conservation of mass
What conservation of mass means in Physics GCSE, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of conservation 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 conservation of mass in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
A change of state rearranges particles; it does not create or destroy them, so the mass is the same before and after.
Mass stays the same across a change, so only volume changes and a change in density arises from a change in volume.
Topics that use conservation of mass
- Changes of state (AQA GCSE)
- The particle model (OCR GCSE)
Related terms
- Changes of state
- Density
- Density as a property of a material
- Density equation
- Explaining density differences using the particle model
- Movement of particles in each state
- open and closed containers
- Particle arrangement in solids, liquids and gases
Using conservation of 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 Physics questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge