# A student wants to estimate the mass of a domestic cat. Explain how the student could arrive at a reasonable estimate without directly measuring the cat, using everyday objects as references.

> AQA A-Level Physics (7408) — 3.1.3 Estimation of Physical Quantities · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Identifies a known reference mass (e.g. a bag of sugar or similar everyday object of known mass)
2. States a reasonable estimated mass for a domestic cat (accept 3 kg to 6 kg)
3. Explains how the reference object is used to judge the cat's mass (e.g. comparing by feel / lifting both)
4. Recognises that the estimate may not be exact / acknowledges the uncertainty or range in the estimate
5. Links the estimation process to using prior knowledge or experience of similar quantities (e.g. recalling that a newborn baby is about 3–4 kg so a cat is similar)

## Key terms

- [mass](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/mass)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Physics (7408)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-wants-to-estimate-the-7d4ad4fc) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.