The method and the results are on the mass and volume lab. Do the analysis yourself first, then check the answers below.
Quick answer: Mass is the amount of matter in an object, measured in kilograms or grams with a balance. These answers go with the grade 6 science lab on mass and volume: the graph, the calculations, the uncertainties and the conclusion explained, for all 7 analysis questions.
Model answers use the sample readings in the results table. If you collected your own data, your numbers will differ, but the same methods apply and the same conclusions about mass and volume should follow.
Volume = final − start. A: 58 − 50 = 8; B: 64 − 50 = 14; C: 55 − 50 = 5; D: 65 − 50 = 15. So A 8 cm³, B 14 cm³, C 5 cm³, D 15 cm³.
Question 2 Two orders
By mass: C (12.6 g), D (18.0 g), A (21.4 g), B (37.9 g). By volume: C (5), A (8), B (14), D (15). The lists are different: stone D takes up the most space but is not the heaviest.
Question 3 All four together
Mass: 12.6 + 18.0 + 21.4 + 37.9 = 89.9 g. Volume: 5 + 15 + 8 + 14 = 42 cm³, so the level would be 50 + 42 = 92 mL.
Question 4 Repeat readings
(8 + 9 + 8) ÷ 3 = 25 ÷ 3 = 8.3 cm³.
Question 5 Uncertainty
Stone C: 1 ÷ 5 × 100 = 20 %. Stone B: 1 ÷ 14 × 100 = 7.1 %. The smaller volume is less certain.
Question 6 Sources of error
Air bubbles stuck to the stone or splashing when it enters would change the level. Reading from above or below eye level also gives a wrong value. Any two sensible sources are accepted.
Question 7 Improvement
Use a 25 mL cylinder with 0.5 mL divisions and start with 15 mL of water, so the rise is a larger fraction of the scale. A narrower cylinder with finer divisions gives a better result.
