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Physics · Combined Science Higher

Forces

Spec 4.5Paper 22 required practicals15 subtopics
1 Scalar and Vector Quantities Distinguish scalar and vector quantities and represent vectors with arrows. Spec 6.5.1.1 2 Contact and Non-Contact Forces Classify forces as contact or non-contact and give examples of each. Spec 6.5.1.2 3 Gravity Explain weight as gravitational force, distinguish mass from weight, and calculate using W = mg. Spec 6.5.1.3 4 Resultant Forces Find the resultant of forces and relate it to the motion of an object. Spec 6.5.1.4 5 Resolving Forces and Vector Diagrams Resolve forces into components and use vector diagrams to find resultants. Spec 6.5.1 (HT only) 6 Free Body Diagrams Draw and interpret free body diagrams to represent the forces acting on an object. Spec 6.5.1 (HT only) 7 Work Done and Energy Transfer Calculate work done by a force and understand it as energy transferred. Spec 6.5.2 8 Forces and Elasticity Apply Hooke's Law to springs and distinguish elastic from inelastic deformation. Spec 6.5.3 9 Distance, Speed and Velocity Define and calculate distance, displacement, speed and velocity. Spec 6.5.4.1.1–6.5.4.1.3 10 Distance–Time Graphs Interpret distance–time graphs and calculate speed from the gradient. Spec 6.5.4.1.4 11 Acceleration Calculate acceleration and use velocity–time graphs to describe and analyse motion. Spec 6.5.4.1.5 12 Newton's Laws of Motion State and apply Newton's three laws of motion. Spec 6.5.4.2.1–6.5.4.2.3 13 Stopping Distance and Braking Define stopping distance and explain factors affecting thinking distance and braking distance. Spec 6.5.4.3 14 Motion in a Circle Explain why circular motion involves constant speed but changing velocity, and identify the centripetal force. Spec 6.5.6 (HT only) 15 Momentum Define momentum, calculate it using p = mv and apply conservation of momentum to collisions. Spec 6.5.5.1–6.5.5.2
Higher tier only

p = F/A for fluids

Terminal velocity

Impulse = FΔt

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