Force and motion I describes how objects move and why. The lessons start with describing motion and finish with energy, so each new idea builds on the last.
This cluster is part of SPM Physics. The habits here also support electromagnetism, where forces appear again.
How do the lessons connect?
- Interpreting displacement, velocity and acceleration describes motion in words and graphs.
- Using equations of uniformly accelerated motion turns the description into calculations.
- Explaining momentum and impulse covers collisions.
- Drawing force diagrams shows every force on one object.
- Applying Newton’s laws in context links the forces to the motion.
- Distinguishing work, energy and power counts the energy involved.
Selecting and checking a physical model ties them together by showing how to choose a method.
How does one trolley use the lessons?
A 2.0 kg trolley is pulled by a 10 N force against 4.0 N of friction. The force diagram shows a resultant of 6.0 N, so Newton’s second law gives an acceleration of 3.0 m s⁻².
The equations of motion then give its speed after 5.0 s, which is 15 m s⁻¹ from rest. Work done by the 10 N force over the distance covered, and the power it develops, finish the picture. One trolley used five of the lessons, in order.
Who should start where?
If graphs of motion are unclear, begin with lesson 1. If you can calculate but lose marks on explanations, begin with lessons 4 and 5. Test the cluster with the practice set.
The units and significant figure checker helps with the final line of every calculation. If you want a teacher to work through your motion questions, see online one-to-one Physics tuition.