Science (Physics)

Notes - Chapter 9 (Forces in Action)

Topic: (9.1) The idea of density
 The ton of anything weighs the same because it will have the same
mass.
 Tonne Comparison Trick: A tonne of lead and a tonne of feathers
weigh the same (both are 1000 kg), though they take up different
amounts of space.
 Mass and Unit: The mass of an object represents how much
matter it contains. Unit of mass is kg. 1 kg of water has the same
mass as 1 kg of air.
 Volume and Space: Feathers take up more space than lead, even
though they weigh the same. Denser materials have more mass in
the same volume compared to lighter materials.
 Density Definition: Density is the mass of 1 cubic centimetre (1
cm³) of a material. Higher density materials are considered
"heavier" than low-density ones for the same volume. Density units:
g/cm³ or kg/m³.
 Examples:
Gold: 19.3 g/cm³.
Water: 1.0 g/cm³.
Ice is less dense than water, hence it floats.
 Explaining Density: Gases (like air) have low density because
particles are far apart. Solids (like lead) have high density due to
tightly packed particles.
 Changes in State: When water turns into steam, its density
decreases as the same mass occupies a larger volume.
~Questions~
 a) The mass of an object tells us how much matter it is made of.
What is the unit of mass?
b) Which has more mass, 1kg of water or 1kg of air?
 When water boils, it becomes steam. Its particles spread out and
occupy greater volume. Has its density increased or decreased?
Explain your answer.
~Summary~
 Density is a measure of how light or heavy a material is.
 Density is the mass of 1 cm³ of a material.
(for reference: textbook page no. 120, 121)

Topic: (9.2) Measuring Density

 Steps to measure Density: Measure the mass of the material in
grams (g). Measure the volume of the material in cubic centimeters
 (cm³). Calculate density using the formula:
mass
density =
volume
Example: A block of cast iron has a volume of 30 cm³ and a mass of
210 g.
Its density is calculated as:
210 g
=7.0 g /cm ³
30 cm ³
 Measuring Mass: Use a balance to measure mass. Ensure the
balance reads mass in grams.
 Measuring Volume: For regular solids (like a block), use the
formula:
volume=length× width× height .
For liquids, pour the liquid into a measuring cylinder and read the
scale. For irregular solids, submerge the object in water in a
measuring cylinder and calculate the increase in volume (water
displacement method).
 Example Experiment (Salty Water):
1. Measure the mass of an empty measuring cylinder (e.g., 54.0g).
2. Add salty water and measure the new mass (e.g., 115.2g).
3. Measure the volume of the salty water using the cylinder's scale
(e.g., 60 cm³).
Mass of salty water = 115.2g - 54.0g = 61.2g.
Density of salty water =
61.2 g
=1.02 g /cm ³
60 cm ³
~Summary~
 To determine the density of a material, we measure mass and
volume using the formula:
mass
density =
volume

(for reference: textbook page no. 122, 123)

Topic: (9.3) Density Calculations

 Density Equation: Density (D) is defined as the ratio of mass (M)
to volume (V):
mass
density =
volume
 Example Problem: For a rectangular block of steel measuring 4
cm x 2 cm x 1.5 cm with a mass of 93.6 g:
a. Calculate the density of steel:
Volume=4 ×2 ×1.5=12cm ³
93.6 g 3
Density= 3
=7.8 g/cm
12cm
 b. Reason for density: Steel is denser than iron due to its
structure and the presence of other alloying elements that
increase mass without significantly increasing volume.
 Calculating Mass: Rearranging the density equation gives:
mass=density × volume
 Example Problem: A fish tank measuring 80 cm x 20 cm x 25
cm filled with water (density = 1.0 g/cm³):
Step 1: Calculate volume:
Volume=8 0 ×20 × 25=4 0,000 cm ³
 Calculating Volume: Rearranging the density equation for volume
gives:
mass
volume=
density
 Example Problem: For a coin with a mass of 7.0 g and density of
5.6 g/cm³:
7 3
volume= ≈ 1.25 cm
5.6
 Measuring the Density of a Gas: Air is less dense than solids or
liquids.
To measure the density of air:
 Weigh a container with air to find total mass.
 Pump out the air and weigh the container again.
 The difference gives the mass of the air.
 Submerge the container in water to determine its volume.
 Calculate the density using the formula:
mass
density =
volume
~Summary~
 Density, mass and volume are connected by these three equations:
mass
density =
volume
mass=density × volume
mass
volume=
density
(for reference: textbook page no. 124, 125)

