Chapter 1: Introduction to Scientific Investigation

Science is Part of Daily Life

Daily Activities on Science
1. Most of our daily activities involve science.

2. We always use science and technology tools in our daily life

especially in electrical appliances such as irons, kettles, laptops and
mobile phones. All of these tools involve science and technology.

Iron Kettle

Laptop Mobile Phone

Electrical appliances

3. Innovation related to science and technology makes human life more

comfortable.
4. Without science and technological innovation, society will not develop
and we will not be able to live in this sophisticated nature.

What is science?
1. Science is a discipline that involves systematic scientific observation
and investigation of all natural phenomena.
 Observation

Investigation

2. The word science comes from the Latin word "Scientia" which means
knowledge.
3. Science can explain the following matters:
a) Cells are the basic structures of living things.
b) Relationship between living things. For example, we can state the
importance of plants to humans and animals.
c) Relationship between living things and non-living things. For
example, the importance of oxygen and water to life.
d) Day and night events.
e) Natural phenomena such as lightning, earthquakes, volcanic
eruptions and tsunamis.

Examples of natural phenomena:

(a) Natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and earthquakes.
(b) Day and night events.
(c) Formation of seed and fruit.
(d) The development from embryo to fetus.
(e) Lightning, rain, snow and rainbow events.
(f) The object falls down due to gravity.
 Field in science
1. Sciences can be categorized into certain fields of study:
Science Subjects to be
Investigation about
field studied
Living things Zoology, Botany,
Biology Example: Animal, Plant and Microbiology,
Human Psychology
Physics The characteristic of matter Engineering
Matter and the rate of reaction Pharmacology,
Chemistry Toxicology,
Forensic
Geochemistry,
Geology Stones, soil and mineral
Geophysics
Moon, Star, planet, Sun and
Astronomy Astrophysics
other subjects in outer space
Meteorology Changes in weather and climate Hydrometeorology

2. Examples of careers in science field

Science field Examples of careers
Physics Astronomist, Engineer
Biology Medical Doctor, Botanist
Chemistry Pharmacist, Forensic
Geology Geologist, Teacher
 Innovation of Technology

Application of scientific
Innovation of knowledge that helps us to solve
problems in our daily live. For
Technology
example, this is applied in the
creation of machines and tools.

The Importance of Science in Daily Life

Science is applied in daily activities to make life to be more comfortable,
healthy and perfect.
Technology field Examples
Railway station and airplane
Transportation • Save time
• Fast journey
Medicine Antibiotic and paracetamol
• To cure the disease more effectively.
Construction KLCC and Kuala Lumpur International Airport
• Build up the image of the country
• Transportation could be more convenient.
Communication Internet, cell phone and laptop
• Effective communication
• Live streaming
 Science laboratory
1. Science laboratories are the rooms where scientific investigations
are carried out.

Functions of laboratory apparatus

1. Measuring volume of liquid

Burrette
To measure the volume of the liquids
Accuracy: 0.1 cm3

Pipette
To measure the volume of the liquids
Accuracy: Fixed

Measuring cylinder
To measure the volume of the liquids
Accuracy: Fixed

2. Collecting liquids

Beaker
To collect the chemical
substances in large quantities.

Conical flask
To collect the chemical
substances in large quantities.
 Round bottom flask
To collect the chemical
substances in large quantities.

3. Hold apparatus

Retort stand
To hold and support the apparatus

Test tube holder

For holding the test tube and
boiling tube while heating
4. Others laboratory apparatus

Thermometer
To measure the temperature

Stopwatch
To measure the time taken

Bunsen burner
To heat up the substances in
experiment

Evaporating dish
For the substance to evaporate.
 Hazardous Symbols in Labs
1. Some of the chemicals in the lab are harmful and need to be
identified in the right way to avoid the accident.

2. To safeguard the safety of ourselves and other lab users, we must

read and understand the warning symbols on chemical bottles before
using them.
Explosive Substance
Characteristic: Chemical that easily explodes
when heated or mixed with other chemical
substances.
Example: Potassium, butane gas, hydrogen gas
Handling methods:
1. Store in paraffin oil
2. Avoid from fire sources

Flammable Substance
Characteristic: Chemical substance
that simply evaporates and burns.
Example: alcohol , petrol , kerosene
Handling methods:
1. Avoid from fire sources

Toxic Substance
Characteristic: Causes poisoning and death
Example: Mercury, methanol and chlorine
Handling methods:
1. Do not eat, drink, smell and taste the chemical
substances.
2. Keep the chemical substances in safe and locked
place.

Irritant Substance
Characteristic: Substance that produces
irritating vapours that irritate the nose, eyes and
throat.
Examples: Chloroform, bromine and ammonia
Handling methods:
1. Avoid inhaling the substances.
 Radioactive Substance
Characteristic: Chemical substances that will
release radiation.
Example: Uranium
Handling methods:
1. Store in a closed lead container

Corrosive Substance
Characteristic: Scalds the skin
Example: Sulphuric acid
Handling method:
1. Avoid contact with skin and eyes

Rules and Safety Measures in Labs

Rules before entering the science lab

1. Comply with all instruction of the teacher.

2. Do not enter into the lab without the teacher's permission.

3. If you are facing problems or doubts, ask the teacher for help.
 Rules in the science lab

Open all laboratory windows and

doors while in the lab. Do not eat or drink in laboratory.

Do not conduct any experiments

without the teacher's permission Do not run or play inside the lab.

Rules before leaving the science lab

Close the water tap, gas tube of

Bunsen burner and electrical Maintain laboratory hygiene.
switch after use.

Clean all the apparatus after use

Clean your hands before leaving and keep in place of origin.
the lab.
 Steps to prevent fire

Turn off the Bunsen burner after Keep combustible chemicals

using. from sources of heat.

Keep flammable sources, clothing, books and objects away from

sources of heat.

Safety measures

Report any damage to the Use the apparatus and

apparatus or injury to the materials in the right way while
teacher immediately. conducting the experiment

Do not taste or smell

chemicals without teacher's
permission. Do not touch the chemicals
without teacher's permission.
 Accidents and actions need to be taken

Accidents Actions
Sniffed gas Get away from poisonous gas sources
immediately.
Electric shock Turn off electrical switches immediately.
Injured Carry out first-aid immediately.
Swallowed Try to extract the chemical and gargle with plenty
chemicals of water immediately with the teacher's
permission.
In contact Rinse part of the body exposed to chemicals with
with plenty of water immediately with the teacher's
chemicals permission.
Cloth on fire Remove combustible clothing by using proper fire
extinguishing methods.
Fire incident Keep away from the fire source immediately.

Physical Quantities and Units

1. Physical quantities are any quantities that can be calculated,
measured.
2. Physical quantities are measured in S.I. unit, which is the uniform
unit used in most countries of the world.
3. Examples of basic physical quantities are:
Basic quantities S.I. Unit S.I. symbol unit
Length Meter m
Mass Kilogram kg
Time Second S
Temperature Kelvin K
Electric current Ampere A

Symbols and Symbol Values for prefix

1. Prefixes are used to represent larger or smaller assessments in
the S.I unit.
2. The table below shows some of its prefixes, symbols, values
and standard form.
 Prefix Symbol Value of prefix Standard form
giga G 1 000 000 000 109
mega M 1 000 000 106
kilo k 1 000 103
hecto h 100 102
deca de 10 10
deci d 0.1 10-1
centi c 0.01 10-2
milli m 0.001 10-3
micro µ 0.000 001 10-6
nano n 0.000 000 001 10-9

Converting the physical quantity

1. The relationship between standard units of length is as follows:

1 cm = 10 mm
1m = 100 cm
1 km = 1000 m

a) Converting unit of length

X 1000 X 100 X 10

Kilometer (km) Meter (m) Centimeter (cm) Millimeter (mm)

÷ 1000 ÷ 100 ÷ 10
(i) Converting 500 km to m.

Example of solution:
500 x 1000 = 500 000 m

(ii) Converting 67m to mm

Example of solution:
67m X 100 X 10
= 67000 mm
 (iii) Converting 50000 mm to km

Example of solution:
50000 ÷ 1000 000
= 0.05 km

2. The relationship between standard units of mass is as follows:

1g = 1000mg
1kg = 1000g

a) Converting the unit of mass

X1000 X 1000

Kilogram (kg) Gram (g) milligram (mg)

÷ 1000 ÷ 1000
I. Converting 1000 kg to g

Example of solution:
1000 kg x 1000
= 1000 000 g

II. Converting 50 mg to g

Example of solution:
50 mg ÷ 1000
= 0.05 g

III. Converting 65.7 g to mg

Example of solution:
65.7 g x 1000
= 65700 mg
3. The relationship between standard units of time is as follows:

1 minutes = 60 seconds
1 hour = 60 minutes

a) Converting the unit of time

X 60 x 60

Hour Minutes Seconds

÷ 60 ÷60
I. Converting 2 hours to minutes

Example of solution:
2 hours X 60
= 120 minutes

II. Converting 68 minutes to seconds

Example of solution:
68 minutes x 60
= 4080 seconds
 The Importance of a Standard Unit in Daily Life
1. Before the S.I. unit is introduced, many problems arise because
different measurement units are used in different countries.
2. For example, some countries use catty and kilogram units while some
others use pound and ounce units to measure mass.
3. The usage of different measurement units poses many problems and
confusion during the exchange of information.
4. It does not only exacerbate the exchange of information between
scientists, but it also complicates international trade.
5. Since the S.I. unit is introduced and becomes a standard unit of basic
physical quantity in the 1960s, scientists around the world use the
same measurement unit. This facilitates communication
internationally.
6. The usage of this standard unit is very important to avoid confusion
and misunderstandings.

Measuring Instrument, Consistency, Accuracy, Sensitivity and

Errors
1. During scientific investigation, we need to know how to choose and
use appropriate measuring devices to get consistent and accurate
reading.
2. Consistency, accuracy and sensitivity are three important aspects
of measurement.

Measurement

Consistency Accuracy Sensitivity

Consistency

It is the ability of the instrument to measure a quantity of physics

consistently or give almost the same reading in each measurement.

Example:
Mass Reading
balance (kg) 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th
A 56 57 56 56 56
B 8 7 6 7 5

The consistency of mass balance A is higher than the mass

balance B because of the repeated same reading.

Accuracy

It is the ability of the instrument to give measurement of a physical

quantity which is close to the actual value.

Example 1:
Mass balance Reading
(kg) 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th
A 56 57 56 56 56
B 8 7 6 7 5

The accuracy of mass balance A is higher than the mass balance

B.

Example 2:
 Milliammeter Ammeter

1. The accuracy of milliammeter is higher than the ammeter.

2. The smallest value of milliammeter is 0.01A and the smallest value
of ammeter is 0.1A.

Sensitivity

The sensitivity refers to the ability of measuring instrument to detect

small changes in quantities measured.
Example:

Scale of ruler A Scale of ruler B

I. Ruler A has a higher sensitivity compared to ruler B.
II. The ruler A has the smallest value of 0.1 cm while the
smallest value of the ruler B is 0.5 cm.

Vernier calipers

Screw
Jaws Main
Vernier scale scale
 1. Vernier caliper is a measuring instrument to accurately measure
the:-
I. Length of object
II. Outer diameter of object Important notes:-
III. Inner diameter of object The accuracy of Vernier scale: 0.01 cm
The accuracy of main scale: 0.1 cm
IV. Depth of the object.

2. Vernier caliper have two scales, namely the

I. Main scale
II. Vernier scale.

3. The Vernier scale allows the Vernier caliper to measure lengths up

to 0.01 cm or 0.1 mm accuracy.

4. Thus, the Vernier caliper is more precise than the ruler which can
only measure the smallest readings of up to 0.1 cm.

