Edexcel IGCSE Physics · Section 1
Forces and Motion
Movement, speed, acceleration, forces, Newton's laws, stopping distances, springs, momentum, moments and centre of gravity.
What this section covers
This section introduces the core Physics ideas of motion and forces. Students revise how objects move, how forces change motion, and how to apply common equations used across the course.
- Use equations for speed, acceleration, force, weight, momentum and moments.
- Interpret distance-time and velocity-time graphs.
- Describe practical work for investigating motion, Hooke's law and force and acceleration.
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1
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Units & Physical Quantities
Spec 1.1
The SI units and physical quantities used throughout IGCSE Physics.
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2
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Speed & Distance-Time Graphs
Spec 1.2
Speed, and how to read and interpret distance-time graphs.
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3
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Speed: Using the Equation (Worked Examples)
Spec 1.2E
Worked examples calculating speed, distance and time.
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4
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Acceleration: Using the Equation (Worked Examples)
Spec 1.3E
Worked examples using the acceleration equations.
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5
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Investigating Motion Required Practical
Spec 1.4
Required practical: investigating the motion of everyday objects.
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6
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Mass, Weight & Gravity
Spec 1.5
The difference between mass and weight, and gravitational field strength.
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7
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Force & Weight: The Equations (Worked Examples)
Spec 1.5-1.7E
Worked examples using the force and weight equations.
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8
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Resultant Forces & Newton's First Law
Spec 1.6
Resultant forces and Newton's first law of motion.
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9
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Acceleration and Velocity-Time Graphs
Spec 1.6-1.9
Covers calculate acceleration from velocity change, Interpret the gradient of a velocity-time graph and Distinguish displacement from total distance using graph area.
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10
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Newton's Second Law and F = ma Practical
Spec 1.7
Newton's second law and the F = ma required practical.
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11
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Stopping Distances
Spec 1.9
Thinking distance, braking distance, and the factors affecting stopping distance.
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13
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The No-Time Kinematics Equation and Vectors
Spec 1.10, 1.13
Covers use v squared = u squared + 2as, Rearrange the equation and Distinguish scalar and vector quantities.
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14
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Hooke's Law: Using the Equation (Worked Examples)
Spec 1.10E
Worked examples using Hooke's law.
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16
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Momentum: Using the Equation (Worked Examples)
Spec 1.11E
Worked examples calculating momentum.
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17
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Moments & the Principle of Moments
Spec 1.12
Moments and the principle of moments for a balanced object.
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18
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Moments: Using the Equation (Worked Examples)
Spec 1.12E
Worked examples using the moments equation.
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19
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Centre of Gravity & Stability
Spec 1.13
Centre of gravity and what makes an object stable.
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20
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Friction, Drag and Terminal Velocity
Spec 1.16, 1.21
Covers describe friction without saying it always slows objects, Distinguish contact friction from drag and Explain how terminal velocity is reached.
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21
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Deformation of Springs, Wires and Rubber
Spec 1.22, 1.24
Covers investigate three deformable materials, Identify the limit of proportionality and Define elastic behaviour.
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22
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Momentum Change and Vehicle Safety (Paper 2)
Spec 1.26P-1.28P
Covers use force = change in momentum / time, Explain vehicle safety features and Solve impulse-style calculations.
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23
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Support Forces on a Loaded Beam (Paper 2)
Spec 1.33P
Covers draw the forces on a supported beam, Use vertical force balance and Use moments to find how support forces change.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between speed and velocity?
Speed is how fast something moves; velocity is speed in a stated direction (a vector).
What is the difference between mass and weight?
Mass is the amount of matter (kg); weight is the force of gravity on that mass (N), where weight = mass × gravitational field strength.
What is Newton's second law?
Force = mass × acceleration (F = ma) — a bigger force produces a bigger acceleration for a given mass.
What affects stopping distance?
Stopping distance = thinking distance + braking distance, and it increases with speed, tiredness, alcohol, poor brakes and wet or icy roads.
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