Topic: (9.4) Pressure

 Concept of Pressure: Pressure occurs when a force acts on a
specific area. High pressure results from a large force concentrated
on a small area. Low pressure occurs when the same force is spread
over a larger area.
 Examples of Pressure:
1. Nail and Hammer: A sharp-pointed nail penetrates wood
better because the force from the hammer is concentrated
on a smaller area, resulting in high pressure. A blunt nail
 spreads the force over a larger area, resulting in low
pressure and ineffective penetration.
2. Weight on a Bed:
a. A person lying on a bed spreads their weight over a
large area, causing a shallow dip (low pressure).
b. A person standing on the bed concentrates their
weight on a smaller area, creating a deeper dip (high
pressure).
 Comparative Pressure Scenarios: A heavy person standing on a
bed will create greater pressure than a lighter person lying down
because pressure increases with force concentrated on a smaller
area.
 Applications of Pressure:
1. Sharks: Sharp teeth create high pressure to effectively crush prey.
2. Knives: Sharp blades cut better by concentrating force on a small
area.
3. Camels: Wide feet spread weight over a large area, reducing
pressure and preventing sinking in sand.
4. Snowboards: Wide design prevents sinking into snow; similarly,
Inuit snowshoes have wide surfaces to distribute weight.
 Pressure Questions:
1. Truck Tires in Desert: Wide tires spread out the force,
creating low pressure, allowing the truck to move easily
without sinking into the sand.
2. Cricket Stump with Sharp Point: The sharp point
focuses the force on a small area, creating high pressure,
which allows it to penetrate the ground effectively.
3. Drawing Pin: The sharp point creates great pressure for
piercing, while the broad head distributes force to
minimize the risk of slipping.
~Summary~
 Pressure is caused when a force acts on an area.
 A big force acting on a small area creates high pressure.
(for reference: textbook page no. 126, 127)

Topic: (9.5) Pressure Calculations

 Pressure Equation: Pressure (P) is defined as the ratio of force (F)
to area (A):
force
pressure=
area
 Example Problem: The diagram shows a force of 8N pressuring
on an area of 4m2
a. Calculate the pressure:
8N 2
p ressure= 2
=2 N /m
4m
 The unit of pressure is the pascal (Pa).
 1 Pa is the same as 1N/m2.
We can write the answer to the above example as; pressure = 2 Pa
 Calculating force: We rearrange the equation of pressure:
force=pressure x area
 Example Problem: A footbridge has been designed to withstand
a pressure of 2000 Pa. The area of the bridge is 15m2 . What is the
greatest force the bridge can withstand or resist?
a. Calculate force:
force=pressure x area=2000 x 15=30000 N
~Summary~
 Formulas;
force
pressure=
area
force=pressure x area
(for reference: textbook page no. 128, 129)

Topic: (9.6) Pressure in gases and liquids

 Gases and Liquids Cause Pressure: Both gases and liquids exert
pressure on the walls of their containers or surroundings.
 Pressure in Gases: The pressure inside a gas-filled container, like
a balloon, is due to particles moving and colliding with the container
walls.
 Pressure Increases with Depth: In water, pressure increases as
depth increases, because the weight of the water above presses
down more at greater depths.
 Atmospheric Pressure: Atmospheric pressure is highest at sea
level, where the entire weight of the air (or atmosphere) presses
down. At higher altitudes, the air becomes less dense and
atmospheric pressure decreases.
 Particles and Pressure: In both gases and liquids, particles collide
with the container walls, creating pressure. In gases, particles are
spread out, while in liquids, particles are closer together, leading to
frequent collisions and potentially higher pressure.
 Changes in Gas Pressure:
 Adding more gas to a container increases pressure because
there are more particles to collide with the walls.
 Squashing (compressing) gas into a smaller volume also
increases pressure because particles collide with the walls
more often.
~Summary~
 Liquids and gases can cause pressure.
  The pressure of a gas or liquid is caused by its weight pressing
downwards.
 The particles of a gas or liquid collide with the walls of its container;
this causes pressure.
(for reference: textbook page no. 130, 131)