3. Take vernier 4. The

2. Take a scale readings. diameter
1. Place the major scale Vernier scale reading of the
object to be reading. The readings are object is
measured in major scale taken by determined.
the middle of reading is specifying Measured
the external taken by marks on the object
jaw and close determining exact vernier diameters can
the jaw slowly zero '0' scale in line be determined
until the object position on a with one of the by adding a
is held strong. vernier scale. signs on the major scale
primary scale. reading and a
vernier scale.
Measure the reading of Vernier calipers
Step 1: Check the zero marks in the Vernier scale which point to
the main scale.
Example: Zero sign in between 1.1 – 1.2 cm
Main scale: 1.1 cm
Step 2: Look for the mark on the Vernier scale which joins with another
mark on the main scale to form a line.
Example: The 7th line of Vernier scale forms a line with main
scale.
7th = 0.07 cm
Step 3: Main Scale = 1.1 cm
+ Vernier Scale = 0.07 cm
True reading = 1.17 cm

Micrometer screw gauge

Micrometer screw gauge
1. The micrometer screw gauge can measure the thickness and
diameter of small objects such as
I. paper
II. hair
III. wire
IV. steel sheet.
2. The micrometer screw gauge also has a main scale and Vernier
scale.
3. The Vernier scale has 50 divisions whereby one graduation is
equal to 0.5 mm.
4. The smallest value of reading is 0.001 cm or 0.01mm. Thus, the
micrometer screw gauge is more precise than the Vernier calipers.
 Main scale: 0.5 mm
Vernier scale: 0.01mm

4. The
2. Take a diameter of
major scale object
1. Place the 3. Take a
reading. The reading is
object to be vernier scale
major scale determined.
measured in reading on
reading is Measured
the middle of thimble. Take
taken by object
the jaw and a look at the
reading the diameters
the thimble is mark on
main scale can be
swirled slowly vernier scale
sign closest determined
until the 'tick' which is
to the edge of by adding the
sound is parallel to the
the vernier main scale
heard. main scale.
scale on the readings and
thimble. vernier scale
readings.
Measure the reading of micrometer screw gauge

Vernier
Scale

Step 1: Confirm that the reading on the main scale at the side
of the thimble is zero.

Step 2: Take the reading on the main scale at the side of the
thimble.

Step 3: Main scale reading = 2.5 mm

+ Vernier reading = 0.38 mm
Actual reading = 2.88 mm

Zero error of the Micrometre Screw Gauge

1. Before using the micrometre screw gauge, a zero error check

should be made by ensuring that the spindle and anvil are closed
with no gap between them.

2. If there is a zero error, all the readings should be corrected by

taking into account the zero error.

Real reading = Vernier calipers - Zero errors

+0.04 mm
 Measuring instrument

Measuring length
Definition of length: Distance between two points

S.I. Unit: Meter (m)

Use: Centimetres (cm) and meters (m) are used to measure short
distances. Kilometres (km) are used to measure long distances.

Conversion units:
1 km = 1 000 m
1 m = 100 cm
1 cm = 10 mm

Measuring tools:

Meter ruler

• The meter ruler is suitable for measuring short objects.

• When reading, the eyes should be upright on the scale to be read
in order to avoid parallax errors.

Smallest value = 0.1 cm

or 1 mm

Measuring tape

Smallest value = 0.1 cm

or 1 mm

• The measuring tape is suitable for measuring longer distances

such as wall height.
• The tape sensitivity is 1 mm or 0.1 cm
 Measuring mass

Definition of mass: Quantity of matter in an object.

S.I. Unit: Kilogram (kg)

Use: Kilograms (kg) are used to measure large mass. Grams (g) are
used to measure small masses.

Conversion units:
1 g = 1 000 mg
1 kg = 1 000 g

Measuring tool: Triple beam balance

Medium
rider
Big rider Balance
pointer

Small rider
 Measuring time
Definition of time: Duration between two moments

S.I. Unit: second (s)

Use: Second (s) is used to measure short intervals. Minutes, days,

months, years and decades are used to measure longer times.

Conversion units:
1 day = 24 hour
1 hour = 60 minute
1 minute = 60 second

Measuring tool: Stopwatch

• Stopwatch is a standard measuring tool commonly used in labs.

