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EnglandMaths

Mechanics

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do forces determine the motion of an object, and how do you apply Newton's laws to solve problems?

Force as a vector, the resultant of forces, Newton's three laws of motion, weight and the relationship between mass and weight, connected particles, and resolving forces in two dimensions.
A focused answer to the AQA A-Level Mathematics forces content, covering force as a vector, resultant forces, Newton's three laws, weight, connected particles, and resolving forces in two dimensions.
11 min answer →

How does friction resist motion, and how do you decide whether an object stays still or slides?

The nature of friction, the coefficient of friction, the limiting friction model with the inequality between friction and the normal reaction, and applying friction to objects on horizontal and inclined surfaces.
A focused answer to the AQA A-Level Mathematics friction content, covering the nature of friction, the coefficient of friction, the limiting friction model, and applying friction on horizontal surfaces and inclined planes.
11 min answer →

How do you describe and calculate the motion of an object, using graphs and equations of constant acceleration?

Displacement, velocity and acceleration, motion graphs and the meaning of their gradients and areas, the constant acceleration equations, motion under gravity, and using calculus to relate displacement, velocity and acceleration.
A focused answer to the AQA A-Level Mathematics kinematics content, covering displacement, velocity and acceleration, motion graphs, the constant acceleration equations, motion under gravity, and using calculus for variable acceleration.
11 min answer →

How do you decide whether a rigid object will balance or turn, and where its supports must act?

The moment of a force about a point, the principle of moments, equilibrium of a rigid body under coplanar forces, reactions at supports, and modelling uniform and non-uniform rods.
A focused answer to the AQA A-Level Mathematics moments content, covering the moment of a force, the principle of moments, equilibrium of a rigid body, reactions at supports, and modelling uniform and non-uniform rods.
10 min answer →

How do you analyse the motion of an object launched into the air under gravity alone?

Modelling projectile motion by resolving into independent horizontal and vertical components, using the constant acceleration equations, and finding range, maximum height, time of flight and the equation of the path.
A focused answer to the AQA A-Level Mathematics projectiles content, covering resolving motion into independent horizontal and vertical parts, using the suvat equations, and finding range, maximum height, time of flight and the path equation.
11 min answer →

What are the basic quantities and units used in mechanics, and how do scalars and vectors differ?

The base and derived SI units used in mechanics, the distinction between scalar and vector quantities, modelling assumptions such as particles and smooth surfaces, and the conventions for representing forces and motion.
A focused answer to the AQA A-Level Mathematics mechanics units content, covering SI base and derived units, the scalar and vector distinction, standard modelling assumptions, and conventions for representing forces and motion.
9 min answer →