Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/3-1-7-density-2 [Revision notes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes.md) › [GCSE](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse.md) › [Science Practicals](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals.md) › [National Curriculum](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum.md) › Density 2 # Density 2 Science Practicals: GCSE, topic 3.1.7 ## Density and the Particle Model Differences in the density of solids, liquids and gases can be explained using the particle model of matter. ### Solids ![Solids](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/physics/2.1.1%20-%20Matter/Solid%20in%20the%20simple%20sphere%20model-min.jpg) - Solids are the most dense state of matter. - The particles are packed tightly together. ### Liquids ![Liquids](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/physics/2.1.1%20-%20Matter/Liquid%20in%20the%20simple%20sphere%20model-min.jpg) - Liquids are less dense than solids but more dense than gases. - The particles in liquids can move around each other. ### Gases ![Gases](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/physics/2.1.1%20-%20Matter/Gas%20in%20the%20simple%20sphere%20model-min.jpg) - Gases are the least dense state of matter. - The particles are free to move with negligible (tiny) forces between particles. ## Calculating Density To find out the density (density=mass/volume) of an object, we measure its mass and volume. We can measure the mass of an object using a balance (scales). We can calculate the density of: ### Liquids ![Liquids](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/physics/1.3.1%20-%20Mass%2Cweight%20and%20density/1.4.2a%20-%20Measuring%20the%20density%20of%20liquids-min.jpg) - For measuring the density of liquids, place a measuring cylinder on a balance and set the reading to zero. - Pour the liquid into the cylinder and write down its mass and volume. Then calculate the density. ### Irregularly shaped solids ![Irregularly shaped solids](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/physics/1.3.1%20-%20Mass%2Cweight%20and%20density/1.4.2%20-%20Law%20of%20displacement%20(concept)-min.jpg) - For solids, we can use the Law of Displacement to estimate its volume. - This is done using a displacement can, or a graduated measuring cylinder. - The volume of displaced water is measured, and this is the volume of the object. ## Test yourself on Density 2 - Density - What is the law of displacement? - Which two quantities do you need to calculate density? [Practise this topic for free](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/35d9e7b0-1dfb-11e8-b5b7-7546c70e1a36/section/caf18fab-78a1-49a8-afd2-2ccfe1117271/session) - Previous topic: [3.1.6 Density](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/3-1-6-density.md) - Next topic: [3.1.8 Force & Extension - Springs](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/3-1-8-force-and-extension-springs.md) ## Science Practicals: GCSE contents ### 1 Biology - 1.1 Practicals - [1.1.1 Microscope & Bacteria](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/1-1-1-microscope-and-bacteria.md) - [1.1.2 Bacteria](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/1-1-2-bacteria.md) - [1.1.3 Osmosis Tests](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/1-1-3-osmosis-tests.md) - [1.1.4 Osmosis & Food Tests](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/1-1-4-osmosis-and-food-tests.md) - [1.1.5 Enzymes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/1-1-5-enzymes.md) - [1.1.6 Enzymes 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/1-1-6-enzymes-2.md) - [1.1.7 Photosynthesis & Plant Responses](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/1-1-7-photosynthesis-and-plant-responses.md) - [1.1.8 Photosynthesis Experiments](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/1-1-8-photosynthesis-experiments.md) - [1.1.9 Reaction Time](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/1-1-9-reaction-time.md) - [1.1.10 Quadrats](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/1-1-10-quadrats.md) - [1.1.11 Decay](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/1-1-11-decay.md) ### 2 Chemistry - 2.1 Practicals - [2.1.1 Salts](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/2-1-1-salts.md) - [2.1.2 Neutralisation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/2-1-2-neutralisation.md) - [2.1.3 Titration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/2-1-3-titration.md) - [2.1.4 Electrolysis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/2-1-4-electrolysis.md) - [2.1.5 Electrolysis 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/2-1-5-electrolysis-2.md) - [2.1.6 Rate of Reaction](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/2-1-6-rate-of-reaction.md) - [2.1.7 Rate of Reaction 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/2-1-7-rate-of-reaction-2.md) - [2.1.8 Chromatography](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/2-1-8-chromatography.md) - [2.1.9 Identifying Gases](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/2-1-9-identifying-gases.md) - [2.1.10 Identifying Gases 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/2-1-10-identifying-gases-2.md) - [2.1.11 Identifying Ions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/2-1-11-identifying-ions.md) - [2.1.12 Carbonates, Halides & Sulfates](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/2-1-12-carbonates-halides-and-sulfates.md) - [2.1.13 Flame Emission Spectroscopy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/2-1-13-flame-emission-spectroscopy.md) - [2.1.14 Water Purification](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/2-1-14-water-purification.md) - [2.1.15 Water Purification 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/2-1-15-water-purification-2.md) ### 3 Physics - 3.1 Practicals - [3.1.1 Specific Heat Capacity](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/3-1-1-specific-heat-capacity.md) - [3.1.2 Thermal Capacity & Insulation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/3-1-2-thermal-capacity-and-insulation.md) - [3.1.3 Latent Heat](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/3-1-3-latent-heat.md) - [3.1.4 Resistance & Current](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/3-1-4-resistance-and-current.md) - [3.1.5 Resistance & Current 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/3-1-5-resistance-and-current-2.md) - [3.1.6 Density](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/3-1-6-density.md) - [3.1.7 Density 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/3-1-7-density-2.md) - [3.1.8 Force & Extension - Springs](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/3-1-8-force-and-extension-springs.md) - [3.1.9 Waves - Ripple Tank](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/3-1-9-waves-ripple-tank.md) - [3.1.10 Light](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/3-1-10-light.md) - [3.1.11 Light Reflection & Refraction](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/3-1-11-light-reflection-and-refraction.md) - [3.1.12 Radiation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/3-1-12-radiation.md) - [3.1.13 Radiation 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/science-practicals/national-curriculum/3-1-13-radiation-2.md)