Topic: (9.7) The turning effect of a force

 When the movement(turning) of a force which causes movement to
turn from a fixed point is known as the turning effect of force.
 The point fixed in this process is called a pivot.
~Summary~
 A force has a turning effect when it causes an object to turn about a
pivot.
(for reference: textbook page no. 132, 133)

Topic: (9.8) The principle of moments

 Moment of a force: The turning effect of a force depends on two
things:
 The greater the force, the greater its turning effect.
 The further the force is from the pivot, the greater its turning
effect.
 Formula of moment of a force:
moment=force x distance ¿ pivot
 The principle of moments: For a beam to be balanced, the clockwise
moment on it must equal the anticlockwise moment acting on it.
~Summary~
 moment=force x distance ¿ pivot
 The principle of moments states that, for a beam to be balanced,
the clockwise moment acting on it must equal the anticlockwise
moment acting on it.
(for reference: textbook page no. 134, 135)

Topic: (9.9) Calculate moments

 clockwise moment=anticlockwise moment
~Summary~
 If we know that a beam is balanced, we can use the principle of
moments to calculate an unknown distance or an unknown force.
(for reference: textbook page no. 136, 137)

Science (Physics) Test Practice Questions

1-Mark Questions
1. What is the unit of mass?
2. Which of the following materials has a higher density: gold (19.3
g/cm³) or water (1.0 g/cm³)?
3. Define density.
4. What is the relationship between force, area, and pressure?
5. What happens to the pressure of a gas when its volume is
decreased, assuming the temperature remains constant?
6. What is the turning effect of a force called?
7. What is the unit of pressure?
8. In a pressure equation, what does "area" refer to?
9. How do particles in a gas cause pressure inside a container?
10. What is the principle of moments?

2-Mark Questions
11. Explain why ice floats on water.
12. What happens to the density of water when it boils and turns
into steam?
13. If the volume of a gas is decreased while the temperature
stays constant, how does the pressure change?
14. Why do sharp objects (like nails or knives) cause higher
pressure than blunt objects?
15. What is the relationship between the distance from the pivot
and the moment of a force?
16. Explain why the pressure in water increases with depth.
17. Describe how you would measure the density of an irregular
solid.
18. If you have a coin with a mass of 7.0 g and density of 5.6
g/cm³, calculate the volume of the coin.
19. A fish tank is filled with water of mass 40,000 g and a density
of 1.0 g/cm³. Calculate the volume of the water.
20. How does the principle of moments help balance an object on
a beam?
3-Mark Questions
21. A block of cast iron has a mass of 210 g and a volume of 30
cm³. Calculate the density of the cast iron.
22. Describe the process of measuring the pressure in a gas using
a container.
23. A 10 N force is applied to an area of 5 m². Calculate the
pressure exerted.
24. What happens when the pressure of a gas is increased by
reducing its volume? Explain with reference to gas particles.
25. Explain the relationship between pressure and depth in liquids
with an example.
26. Calculate the force exerted by the atmosphere on a window
with an area of 2 m² if atmospheric pressure is 101,325 Pa.
27. A hammer exerts a force of 15 N on a nail. If the nail's point
has an area of 0.001 cm², calculate the pressure exerted by the nail.
28. Describe how the concept of pressure is applied in the design
of snowshoes.
29. How does the density of a liquid change when it is heated?
30. Using the principle of moments, explain how a seesaw works
with two people of different weights.

4-Mark Questions
31. Calculate the density of a rectangular block of steel with the
following dimensions: 4 cm × 2 cm × 1.5 cm, and a mass of 93.6 g.
32. Draw a diagram showing the turning effect of a force and label
the pivot and force applied.
33. A bridge is designed to withstand a pressure of 2000 Pa. The
area of the bridge is 15 m². Calculate the maximum force the bridge
can resist.
34. Explain the principle of moments and how it applies to a
balanced beam.
35. Draw a diagram showing a nail and a hammer. Explain why
the pointed nail penetrates better than a blunt nail.
36. Calculate the mass of a gas with a volume of 2.5 m³ and a
density of 1.3 kg/m³.
 37. A boat weighs 2000 N and has an area of 5 m² on the water.
Calculate the pressure the boat exerts on the water.
38. A liquid has a density of 1.2 g/cm³ and a volume of 100 cm³.
Calculate its mass.
39. A box with a mass of 15 kg is placed on a surface with an area
of 0.2 m². Calculate the pressure exerted by the box on the surface.
40. Explain why camels have wide feet and how this helps them
move in the desert.

