GCSE Physics resources
AQA GCSE Forces
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.
Start here
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.
Core learning content
Start with this short teaching sequence for Acceleration Required Practical. Read the model, use the visual, then test your recall before moving into examples and exam practice.
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.
Acceleration is a change in velocity per second. Light gates can measure instantaneous speed without human reaction time; a velocity-time graph then gives acceleration from its gradient. Repeat readings and control the variable not under investigation so that a trend is meaningful.
Choose a relationship because of the physical change in the question, not because it is familiar. Weight: W = mg (N, kg, N/kg). Newton’s second law: F = ma (N, kg, m/s²). Momentum: p = mv (kg m/s). Keep the unit next to each value while you substitute.
Describe timing, the independent variable, controlled factors, graph choice and how the setup reduces random or systematic error. Before writing, underline the command word and identify the information that matters. Keep a calculation as equation, substitution and answer with unit; keep an explanation as a linked chain using because, so or therefore. Finish by checking that the final sentence answers the exact context in the question and that the number, direction or conclusion agrees with the evidence given.
Retrieval practice
Answer without looking back first. The feedback explains the model, so a wrong answer still helps you learn.
Mini quiz 1
Mini quiz 2
Mini quiz 3
Try it
How does motion data become an acceleration result?
What to notice: the readout and written explanation remain available if you do not use the controls.
Worked examples
Cover the answer, attempt the method and then compare your physics language as well as the number.
a = 2.0 m/s².
Light gates give more precise velocity/timing measurements than a handheld stopwatch.
Vary the driving force, calculate acceleration from motion data, and keep trolley mass, track angle and friction as constant as possible.
Misconception clinic
Each of these is tempting because it sounds almost right. Replace it with the precise physics before you meet it in a question.
Independent practice
Use the working space first. Reveal the guidance only after you have committed to an answer, then improve the exact part that would gain the next mark.
a = change in velocity ÷ time.
Acceleration.
For example: total mass, track angle, surface/friction and starting position.
To calculate a mean and identify anomalous results.
Acceleration.
Use a smooth/level track or a runway with low-friction wheels and account for friction consistently.
Questions pupils ask
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.
Read the snapshot, attempt the worked examples without looking, complete the mini quizzes and then use the practice questions to check your wording and method.
Next step
Physics sticks when you move between explanation, retrieval and application.