Mechanics

How things move and why: units and modelling, kinematics in a straight line, and forces with Newton’s laws (DfE content areas P, Q and R).

• An Overview — the link between forces and motion, the core tools, and the common mistakes

The content statements

• Quantities, Units and Modelling — SI and derived units, scalars and vectors, g = 9.8 m s⁻², and modelling assumptions
• Motion Graphs — displacement–time and velocity–time graphs, and what gradients and areas mean
• Constant Acceleration (suvat) — the five equations, vertical motion under gravity and multi-stage problems
• Variable Acceleration — using differentiation and integration in one-dimensional kinematics
• Forces and Newton’s Laws — force diagrams, F = ma, equilibrium, lifts, towbars and pulleys

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Each page has step-by-step notes, several worked examples, a quick-reference grid and ten practice questions with fully worked solutions.