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Topic 2: Motion and forces

9 dot points across 9 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do you calculate acceleration, and how do the equations of motion link velocity, acceleration and distance?

Acceleration and the equations of motion: the acceleration equation, the uniform acceleration (suvat) equation linking velocity, acceleration and distance, and typical accelerations such as g.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Physics 2.8 and 2.9, covering the acceleration equation, the uniform acceleration equation linking final velocity, initial velocity, acceleration and distance, the meaning of negative acceleration, and the acceleration of free fall, with worked calculations in the Edexcel style.
9 min answer →

How do you calculate speed, and what counts as a typical everyday speed?

Distance, speed and velocity: the speed equation, rearranging it for distance and time, and recalling typical speeds for walking, running, cycling and sound.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Physics 2.5 to 2.6, covering the speed equation, rearranging it to find distance or time, the difference between average and instantaneous speed, and the typical everyday speeds Edexcel expects you to recall, with worked calculations.
8 min answer →

How do you read speed and motion from a distance-time graph?

Distance-time graphs: interpreting the shape of the line, finding speed from the gradient, and using a tangent for the speed of an accelerating object.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Physics 2.7, covering how to interpret distance-time graphs, calculate speed from the gradient, recognise stationary and constant-speed motion, and use a tangent to find the speed of an accelerating object.
8 min answer →

What is momentum, and how is it conserved in collisions?

Momentum and collisions: the momentum equation p = mv, conservation of momentum in a closed system, force as the rate of change of momentum, and how safety features reduce force.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Physics on momentum, covering the momentum equation, conservation of momentum in collisions and explosions, force as the rate of change of momentum, and how crumple zones, air bags and seat belts reduce the force in a crash.
10 min answer →

What do Newton's three laws say, and how do you use F = ma?

Newton's laws of motion: the first law and resultant force, the second law F = ma and inertial mass, and the third law of equal and opposite forces.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Physics 2.10 to 2.18, covering Newton's first law and resultant force, the second law F = ma with the core practical on force, mass and acceleration, inertial mass, and the third law of equal and opposite forces.
10 min answer →

What is the difference between a scalar and a vector, and which quantities are which?

Scalar and vector quantities: the difference between magnitude-only scalars and vectors that also have direction, and classifying the key physical quantities.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Physics 2.1 to 2.5, covering the difference between scalar and vector quantities, classifying displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, weight, momentum and energy, and why velocity is speed in a stated direction.
8 min answer →

What makes up the stopping distance of a vehicle, and what affects each part?

Stopping distances and reaction time: thinking distance plus braking distance, the factors affecting each, reaction times, and the forces and energy involved in braking.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Physics on stopping distances, covering thinking distance plus braking distance, typical reaction times, the factors that increase each part, and the large braking forces and energy transfers involved in stopping a fast vehicle.
9 min answer →

How do you read acceleration and distance from a velocity-time graph?

Velocity-time graphs: finding acceleration from the gradient and distance travelled from the area under the line, including counting squares for a curved graph.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Physics, covering how to interpret velocity-time graphs, calculate acceleration from the gradient, find the distance travelled from the area under the line, and estimate the area under a curve by counting squares.
9 min answer →

What is the difference between mass and weight, and how do you calculate weight?

Weight, mass and gravity: the difference between mass and weight, the weight equation W = mg, gravitational field strength, and weight measured with a calibrated balance.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Physics on weight and mass, covering the difference between the two, the weight equation W = mg, gravitational field strength on Earth and other bodies, the centre of mass, and measuring weight with a calibrated spring balance.
8 min answer →