Choosing and reading rulers, vernier calipers, micrometer screw gauges, balances, clocks and measuring cylinders; random and systematic errors; sensitivity, accuracy and range; and density calculations.
5 narrated scenes. Press play, listen and read along — the points appear as they are explained. Use ‹ Prev / Next › or the scene bar to jump to any scene.
A micrometer can measure a hair’s thickness; a ruler cannot. Choosing the right tool — and knowing its limits — is part of every practical.
Narration uses your device’s built-in voice. No sound? Switch to “Captions only” — the captions advance on their own.
Copy these into your notebook in your own words — that is how they stick.
Rule 1 mm; vernier 0.1 mm; micrometer 0.01 mm; balance; stopwatch; measuring cylinder.
The smallest change the instrument can detect.
How close the reading is to the true value.
The smallest to the largest value the instrument can measure.
Scatter; reduce by repeating and averaging.
Same shift in every reading (e.g. zero error); correct it.
ρ = m/V; 1 g/cm³ = 1 000 kg/m³; water 1 000 kg/m³.
Volume = volume of water displaced.
3 quick games on this lesson. Earn XP and badges as you play — your best score for each game is saved. Games are for practice and do not change your exam readiness. More games in the Physics Arcade.
8 items modelled on real CSEC Paper 1 questions. Choose one answer for each, then check. Aim for 80% or better. Work each item on paper first.
Write full answers, then reveal the mark scheme and tick the points you earned (12 marks in total). Show all your working — method marks count. Your answers are saved on this device.
Question 1 [12 marks]
A student determines the density of an irregular piece of metal. A calculator may be used.
(a) (a) State the instrument used to measure the mass of the metal. [1]
(b) (b) The metal is lowered into a measuring cylinder containing 40 cm³ of water and the level rises to 65 cm³. Calculate the volume of the metal. [2]
(c) (c) The mass of the metal is 200 g. Calculate its density in g/cm³. [3]
(d) (d) Convert your answer to kg/m³. [2]
(e) (e) The balance showed 1.0 g before the metal was placed on it. State the type of error, and how it should be corrected. [2]
(f) (f) State two ways to reduce errors when reading the measuring cylinder. [2]
Find these in your own past-paper booklets for extra timed practice. Items above are written in the style of these papers; any adapted from a specific question say so.