Grade 8 Physics - Mid Term 1 Exam

Question 1 - Making Measurements [10]

a) Define what is meant by volume. Give the formulae,

b) Give a reason why it is important for scientists to have a system of units that is
internationally agreed on.
c) Give the SI units, name and symbol of the following quantities
Length
Volume

Question 2 - Accurate Measurements [15]

a) Explain how is a vernier calliper used for.

b) During an experiment, a student made the measurements shown in the table below. In the
second column, suggest the instrument that she used to make each measurement.

Measurement Measuring Instrument

Length of a wire = 20.4mm
Thickness of a wire = 4.24mm
Thickness of a wooden block = 17.5mm
Diameter of a marble = 20.5mm
Height of a door = 195.0cm

Question 3 - Density [15]

a) Define what is density. Give the formulae and units of density.

b) Explain why ice floats on water.
c) Explain how you would measure the density of an irregular object like a stone. You may use
diagrams to aid your explanation if necessary.
d) A metalworker finds a block of silver metal. He weighs it and he measures its volume, here
are his results: Mass of the block = 8,0kg
Volume of the block = 16.0 cm 3
Calculate the density of the block.

Question 4 - Describing Motion [10]

a) What is the deference between speed and acceleration. Give the Formulae + SI units of
speed and acceleration.
b) In an experiment, the speed on an object can be found using two light gates. A timer
measures the time taken by the object to travel from one gate to the other.
i. What other quantity must be measured to determine the speed of this object.
ii. The object takes 2.8s to travel between the two gates, which are separated by 2.8m.
Calculate the speed of the object.

Question 5 - Calculations

a) A car is moving at a speed of 20m/s. How far does this car travel in 40 second? [3]
b) Tom runs at a speed of 10m/s. How long will it take him to finish a 1.0km race? [2]
c) A coconut falls from a 20m tall tree in a time of 2.0s. [5]
i. Calculate the average speed as it falls.
ii. Explain why we can only calculate the average speed of the coconut as it falls.

d) An aeroplane travels 2400km from Pemba to Maputo in 2hrs 40mins. [10]

i. How many metres did the plane travel?
ii. For how many minutes does it travel?
iii. And for how many seconds?
iv. Calculate the speed of the plane during its journey.