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UNIT 2: motion, force and energy
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Recommended Prior Knowledge Students should be able to describe the action of a force on a body. They should be able to describe the motion of a body
and recognise acceleration and constant speed. They should be able to use the relationship average speed = distance / time. A study of aspects of Unit 1 is
necessary for the understanding of the quantities and units involved.
Context Motion, force, energy and power are important aspect of physics e.g. waves and oscillations. As such, work studied in this Unit will be applied to all
other units.
Outline The motion of objects is studied using graphical and mathematical techniques. The concept of momentum is introduced and conservation laws
related to collisions are studied. Energy conservation is extended to cover work done in different situations and also efficiency. Power is introduced as rate
of dissipation of energy.
Learning Outcomes Suggested Teaching Activities Resources
Candidates should be able to
Reference should be made to the list of
textbooks printed in the syllabus Document.
Note that some of these texts are more suitable
as reference texts for the teacher whilst others
are more suitable as student texts.
Some Internet sites are shown within certain
topics. The list of sites is by no means
comprehensive but provides examples of what
is available. Material may provide a link with
O-level and IGCSE studies, thus providing
background experience, as well as reinforcing
AS studies.
All examples of examination questions are
taken from Physics 8702 and 9702 Papers.
3.(a) define displacement, speed, velocity and Discussion: distinction between distance moved http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/phys/class
acceleration. and displacement /newtlaws/newtltoc.html
distinction between speed and
velocity
meaning of acceleration /
deceleration / retardation
Formal definitions.
3.(b) use graphical methods to represent Revision of graph plotting. If available: motion sensor, data logger and
displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration. Displacement/time graphs: display to plot displacement of a pendulum bob
3.(d) use the slope of a displacement-time graph to recognition of stationary object etc.
find the velocity. constant speed / velocity
acceleration / deceleration
Distinction between displacement / time and
distance / time graphs. Examples sheet including
Specimen Paper 1, question 7
Oct/Nov 2001, Paper 1, question 6
May/June 2001, Paper 1, question 9
May/June 2002, Paper 1, question 7
3.(e) use the slope of a velocity-time graph to find the Velocity / time and speed / time graphs: If available: motion sensor, data logger and
acceleration. recognition of constant velocity / speed display to plot velocity of a pendulum bob,
constant acceleration / deceleration trolley moving down a slope etc.
3.(c) find displacement from the area under a Idea of an area representing a distance See the Mathematical Requirements as given in
velocity-time graph. Techniques for finding the area the Syllabus Document
– counting squares
– by calculation Examples sheet including
Specimen Paper 1, question 8
May/June 2001, Paper 2, question 2
May/June 2002, Paper 1, question 8
3.(f) derive, from the definitions of velocity and Discussion: need for equations of motion.
acceleration, equations which represent Derivation of v = u + at from definition of
uniformly accelerated motion in a straight line. constant acceleration.
2
Derivation of s = ut + ½at from definition of
mean speed.
Expt: acceleration of a ball down a slope Flat board or two metre rules taped to form a
2 2
Derivation of v = u + 2as by combining the channel, wood blocks, steel/glass sphere,
above two equations. stopclock
Limitations on equations
Use of the equations
3.(g) solve problems using equations which represent Worked examples on use of equations Examples sheet including
uniformly accelerated motion in a straight line, The acceleration of free fall Oct/Nov 2001, Paper 1, question 9
including the motion of bodies falling in a Guinea and feather experiment
uniform gravitational field without air resistance.
3.(i) describe an experiment to determine the Expt: acceleration of free fall Apparatus for experiment to determine g by free
acceleration of free fall using a falling body. Warning: If computer packages are available, fall method
then students must still be able to give the See also Specimen Paper 1, question 9
theory of the experiment May/June 2001, Paper 1, question 7
Oct/Nov 2001, Paper 1, question 8
Oct/Nov 2001, Paper 2 question 2
May/June 2002, Paper 1, question 4
3.(j) describe qualitatively the motion of bodies Effect of air resistance Guinea and feather.
falling in a uniform gravitational field with air – air resistance increases with speed.
resistance. Discussion of motion of body falling through air
- increasing speed gives rise to
increasing drag and reducing
acceleration thus leading to terminal
speed.
