Draw the forces first
A force is an interaction that can change motion or shape. A free-body diagram should show the object, labelled force arrows and their directions. Do not draw forces that are not acting.
GCSE Physics resources
AQA GCSE Forces
AQA GCSE Forces Revision
Forces questions often hide a simple model inside a diagram. Draw the forces, find the resultant, then connect the resultant to the motion or deformation.
Topic overview
Plan your forces revision
Use the resource cards below to revise one idea at a time. Each page includes worked examples, mini quizzes, practice questions, exam language and a visual or simulation when it adds learning value.
Knowledge map
How the topic fits together
Use this overview to find the part of the topic that needs attention; the focused guides below teach and assess each idea in depth.
Connect resultant force to motion
A resultant force causes acceleration. If the resultant is zero, the object is stationary or moves at constant velocity. A larger mass needs a larger resultant force for the same acceleration.
Use graphs as evidence
The gradient of a distance–time graph gives speed; the gradient of a velocity–time graph gives acceleration. The area under a velocity–time graph gives displacement.
Focused revision
Choose one idea at a time
Each guide combines explanation, a diagnostic check, misconception repair, worked examples and exam-style practice.
FO-01
Scalars, Vectors and Free-Body Diagrams
Scalars have magnitude only; vectors have magnitude and direction. A free-body diagram should show all relevant forces acting on one object, with arrows in the correct directions and labels that identify the interaction.
FO-02
Motion Graphs, Speed and Acceleration
Use graph gradient and area carefully. A curved distance–time graph shows changing speed; a horizontal velocity–time line shows constant velocity; a negative velocity can still have a positive speed.
FO-03
Newton’s Laws, Resultant Force and Acceleration
Newton’s laws describe how forces change motion. Use F = ma for the resultant force, not one individual force, and explain that acceleration is in the direction of the resultant.
FO-04
Forces, Elasticity and Springs
For a spring obeying Hooke’s law, extension is proportional to force. The limit of proportionality is where the graph stops being straight; beyond the elastic limit the spring may not return to its original length.
FO-05
Moments, Levers and Pressure
A moment is the turning effect of a force about a pivot and uses perpendicular distance. Pressure is force per unit area, so the same force can produce different pressures when the contact area changes.
FO-06
Momentum, Conservation and Safety
Momentum is mass × velocity and is conserved in a closed system. Safety features reduce force by increasing collision time or reducing the change in momentum experienced by a person.
FO-07
Force and Extension Required Practical
Add loads to a spring or wire, measure extension from the unloaded length and plot force against extension. Increase the load carefully, remove loads for repeats where appropriate and identify the straight-line region.
FO-08
Acceleration Required Practical
Use a trolley and light gates or video timing to measure speed and acceleration. Reduce friction where possible, repeat readings and keep the mass or force controlled according to the variable being investigated.
Across every topic
Build the exam skills around the physics
AQA GCSE Physics Required PracticalsLearn the method, diagnose errors and practise it.GCSE Physics Equations and Maths SkillsLearn the method, diagnose errors and practise it.How to Answer GCSE Physics Calculation QuestionsLearn the method, diagnose errors and practise it.How to Answer GCSE Physics Six-Mark QuestionsLearn the method, diagnose errors and practise it.GCSE Physics Graph SkillsLearn the method, diagnose errors and practise it.
Useful next steps