PhysicsUK Connections

• 3.2.1(a) Apply Newton’s second law, F = ma.
• 3.2.1(b) Define the newton as the unit of force.
• 3.2.1(c) Understand weight of an object, W = mg.
• 3.2.1(d) Define and identify tension, normal contact force, upthrust and friction.
• 3.2.1(e) Draw and interpret free-body diagrams.
• 3.2.1(f) Describe one- and two-dimensional motion under constant force.
• 3.2.2(a) Define drag as the frictional force experienced by an object travelling through a fluid.
• 3.2.2(b) Explain factors affecting drag for an object travelling through air.
• 3.2.2(c) Describe motion of objects falling in a uniform gravitational field in the presence of drag.
• 3.2.2(d)(i) Define and describe terminal velocity.
• 3.2.2(d)(ii) Use techniques and procedures to determine terminal velocity in fluids, such as a ball bearing in a viscous liquid or cones in air.
• 3.2.3(a) Define moment of a force; moment = F × x.
• 3.2.3(b) Define couple and torque of a couple; torque = F × d.
• 3.2.3(c) State and apply the principle of moments.
• 3.2.3(d) Define and determine the centre of mass and centre of gravity experimentally.
• 3.2.3(e) Describe equilibrium of an object under the action of forces and torques.
• 3.2.3(f) Apply the condition for equilibrium of three coplanar forces using the triangle of forces.
• 3.2.4(a) Define density; ρ = m / V.
• 3.2.4(b) Define pressure; p = F / A for solids, liquids and gases.
• 3.2.4(c) Use p = hρg to calculate pressure in fluids; understand upthrust and Archimedes’ principle.

H156 v2.0 · May 2026