5.(c) show a qualitative understanding of frictional Expt: Factors affecting terminal speed in fluids Measuring cylinders with different liquids, steel
forces and viscous forces including air balls of various diameters, stopwatch, metre
resistance. (No treatment of the coefficients of rule
friction and viscosity is required.) Other friction forces – all friction is not ‘evil’. See also May/June 2002, Paper 1, question 6
3.(k) describe and explain motion due to a uniform Revision of resolution of vectors ‘Monkey and gun’ experiment
velocity in one direction and a uniform Plotting out trajectories on graph paper
acceleration in a perpendicular direction. Worked examples based on trajectories Handout of examples including
N.B. formulae for (maximum) range and height Specimen Paper 2, question 2
are not required. May/June 2001, Paper 1, question 8
Oct/Nov 2001, Paper 1, question 7
4.(f) recall and solve problems using the relationship Discussion: what causes an acceleration? Ticker timer, tape, trolleys, elastic bands, metre
F = ma, appreciating that acceleration and force Expt: relation between force and acceleration ruler
are always in the same direction. and/or
Linear air track, timers, metre rule
and/or
trolleys and runway, motion sensor, data logger
and means of display
4.(b) show an understanding that mass is the Discussion: what is mass? Objects with different masses – estimating
property of a body that resists change in motion. Equations F µ a, F = ma, m and a are masses
base/derived units, leading to definition of the newton balances, estimating forces
unit of force (newton See also Oct/Nov 2001, Paper 1, question 12
May/June 2001, Paper 1, question 11, 13
May/June 2002, Paper 1, question 10
-1 -2
4.(c) describe and use the concept of weight as the Discussion: what is weight? Exercise on base units of N kg and m s
effect of a gravitational field on a mass. weight = mass ´ g See also Oct/Nov 2001, Paper 2, question 1
-2 -1
3.(h) recall that the weight of a body is equal to the g as m s or N kg
product of its mass and the acceleration of free Compare/contrast mass and weight
fall.
5.(a) Describe the forces on mass (and charge) in a Discussion: force on mass is
uniform gravitational (and electric) fields, as - in direction of the field (acceleration)
appropriate - independent of speed of mass
- equal to mg
5.(e) show an understanding that the weight of a Discussion: what is centre of gravity? lamina, pin and cork, plumbline, stand, boss,
body may be taken as acting at a single point refer briefly to centre of mass clamp
known as its centre of gravity. Expt: determination of C.G. of a lamina See also Oct/Nov 2001, Paper 3, question 1
May/June 2002, Paper 2, question 3(a)
http://www.tri.co.uk/ncap_tests.html
4.(d) define linear momentum as the product of mass Discussion: idea of ‘violence’ of a collision
and velocity. depends on mass and velocity
Develop definition of momentum
4.(e) define force as rate of change of momentum. Definition of force See also Specimen Paper 1, question 11, 13
- direction of force / change in momentum May/June, Paper 1, question 10
- concept of impulse
Worked example of rocket motor
4.(a) state each of Newton’s laws of motion. Laws developed as ‘common sense’ from http://www.treasure-
previous knowledge troves.com/bios/Newton.html
http://www.phys.virginia.edu/classes/109N/more
_stuff/Applets/newt/newtmtn.html
4.(g) state the principle of conservation of Idea of a ‘collision’ and a closed system See also Specimen Paper 1, question 10
momentum. Statement of law of conservation of momentum 2 trolleys and masses, runway, 2 timers, ticker
Expt. ‘Verification’ of the law tape
OR
linear air track, 2 timers and light gates
OR
Law of conservation of momentum as a use of trolleys/ linear air track with motion
consequence of Newton’s laws sensors, data loggers and means of display.
4.(h) apply the principle of conservation of Worked examples (illustrated if possible) Newton’s cradle
momentum to solve simple problems including including air table (if available)
elastic and inelastic interactions between two - colliding spheres (newton’s cradle) linear air track (if available)
bodies in one dimension. (Knowledge of the - impact of a ball with a solid surface
concept of coefficient of restitution is not - magnetic/electrostatic interaction
required).
4.(i) recognise that, for a perfectly elastic collision, Discussion: elastic and inelastic collisions Examples sheet including
the relative speed of approach is equal to the Conservation (or otherwise) of total energy, Specimen Paper 2, question 3(a), 3(c)
relative speed of separation. linear momentum and kinetic energy. May/June 2001, Paper 1, question 12
4.(j) show an understanding that, whilst momentum Examples of elastic and inelastic collisions May/June 2001, Paper 2, question 3
of a system is always conserved in interactions Oct/Nov 2001, Paper 1, question 13
between bodies, some change in kinetic energy May/June 2002, Paper 1, question 9, 11
usually takes place. May/June 2002, Paper 2 , question 4(c),(d)
9.(a) define the term density Discussion; definition of density Handout giving some values of density of
Estimations/typical values of density of various substances
substances See also Specimen Paper 2, question 5
9.(g) derive, from the definitions of pressure and Revision: definition of pressure
density, the equation p = rgh unit of pressure
9.(h) use the equation p = rgh Pressure in a liquid – dependence (if at all) on water-filled balloons
- direction Pascal’s vases (or equivalent)
- shape of vessel plastic bottle with holes drilled down one side
- depth
Derivation of equation p = rgh
- incompressible fluid
- pressure due to fluid only
Use of a manometer water manometer, metre rule
