Density and pressure: past paper questions

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• Question 15Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  A man of weight $600\text{ N}$ stands with both feet flat on the ground. What is a reasonable estimate of the pressure exerted on the ground by the weight of the man?

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• Question 3Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  The density of the material of a rectangular block is determined by measuring the mass and linear dimensions of the block. The list shows the results obtained, together with their uncertainties.

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• Question 14Oct/Nov 2023, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  An object of weight $W$ is suspended from a newton meter. When the object is completely immersed in water, the newton meter reads $P$. When the object is completely immersed in oil, the newton meter reads $Q$.

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• Question 14May/June 2026, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  An object is submerged in a liquid. Which statement about the upthrust acting on the object is correct?

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• Question 16Oct/Nov 2025, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The formula for the upthrust on a block of wood partially submerged in water is shown. $$F=\rho gV$$ What do the symbols $\rho$ and $V$ represent?

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• Question 15Oct/Nov 2024, paper 11Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  A solid sphere, which is less dense than water, is held completely immersed in water a few metres below the surface. The density of the water is uniform. The sphere is released.

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• Question 14Oct/Nov 2023, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  Two solid cylindrical objects X and Y are held fully submerged in a liquid, as shown. The objects have the same volume. The density of the material of Y is twice the density of the material of X. Both objects are stationary.

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• Question 16May/June 2026, paper 11Multiple choice1 mark

  What is a unit for density?

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• Question 15Oct/Nov 2025, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The mass and volume of an object are varied. Which two changes, when made together, must increase the density of the object?

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• Question 13Oct/Nov 2023, paper 13Multiple choice1 mark

  Full-fat milk is made up of fat-free milk mixed with fat.

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• Question 16Oct/Nov 2025, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  On Earth, a solid object that is fully submerged in a liquid experiences an upthrust $U_{\text{E}}$. On Mars, the same object, fully submerged in the same liquid, experiences an upthrust $U_{\text{M}}$. The acceleration of free fall on Mars is $3.7{\text{ m s}}^{-2}$.

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• Question 5Oct/Nov 2024, paper 13Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Four cuboids with identical lengths, breadths and heights are immersed in water. The cuboids are held at the same depth and in identical orientations by vertical rods, as shown. Water has density $\rho$.

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• Question 14Oct/Nov 2023, paper 13Multiple choice1 mark

  Which expression for pressure is correct?

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• Question 15May/June 2026, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  The density of paper is $800{\text{ kg m}}^{-3}$.

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• Question 16Oct/Nov 2024, paper 13Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows two liquids, labelled P and Q, that do not mix. The liquids are in equilibrium in an open U-tube. Three equal distances $x$ are labelled.

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• Question 13May/June 2026, paper 13Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Four different objects are in equilibrium in identical beakers of water as shown. Two of the objects have volume $V$ and the other two objects have volume $2V$. Which object is acted upon by the greatest upthrust?

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• Question 1Oct/Nov 2025, paper 22Structured11 marks

  Scientists are investigating the variation in air pressure at different locations on a mountain. The scientists take measurements of several physical quantities at each location.

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• Question 1Oct/Nov 2024, paper 21Structured7 marksHas a diagram

  Define density.

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• Question 2Oct/Nov 2023, paper 21Structured16 marksHas a diagram

  A hot-air balloon floats just above the ground. The balloon is stationary and is held in place by a vertical rope, as shown in Fig. 2.1. The balloon has a weight $W$ of $3.39\times {10}^4\text{ N}$.

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• Question 1Oct/Nov 2024, paper 22Structured7 marksHas a diagram

  State what is meant by a vector quantity.

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• Question 2Oct/Nov 2023, paper 22Structured8 marksHas a diagram

  A high-altitude balloon is stationary in still air. A solid sphere is suspended from the balloon by a string, as shown in Fig. 2.1. The volume of the balloon is $7.5{\text{ m}}^3$.

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• Question 15May/June 2026, paper 13Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  An object shaped as a hemisphere rests with its flat surface on a table. The object has radius $r$ and density $\rho$. The volume of a sphere is $\frac{4}{3}\pi r^3$.

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• Question 3Oct/Nov 2024, paper 23Structured9 marksHas a diagram

  State the principle of moments.

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• Question 3Oct/Nov 2023, paper 23Structured11 marksHas a diagram

  State the conditions for a system to be in equilibrium.

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• Question 2May/June 2026, paper 23Structured12 marksHas a diagram

  Define the Young modulus of a material.

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• Question 13May/June 2024, paper 12Multiple choice1 mark

  Water has a density of $1.0\text{ g}{\text{cm}}^{-3}$. Glycerine has a density of $1.3\text{ g}{\text{cm}}^{-3}$.

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• Question 16May/June 2025, paper 12Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  A block is submerged vertically in a liquid. The four diagrams show the block viewed from the side.

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• Question 13May/June 2024, paper 13Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  The diagram shows the arrangement of atoms in a particular crystal. Each atom is at the corner of a cube. The mass of each atom is $3.5\times {10}^{-25}\text{ kg}$.

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• Question 13May/June 2025, paper 13Multiple choice1 mark

  What is the definition of density?

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• Question 14May/June 2024, paper 13Multiple choice1 markHas a diagram

  Four measuring cylinders are filled with the same liquid to the heights shown. At which position is the pressure the greatest?

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