• The stopwatch has two scales, which is an external scale that
indicates the reading in seconds and the inner scale which
shows the reading in minutes.
 Measuring temperature

Definition of temperature: The degree of heat of an object.

S.I. Unit: Kelvin (K)

Use: Normally, degrees Celsius (˚C) is used as a unit of temperature

measurement in daily life.

Conversion unit: 1 ˚C = 274.15 K

Measuring tools:

1. Laboratory thermometers

• Laboratory thermometers with measurements ranging

from -10 ˚C to 110 ˚C which can measure temperatures
with accuracy of 1 ˚C.

2. Clinical thermometer

• Clinical thermometer with measurement range

between 35 ˚C to 42 ˚C which can measure
human body temperature with accuracy of 0.1 ˚C.
 Measuring electric current
Definition of electric current: Charge flow rate

S.I. Unit: Ampere (A)

Use: Ampere (A) is used as a unit of electrical current measurement in

daily life. Milliampere (mA) is used to measure smaller electrical
current.

Conversion unit:
1 A = 1 000 mA

Measuring tool:

Ammeter
• Ammeter is used to measure the electric current in a
circuit.
• The ammeter must be connected in series in the circuit.

*Marked positive terminal '+' (red)

must be connected to a positive
terminal on the battery.

* Marked negative terminal '-'

(black) must be connected to a
negative terminal on the battery.

• Before using an ammeter, make sure that the indicator is

on the zero mark to avoid zero errors.
 Measuring volume
Definition of volume: Space filled with an object.

S.I. unit: m3

Use: Cubic millimeter (mm3), cubic centimeter (cm3) and liters (𝑙) are
oftenly used to measure liquid volume.

Conversion units:
1 cm3 = 1 𝑚𝑙
1 𝑙 = 1000 cm3 = 1000 𝑚𝑙
1 m3 = 1 000 000 cm3 = 1 000 000 𝑚𝑙

Measuring Tool:

Measuring cylinder

• When using a measuring cylinder, the measuring cylinder

should be placed on a flat surface and do not take the reading
while holding it by hand.

Smallest particle size

= 1 ml or 1cm3

• When taking a reading, eye position must be aligned with the

bottom of the meniscus fluid for all liquids except mercury.

• Meniscus of all liquids bends down while meniscus of mercury

bends over.
 Electronic Measuring Tools
1. The creation of various types of electronic measuring instruments
not only facilitates measuring work, but also allows us to get
accurate reading.

2. Steps on using the electronic measuring device are simpler and

easier. Typically, reading will continue to be displayed in the
measuring gauge screen.

3. Electronic measuring instruments are also more sensitive and can

yield more accurate and precise reading.

Examples of electronic measuring instruments

Digital micrometer screw gauge

Digital ammeter Accuracy: 0.001 mm Digital stop watch
Accuracy: 0.01 A
Accuracy: 0.01 s

Digital thermometer
Accuracy: 0.1 ˚C
Digital weight
Accuracy: 0.01 g

Digital Vernier caliper

Accuracy: 0.01 mm
How to Reduce Systematic Errors and Random Errors?
1. No measurements are 100% accurate because errors may occur.
An error is the difference between the measurement value and the
actual value.
2. There are two main types of errors, i.e. systematic error and random
error.
3. We need to reduce and overcome the error problem when conducting
measurement to improve the consistency and accuracy of a
measurement.
Systematic error

Systematic error is an error caused by a condition of device during

performing measurement.
1. Systematic errors usually cannot be avoided and often repeat
consistently in the same direction.
2. This means a systematic error causing all readings to be obtained
whether it is always greater or always smaller than the actual value.
3. Systematic error will reduce the accuracy of a measurement.
4. Here are examples of systematic errors.
(a) The zero error caused by the reading indicator is not at the zero
mark even though no measurements are made.

(b) Uncertainty or defective measuring devices such as the wrong

scale will give an incorrect reading.

