Mechanics

Kinematics and Vectors

be able to use the equations for uniformly accelerated motion in one dimension: s = (u + v)t / 2; v = u + at; s = ut + 1/2 at^2; v^2 = u^2 + 2as · be able to draw and interpret displacement-time, velocity-time and acceleration-time graphs · know the physical quantities derived from the slopes and areas of displacement-time, velocity-time and acceleration-time graphs, including cases of non-uniform acceleration and understand how to use the quantities · understand scalar and vector quantities and know examples of each type of quantity and recognise vector notation · be able to resolve a vector into two components at right angles to each other by drawing and by calculation · be able to find the resultant of two coplanar vectors at any angle to each other by drawing, and at right angles to each other by calculation · understand how to make use of the independence of vertical and horizontal motion of a projectile moving freely under gravity

Forces and Newton's Laws

be able to draw and interpret free-body force diagrams to represent forces on a particle or on an extended but rigid body using the concept of centre of gravity of an extended body · be able to use the equation sum(F) = ma, and understand how to use this equation in situations where m is constant (Newton's second law of motion), including Newton's first law of motion where a = 0, objects at rest or travelling at constant velocity. Use of the term 'terminal velocity' is expected. · be able to use the equations for gravitational field strength g = F/m and weight W = mg · CORE PRACTICAL 1: Determine the acceleration of a freely-falling object · know and understand Newton's third law of motion and know the properties of pairs of forces in an interaction between two bodies

Momentum and MomentsSign up

understand that momentum is defined as p = mv · know the principle of conservation of linear momentum, understand how to relate this to Newton's laws of motion and understand how to apply this to problems in one dimension · be able to use the equation for the moment of a force, moment of force = Fx where x is the perpendicular distance between the line of action of the force and the axis of rotation · be able to use the concept of centre of gravity of an extended body and apply the principle of moments to an extended body in equilibrium

Work, Energy and PowerSign up

be able to use the equation for work W = Fs, including calculations when the force is not along the line of motion · be able to use the equation Ek = 1/2 mv^2 for the kinetic energy of a body · be able to use the equation Egrav = mg h for the difference in gravitational potential energy near the Earth's surface · know, and understand how to apply, the principle of conservation of energy including use of work done, gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy · be able to use the equations relating power, time and energy transferred or work done P = E/t and P = W/t · be able to use the equations efficiency = useful energy output / total energy input and efficiency = useful power output / total power input