the height $h$ of the wooden block.

$l$ = ______
$w$ = ______
$h$ = ______

(b)

Set up the apparatus as shown in Fig. 1.2. Clamp the 30 cm ruler vertically with the 30.0 cm end of the ruler in contact with the bench.

Fig. 1.2

Adjust the boss holding the spring so that the lower end of the spring is between the 5 cm and 10 cm marks on the ruler.

(i) Record the scale reading $S_1$ on the ruler at the lower end of the spring.

$S_1$ = ______

(ii) Suspend the 200 g mass from the spring and record the new scale reading $S_2$ at the lower end of the spring.

$S_2$ = ______

(iii) Calculate the extension $e$ of the spring using $e = S_2 - S_1$ .

$e$ = ______

(c)

Remove the 200 g mass and suspend the block of wood from the spring.
Record the new scale reading $S_3$ at the lower end of the spring. Hence determine the new extension $e_N$ of the spring.

$S_3$ = ______
$e_N$ = ______

(d)

Calculate

(i) the mass $M$ of the block of wood using the equation

M = \frac{200\ e_N}{e}\ \text{gram}

$M$ = ______

(ii) the density $\rho$ of the wood from which the block is made using the equation

\rho = \frac{M}{l w h}.

$\rho$ = ______

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