5. Ways to mitigate and overcome systematic errors:

(a) A zero error can be overcome by correcting the reading, i.e. all the
readings to be taken should be corrected by taking into account
the zero error.
(b) Repeat the experiment by using different measuring tools.
(c) Conduct the experiment with caution.
Random Error

Random error is the error caused by the error of the observer during
measurement.

1. Random error occurs when an observer makes negligence while

measuring reading.
2. Random errors will reduce the precision of a measurement.
3. Hereby are some examples of a random error:
(a) A parallax error caused by the wrong position of taking the
reading by observer.
(b) Wrong measurement techniques. For example, the thimble on
the micrometer screw gauge is turned until too tight and this
causes incorrect reading due to over-pressure to the measured
objects.
4. To reduce and overcome random errors:
(a) Align the position of the eye to align with the scale mark when
taking the reading to avoid parallax errors.

(b) Align the position of the eye until the image of the needle in the
ammeter mirror is not visible, i.e. right behind the needle.

Correct Wrong

(c) Repeat the measurement to get the average reading. Any

readings that are too high or too low should be eliminated
before calculating the average reading.
Common Mistakes
X Systematic errors and random errors can be overcome by taking the average reading
of some repetitive readings.

√ Systematic error cannot be overcome by taking average reading.

Making estimation Before Making Real Measurement

1. Sometimes, we cannot measure because there are no suitable

measuring devices.

2. So, we do estimation before making measurements by using more

precise and accurate measuring tools.

Make a Length Estimation

1. Estimation of length can be made by using a variety of non-

standard tools such as limbs and uniform tools.

2. How to estimate the length of a pencil by using a robust tool:

Length of paper clips = p cm = 1.5 cm

Length of pencil = number of paper clips x p cm = 4 x 1.5 cm = 6.0 cm

3. We can estimate small values such as thickness of a piece of

paper using large samples.

5 cm

500 pieces papers (big sample) = 5 cm

Thickness of one piece of paper = 5cm ÷ 500 = 0.01
cm
Making area assumption

Area is the magnitude of a surface or area.

1. The area of an object is the surface covered by the object.

2. Unit S.I. for area is square meter (m2).
3. Large areas can be measured in square kilometres (km2) and
small areas can be measured in square centimetres (cm2) or
square millimetres (mm2).
4. The area of a fixed object can be calculated using a mathematical
formula.

Area of square = length x width

Area of triangle = ½ x base x height

5. The uneven shape of an object can be estimated using the graph

paper method.

6. Method of graph paper:

(a) The uneven object boundaries are located on a sheet of graph

paper.
(b) Fully covered, full or half full of the square is marked '√'
(c) The number of squares marked '√' is calculated and the
estimated area is calculated.

The parcel marked '√' = 12

Width of each plot = 1 cm x 1 cm = 1
cm2
Area of leaf = 12 x 1 cm2
= 12 cm2
Making mass assumption

1. The mass of a small object can also be estimated using a large

sample.

3 strawberries (big sample) = 250 g

Mass of 1 strawberry = 250 ÷ 3 = 83.33 g

Making volume assumption

1. The solid content can be calculated using the formula.

Volume of a cuboid = length x height x width

Volume of gold = 10 cm x 5 cm x 8 cm = 400 cm3

2. Volume of object with certain shape and object with irregular shape
can be estimated using water displacement method.

3. Water displacement method:

(a) Fill up the measuring cylinder with water and initial volume of
water is recorded.

(b) Tie up an object with irregular shape such as stone with yarn
and put into the measuring cylinder.

(c) Final volume of water is recorded.

(d) Volume of stone is the difference between initial volume and

final volume of water.

