Study Guide
The Particle Model and Changes of State
A study guide to the particle model of matter: how the arrangement, spacing and movement of particles explain the properties of solids,…
- Difficulty
- Level 2 · Standard
- Time
- 25 min
WorksheetYear 9Level 2 · Standard
Free Year 9 Density Calculations: Mass, Volume and Density Worksheet
Students calculate density with D = m ÷ V, rearrange the formula to find mass or volume, and measure volume using length × width × height or water displacement. They identify unknown materials from a density table, predict whether objects float or sink in water, and use the particle model to explain why solids, liquids and gases have different densities.
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- Year
- Year 9
- Subject
- Science
- Topic
- States of Matter & Materials
- Difficulty
- Level 2 · Standard
- Estimated time
- 40 minutes
- Curriculum
- New Zealand Curriculum
- Questions
- 15
- Answers
- Included, with working
- Format
- PDF (A4), print or complete online
Students will practise
- calculating density from mass and volume
- rearranging the density formula to find mass or volume
- measuring volume by calculation and by water displacement
- identifying materials and predicting floating or sinking from density
- explaining density using the particle model
Curriculum: New Zealand Curriculum. We show specific outcome codes only where they have been verified against the official curriculum document.
What's next?
Completed: Density Calculations: Mass, Volume and Density
How to use this worksheet
- Print the PDF or complete it on screen. Write the student's name and date at the top.
- Read the instructions for each part together before starting. Encourage working to be shown.
- Mark with the answer sheet. Use the model answers and success criteria as a guide rather than a single right answer.
- Record the score, celebrate what went well, then follow the "What's next" suggestion.
Common questions
Who is this worksheet for?
Year 9 students (typically ages 13–14) working on states of matter & materials. It is pitched at level 2 · standard.
Are the answers included?
Yes. The PDF includes a full answer sheet with model answers and success criteria where there is more than one good answer. You can also view the answers online.
How long does it take?
About 40 minutes for 15 questions. Short, regular sessions work best: two or three a week beats one long one.
Do I need to sign up to download?
No. Click Download Free PDF and it opens immediately. It is free for personal, classroom and homeschool use.
What should we do next?
Try Properties of Materials: Metals, Polymers, Ceramics and Composites.
Preview
Success TutoringWorksheetsYear 9 · Science · States of Matter & MaterialsDensity Calculations: Mass, Volume and Density
Name
Date
Score /
Write the formula, substitute the values, then give your answer with units.
Part A: Calculating density
Density is the mass of a substance in a given volume: how tightly packed its matter is. Density = mass ÷ volume (D = m ÷ V). With mass in grams and volume in cm³, density is in g/cm³. Remember 1 mL = 1 cm³.
Volume of a box shape = length × width × height. For an irregular object, use displacement: lower it into water in a measuring cylinder; the rise in water level equals the object's volume.
Density table (g/cm³): cork 0.24 · ice 0.92 · water 1.0 · aluminium 2.7 · iron 7.9 · copper 9.0 · lead 11.3 · gold 19.3
1.A metal block has a mass of 54 g and a volume of 20 cm³. Calculate its density and use the table to identify the metal.
2.A wooden block measures 2 cm × 3 cm × 5 cm and has a mass of 18 g. Calculate its density.
3.Will the wooden block in the previous question float or sink in water? Explain. (answer space)
4.A small irregular metal object has a mass of 63.2 g. When it is lowered into a measuring cylinder, the water level rises from 50 mL to 58 mL. Calculate its density and identify the metal.
Part B: Rearranging the formula
The formula can be rearranged: mass = density × volume and volume = mass ÷ density.
5.A gold ring has a volume of 5 cm³. What is its mass?
6.Ethanol has a density of 0.79 g/cm³. What volume does 158 g of ethanol occupy?
7.Densities are also given in kg/m³, where 1 g/cm³ = 1000 kg/m³. Write the density of aluminium in kg/m³.
8.A large block and a small block are cut from the same piece of copper. Which statement is correct?
- AThe large block has a greater density
- BThe small block has a greater density
- CBoth blocks have the same density
- DIt depends on the shape of each block
Part C: Floating, sinking and particles
9.Using the table, which material would float in water?
- AAluminium
- BIce
- CLead
- DCopper
10.A heavy object always sinks and a light object always floats. ☐ True ☐ False
11.Use the particle model to explain why a gas is much less dense than the same substance as a solid. (answer space)
12.Most substances are densest as a solid, but ice floats on liquid water. What does this tell you about the spacing of water particles in ice? (answer space)
Preview — the PDF contains the full resource and answer sheet.
More Year 9 states of matter & materials resources
- Worksheet
Properties of Materials: Metals, Polymers, Ceramics and Composites
Students define material properties such as strength, hardness, flexibility, brittleness, thermal and electrical conductivity and melting…
- Difficulty
- Level 2 · Standard
- Time
- 35 min
- Questions
- 15 questions
- Answers
- Answers included
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About this resource
- Created by
- Success Tutoring Science Team
- Last reviewed
- 1 October 2026
- How it was made
- Written by our team
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