5-Mark Questions
41. Explain the relationship between force, area, and pressure.
Give real-life examples to support your answer.
42. A container is filled with air, and the pressure is 2,000 Pa. The
container has a volume of 10 m³ and a mass of 5 kg. Calculate the
density of the air in the container.
43. Calculate the moment of force acting on a wrench, where a 20
N force is applied 0.3 meters from the pivot.
44. A truck is moving on soft sand with wide tires. Explain why
wide tires help prevent the truck from sinking, using the concept of
pressure.
45. A seesaw has two children sitting at different distances from
the pivot. The first child weighs 30 kg and is sitting 2 meters from
the pivot. The second child weighs 40 kg. How far from the pivot
must the second child sit for the seesaw to balance?

Answer Key

1-Mark Questions
1. Kilograms (kg)
2. Gold
3. Density is the mass of 1 cm³ of a material.
4. Pressure = Force/Area
5. Pressure increases.
6. Turning effect
7. Pascal (Pa)
 8. The area over which the force acts.
9. Particles in a gas collide with the walls, exerting pressure.
10. The clockwise moment must equal the anticlockwise moment
for balance.

2-Mark Questions
11. Ice is less dense than water, which is why it floats.
12. The density of water decreases when it turns into steam, as it
occupies more space.
13. The pressure increases as the volume decreases (Boyle's
Law).
14. Sharp objects concentrate force on a small area, creating high
pressure.
15. The greater the distance from the pivot, the greater the
moment.
16. As depth increases, the weight of the liquid above increases,
leading to higher pressure.
17. Submerge the irregular solid in water and measure the volume
displaced.
18. Volume = 7.0 g / 5.6 g/cm³ = 1.25 cm³.
19. Volume = 40,000 g / 1.0 g/cm³ = 40,000 cm³.
20. For balance, the clockwise moment equals the anticlockwise
moment, which ensures equilibrium.

3-Mark Questions
21. Density = 210 g / 30 cm³ = 7.0 g/cm³.
22. Fill a container with gas, measure its volume, and calculate
the pressure by observing the collisions of particles with the
container walls.
23. Pressure = 10 N / 5 m² = 2 N/m².
24. Decreasing the volume increases the pressure because
particles collide more often.
25. The pressure increases with depth due to the weight of the
liquid above.
 26. Force = 101,325 Pa × 2 m² = 202,650 N.
27. Pressure = 15 N / 0.001 cm² = 15,000 N/cm².
28. Wide snowshoes spread the weight over a larger area,
reducing pressure and preventing the user from sinking into the
snow.
29. The density of a liquid generally decreases when heated due
to expansion.
30. The principle of moments ensures that the product of weight
and distance from the pivot is the same on both sides for balance.

4-Mark Questions
31. Volume = 4 × 2 × 1.5 = 12 cm³.
Density = 93.6 g / 12 cm³ = 7.8 g/cm³.
32. (Draw a wrench with a force applied at a point, pivot at the
other end).
33. Force = 2000 Pa × 15 m² = 30,000 N.
34. For balance, the clockwise moment must equal the
anticlockwise moment.
35. The pointed nail has a smaller area, increasing pressure and
making penetration easier.
36. Mass = Density × Volume = 1.3 kg/m³ × 2.5 m³ = 3.25 kg.
37. Pressure = 2000 N / 5 m² = 400 N/m².
38. Mass = 1.2 g/cm³ × 100 cm³ = 120 g.
39. Pressure = 15 kg × 9.8 m/s² / 0.2 m² = 735 Pa.
40. Wide feet reduce the pressure by spreading the weight over a
larger area, preventing sinking into the sand.

5-Mark Questions
41. Pressure = Force/Area, which means that increasing the force
or decreasing the area increases the pressure. Examples: sharp nails
(high pressure), snowshoes (low pressure).
42. Density = 5 kg / 10 m³ = 0.5 kg/m³.
43. Moment = Force × Distance from pivot = 20 N × 0.3 m = 6
N·m.
44. Wide tires distribute the weight over a larger area, reducing
pressure and preventing the truck from sinking into the sand.
45. Using moments: 30 kg × 2 m = 40 kg × distance.
Distance = (30 × 2) / 40 = 1.5 meters.