Initial volume of water = 40 cm3

Final volume of water = 80 cm3

Volume of stone = (80-40) cm3= 40 cm3

 Density
Concept of density

1. Density is the mass per unit volume of a substance.

𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒔, 𝒎
Density =
𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒆,𝑽

2. The unit of density is kg/m3 (S.I. unit) or g/cm3

Cube Aluminium Copper PVC Pine

Wood

Volume 15.5 15.5 15.5 15.5

(cm3)

Mass (g) 44.95 144.15 20.15 9.3

Density 2.9 9.3 1.3 0.6

1. If comparisons are made, cubes with larger masses are denser.

2. Based on the table above, the sequence of cube that starts

from the lowest density to the highest density is as follows:-

Pine Wood PVC Aluminium Copper

3. If the cube in the table above is inserted into a basin containing

water, pine wood floats above the water surface, PVC floats in
water while aluminium and copper sink in water.
 This is because the density of water is 1g/cm3

4. When an object is placed in a liquid or gas, the object will

• Float on liquid or gas if the object is less dense than liquid or
gas

Density of objects < Density of liquid or gas

• Sink in liquids or gases if the object is denser than liquid or gas.

Density of objects > Density of liquid or gas

Computation of Density by Using Formulas

mass,m
1. An easy way to memorize and use the formula, density = to
volume,v
solve density calculation problem.
2. Conversion between kg/m3 and g/cm3

𝟏
1 kg/m3 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 g/cm3

Determination of Mass, m, and Volume, V for Object

1. The mass of the object is determined by using the electronic balance,

the triple beam balance and the lever balance.
2. The spring balance and calibration compression which are calibrated
to measure the mass can also be used to determine the mass of the
object.
3. The diagram below shows that how the shape of the evenly shaped
object can be determined.

V = l3 V = π r2h V = 4/3 π r3
Determining Density of Object by Using Water Displacement
Method

1. For irregular shaped objects, the water displacement method can

be used to determine the density.
2. Hereby shows how to determine the density of the object through
the water displacement:
(a) The mass of the object is weighed and recorded.
(b) The solid content of the object is determined by using the water
displacement method as shown in the figure below.
(c) The density of the object is calculated using the formula.

Mass of iron cube = 63.2 g

Volume of iron cube = 8 cm3
63.2 𝑔
Density = 8 𝑐𝑚3 = 7.9 g/cm3

Density Difference in Daily Life

The cold air is denser than the hot
air in the balloon.

The overall density

of the buoys
becomes smaller
than the water when
the buoys are filled
with air.

The river flow can be used as

log transport system because
of the natural nature of timber
floating on the surface of the Object, Food or
water. The value of wood
density is smaller than water.
Beverage
 Innovation Using Density Concepts

1. Nowadays, entrepreneurs are very creative; Various foods and drinks

which utilize the concept of density differences have been provided.
2. The multi-layered beverage innovation has attracted customers to
buy it.

Steps in the Scientific Investigation

Science Process Skills

1. Process skills include basic science process skills and integrated
science process skills.
2. The diagram below shows the skills involved in science process
skills

(a) Observe
(b) Clarify
(c) Measure and use
numbers
Basic (d) Make inferences
(e) Predict
(f) Communicate
(g) Use relationships
between space and time
Science process skills

(a) Interpreting data

(b) Operating of define
(c) Controlling variables
Integrated
(d) Make a hypothesis
(e) Carrying out the
investigation
3. The table below describes each science process skill.
Science process skill Explanation
(basic)
Observe Make observations using senses to
collect information about objects or
phenomena.
Clarify Separate and collect objects or
phenomena based on common
characteristics.
Measure and use numbers Make a quantitative observation, which is
stated in the form of numbers.
Make inferences Make a reasonable initial conclusion,
which may be true or false to describe an
observation or phenomenon.

Predict Make an initial expectation of a

phenomenon based on past observations
and experiences or based on data from
other investigations.
Communicate Report the information of the
investigation in the form of verbal, written,
graph, table, diagram, model or formula.
Use relationships between Describes parameter changes such as
space and time position, direction, shape, size, volume
and mass with time.

Science process skill Explanation

(integrated)
Interpreting data Explain rationally about objects, events or
patterns from collected data.

Operating of define Define a concept by stating what needs

to be done and observed.

Controlling variables A variable is manipulated to observe its

relationship with the responding variable.

Make a hypothesis Make a statement about the relationship

between the manipulated variable and
the responding variable.

Carrying out the investigation Plan and run experiments to test

hypotheses, collect data and interpret
data until a formula is obtained from the
experiment.