Combined Science GCSE
Mass
What Mass means in Combined Science GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Mass
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Mass in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
The amount of matter in the object, measured in kilograms, kg, which does not change with temperature, unlike volume.
A quantity measured in kilograms to which acceleration is inversely proportional when the resultant force is fixed.
A quantity measured in kilograms (kg) and given the symbol m, which measures the amount of matter in an object.
Measured in kilograms with a balance, it is independent of gravitational field strength and remains constant.
The amount of substance being heated or cooled, measured in kilograms, kg, in thermal energy calculations.
A scalar quantity, symbol m, measured in kilograms (kg) that stays the same everywhere in the universe.
Topics that use Mass
- Density of materials (AQA GCSE)
- Energy changes in systems (AQA GCSE)
- Gravity (AQA GCSE)
- Newton's Second Law (AQA GCSE)
- Temperature changes in a system and specific heat capacity (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Weight
- c = E ÷ (m × ∆θ)
- Change in thermal energy
- E = mc∆θ
- J/kg °C
- Specific heat capacity
- Temperature change
- a = F ÷ m
Using Mass in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Combined Science questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Combined Science GCSE termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge