IGCSE · Physics 0625 · Motion, forces & energy

Density: IGCSE Physics questions with answers

Free Density questions for IGCSE Physics (0625), part of Motion, forces & energy. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.

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Density practice questions

Question 1Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

An empty bottle has a mass of 60 g. When completely full of oil (density 0.80 g/cm³) its total mass is 220 g.
What is the total mass of the bottle when it is completely full of salt solution of density 1.2 g/cm³?

  1. A 264 g
  2. B 300 g
  3. C 318 g
  4. D 330 g
Show answer

Answer: B

Question 2Multiple choice · 1 mark

Which statement about mass and weight is correct?

  1. A Weight is the same on the Moon as on the Earth.
  2. B Weight is a force; mass is not.
  3. C Mass is measured in newtons.
  4. D Mass changes when gravitational field strength changes.
Show answer

Answer: B

Question 3Structured · 6 marks

A student has a rectangular metal block measuring 4.0 cm × 5.0 cm × 2.0 cm. Its mass is 452.0 g.

(a)

Calculate the volume of the block.

[1]
(b)

Calculate the density of the metal.

[2]
(c)

Use Table 3.1 to identify the metal.

MetalDensity / g/cm³
aluminium2.7
titanium4.5
iron7.9
copper8.9
lead11.3
Table 3.1
[1]
(d)

Calculate the weight of the block. (g = 9.8 N/kg)

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)40 cm³
40 B1
1
(b)11.3 g/cm³
ρ = m ÷ V C1
11.3 A1
2
(c)lead
lead (ecf from (b)) B1
1
(d)4.43 N
W = mg with m in kg C1
4.43 A1
2
Question 4Structured · 10 marks

A student finds the density of a small irregularly shaped stone. Fig. 4.1 shows the measuring cylinder before and after the stone is lowered into the water.

40506070cm³60708090cm³beforeafter
Fig. 4.1
(a)

Describe how the student can find the volume of the stone using a measuring cylinder and water.

[3]
(b)

Use Fig. 4.1 to find the volume of the stone.

[1]
(c)

The stone has a mass of 54.0 g. Calculate its density in kg/m³.

[3]
(d)

Explain whether the stone floats in sea water of density 1030 kg/m³.

[1]
(e)

The mass of the stone is measured on the Moon. State and explain whether its mass and its weight change.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)record initial volume; lower stone in fully; volume = rise in level
partly fill the cylinder and read the volume B1
lower the stone in so it is fully submerged B1
volume of stone = new reading − initial reading B1
3
(b)20 cm³
70 − 50 = 20 cm³ B1
1
(c)2700 kg/m³
ρ = m/V = 54.0/20 = 2.70 g/cm³ C1
× 1000 C1
2700 kg/m³ A1
3
(d)sinks: denser than sea water
sinks because its density is greater than that of sea water B1
1
(e)mass same; weight smaller because g is smaller
mass is unchanged (same amount of matter) B1
weight is less because the gravitational field strength is smaller B1
2
Question 5Structured · 6 marks

A student finds the density of cooking oil.

(a)

Describe how she measures the mass and the volume of the oil.

[3]
(b)

50 cm³ of oil has a mass of 46 g. Calculate the density in g/cm³.

[2]
(c)

The oil is poured onto water. State and explain what happens.

[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)balance with empty and full cylinder; read volume
weigh an empty measuring cylinder B1
add oil, read the volume at eye level (bottom of meniscus) B1
weigh again and subtract B1
3
(b)0.92 g/cm³
ρ = m ÷ V = 46 ÷ 50 C1
0.92 g/cm³ A1
2
(c)floats; less dense
the oil floats because it is less dense than water B1
1
Question 6Structured · 4 marksA* challenge

A ship made of steel floats on water even though steel is much denser than water.

(a)

Explain how the ship can float.

[2]
(b)

Explain why the ship floats lower in fresh water than in sea water.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)average density less than water
the ship contains a lot of air B1
so its average density is less than that of water B1
2
(b)fresh water less dense
fresh water is less dense than sea water B1
so more must be displaced to support the same weight B1
2

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Original Cambridge-style practice questions written for mentorriyaz.in. These are not Cambridge past paper questions, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Updated 2026-11-04. Paper generator · mentorriyaz.in