Measure the length l, width w and height h of the modelling-clay block in Fig. 1.1. Give your answers in centimetres, rounded to the nearest millimetre.
Calculate a value $V_A$ for the block’s volume. Use your measurements from (a)(i) together with the equation: $V_A=l\times w\times h$.
Suggest why $V_A$ is only an approximate value for the block’s volume. Describe how the accuracy of $V_A$ may be improved.
Another student measures the dimensions of a block of clay that is much smaller than the block in (a). Suggest why these measurements may be less accurate than yours, even if they are carried out carefully.
State the volume $V_1$ of the water in the measuring cylinder shown in Fig. 1.2.
Describe briefly how a measuring cylinder is read so that an accurate value for the volume of water is obtained.
State the new reading $V_2$ from the measuring-cylinder scale in Fig. 1.3. Calculate another value $V_B$ for the volume of the block. Use your measurements from (d)(i) and (e) together with the equation $V_B=(V_2-V_1)$.
Suggest one possible source of inaccuracy in Method 2 and suggest one improvement to lessen its effect.