Measurement and Density Quiz

A rectangular block has dimensions of 4.0 cm by 2.5 cm by 1.5 cm. What is its volume?

• 8.0 cm³

• 10.0 cm³

• 15.0 cm³

• 20.0 cm³

To find the volume of an irregularly shaped pebble, a student immerses it in a measuring cylinder containing water. The initial water level is 40.0 cm³ and the final water level after immersion is 55.0 cm³. What is the volume of the pebble?

• 15.0 cm³

• 40.0 cm³

• 55.0 cm³

• 95.0 cm³

An object has a mass of 240 g and a volume of 80 cm³. Calculate its density.

• 0.33 g/cm³

• 3.0 g/cm³

• 320 g/cm³

• 19200 g/cm³

A metal block has a mass of 540 g. When it is fully submerged in a measuring cylinder, the water level rises from 20 cm³ to 80 cm³. What is the density of the metal?

• 6.75 g/cm³

• 9.00 g/cm³

• 27.0 g/cm³

• 54.0 g/cm³

A student uses a digital stopwatch to time a pendulum swing. The stopwatch reads 10.23 s. What is a typical limitation of this type of measurement compared to an analogue stopwatch?

• Digital stopwatches are less precise.

• Digital stopwatches are harder to read.

• The reaction time error of the user is often significant, regardless of the display type.

• Digital stopwatches are generally more expensive.

Mr.Harry is a carpenter building a custom bookshelf. He needs to precisely measure the length of a wooden plank that is slightly longer than his standard 30 cm ruler. He also needs to ensure the plank is perfectly rectangular before cutting. He then considers how to find the volume of the entire bookshelf once it's assembled. Which set of instruments would be most appropriate for Mr.Harry to use to ensure accuracy in his measurements and calculations for the plank's length and the bookshelf's volume?

• Stopwatch, measuring tape, spring balance

• Micrometer screw gauge, vernier caliper, measuring cylinder

• Measuring tape, ruler, electronic balance

• Ruler, measuring tape, set square

A group of students is tasked with verifying the volume of a brand new, perfectly cubic dice. They use a standard 30 cm ruler and carefully measure one of its sides. They then calculate the volume. However, they are concerned about the precision of their measurement given the small size of the dice. To increase the precision of their measurement for the dice's side length, what is the best approach they could take using only a ruler?

• Measure the length of the diagonal of one face.

• Measure the length of all 12 edges and calculate the average.

• Measure the side length of 10 identical dice placed in a row and divide the total length by 10.

• Use a magnifying glass while reading the ruler to see smaller divisions.

During a practical lesson, a student is given an oddly shaped piece of rock and asked to determine its volume. They have access to a measuring cylinder, water, and an electronic balance. The student initially tries to fit the rock into a small 50 mL measuring cylinder but finds it's too large. What is the most suitable next step for the student to accurately determine the volume of the rock?

• Break the rock into smaller pieces and measure each piece's volume.

• Use a larger measuring cylinder or a displacement can (eureka can) with a collection beaker.

• Estimate the volume by eye, comparing it to known volumes.

• Submerge the rock in a bucket of water and measure the volume of the entire bucket.

A curious student wants to find out just how thin a single strand of their hair is. They have access to a micrometer screw gauge but are unsure how to use it for such a small object. They recall a similar experiment from class where they measured the thickness of a paper. Based on the principles of measuring tiny objects, what is the most effective method for the student to obtain an accurate measurement of their hair's thickness using the micrometer screw gauge?

• Measure one strand directly and take that reading.

• Bundle several strands together, measure the bundle's thickness, and divide by the number of strands.

• Stretch the hair taut across the micrometer's jaws to ensure a firm grip.

• Place the hair against a ruler and read the smallest division.

A scientist is analyzing a newly discovered material. She has a cylindrical sample of the material and needs to determine its density. She measures its mass using a digital balance and its dimensions (height and diameter) using vernier calipers. She wants to ensure her calculated density is as accurate as possible. Which of the following would not improve the accuracy of her density calculation?

• Taking multiple readings for mass and dimensions and calculating averages.

• Ensuring the balance is calibrated and zeroed before use.

• Using instruments with higher precision (e.g., more decimal places).

• Performing the experiment in a warmer room to ensure the material expands slightly.