Expt: measuring gas supply or lung pressure Mercury barometer (if available)
The mercury barometer and atmospheric
pressure Examples sheet including
Specimen Paper 1, question 21
May/June 2001, Paper 1, question 23
Oct/Nov 2001, Paper 1, question 22
5.(b) show an understanding of the origin of the meaning of an upthrust in a fluid Containers of water and other liquids such as
upthrust acting on a body in a fluid. Expt: measuring an upthrust cooking oil, ethanol
Discussion on the origin of the upthrust. See also
Mention of flotation/submarines as illustrations Oct/Nov 2001, Paper 2, question 4(a), 4(b)
Oct/Nov 2001, Paper 1, question 14
May/June 2002, Paper 1, question 12, 14
5.(f) show an understanding that a couple is a pair of Discussion: force(s) producing rotation Suspended metre rule, newton meters, thread,
forces which tends to produce rotation only. Single force – turning effect and moment of protractor
a force http://www.explorescience.com
5.(g) define and apply the moment of a force and the Two forces – a couple and torque (turning See also
torque of a couple. effect) of a couple Specimen Paper 1, question 14
Specimen Paper 2, question 4(c)
Oct/Nov 2001, Paper 1, question 10, 11, 16
May/June 2002, Paper 1, question 13
5.(h) show an understanding that, when there is no Discussion: what is meant by equilibrium? See also
resultant force and no resultant torque, a - no resultant force in any direction May/June 2001, Paper 1, question 15, 17
system is in equilibrium. - no resultant moment about any point May/June 2002, Paper 2 , question 3(b)
5.(i) apply the principle of moments. Principle of moments defined (as one condition
for equilibrium)
Expt: verification of principle metre rule, pin and cork, stand, boss, clamp,
thread, various weights, pulley, protractor
Revision of centre of gravity
Worked examples Examples sheet including
Specimen Paper 1, question 16
Specimen Paper 2, question 3(a), 3(b)
Oct/Nov 2001, Paper 2, question 3(a), 3(b)
May/June 2001, Paper 1, question 14, 16
Oct/Nov 2001, Paper 1, question 17
5.(d) use a vector triangle to represent forces in Discussion: equilibrium of a body under the Examples sheet including
equilibrium. action of three forces Specimen Paper 1, question 3, 12, 15
- lines of action must pass through one point Oct/Nov 2001, Paper 1, question 15
- revision of vector triangles and use for May/June 2002, Paper 1, question 15
forces in equilibrium
6.(b) show an understanding of the concept of work Discussion: what is work?
in terms of the product of a force and the - definition of work done
displacement in the direction of the force. - units
- N m as work done and moment of a force!
6.(c) calculate the work done in a number of W = pDV derived as an example of the use See also
situations including the work done by a gas of W = Fx May/June 2001, Paper 1, question 19, 20
which is expanding against a constant external Work done on/by gas discussed Oct/Nov 2001, Paper 1, question 20
pressure: W = pDV.
6.(h) derive, from the defining equation W = Fs, the Ep = mgh derived as an example of use
formula Ep = mgh for potential energy changes of W = Fx
near the Earth’s surface.
6.(i) recall and use the formula Ep = mgh for potential Potential energy changes discussed
energy changes near the Earth’s surface.
6.(d) derive, from the equations of motion, the Revision of equations of motion
2 2 2
formula Ek = ½mv . Derivation of Fx = ½mv - ½mu
Homogeneity of equation gives each term as
2
energy, hence Ek = ½mv
2
6.(e) recall and apply the formula Ek = ½mv . Discussion: Ek – Ep exchanges
e.g. simple pendulum, falling object
leading to principle of conservation of energy
Worked examples Examples sheet including
Specimen Paper 1, question 18, 20
Specimen Paper 2, question 3(b)
Oct/Nov 2001, Paper 2, question 3(c)
May/June 2002, Paper 1, question 18
6.(a) give examples of energy in different forms, its Discussion: different forms of energy
conversion and conservation, and apply the Discussion: examples of energy transfers
principle of energy conservation to simple
examples.
6.(f) distinguish between gravitational potential Discussion: elastic energy as energy due to See also
energy, (electric potential energy) and elastic non-permanent change of shape May/June 2002, Paper 2 , question 5(a), (c)
potential energy
6.(j) show an understanding of the concept of Internal energy as sum of random kinetic energy
internal energy. and potential energy of atoms.
Difference between random and ordered kinetic
energy
6.(g) show an understanding and use the relationship Discussion: plotting DEp against Dh, what does
between force and potential energy in a uniform the gradient represent?
field to solve problems. Worked example for object on the Moon.
6.(k) show an appreciation for the implications of Energy ‘losses’ related to energy conservation.
energy losses in practical devices and use the Role of friction forces.
concept of efficiency to solve problems. Efficiency defined.
Expt: efficiency of an electric motor Either voltmeter, ammeter or joulemeter. Low
voltage motor, thread, weights, stopclock, metre
rule.
Worked examples Examples sheet including
Specimen Paper 1, question 19
Oct/Nov 2001, Paper 1, question 19
May/June 2002, Paper 1, question 16
6.(l) define power as work done per unit time and Discussion: what is power?
derive power as the product of force and - it is not force
velocity. - power defined
- units of power
Expt: measuring output power of person Stairs. Bathroom scales, metre rule, stopclock
Expt: measuring output power of a motor Low voltage motor, thread weights, metre rule,
stopclock
Derivation of power = Fv
Worked Examples Examples sheet including
Specimen Paper 1, question 17
May/June 2001, Paper 1, question 18
Oct/Nov 2001, Paper 1, question 18
May/June 2002, Paper 1, question 19
