Forces in GCSE Physics

This page provides a comprehensive Physics mind Map for the Forces topic GCSE Physics, covering key concepts, laws, and practical applications.

Scalar and Vector Quantities

The page begins by distinguishing between scalar and vector quantities:

• Scalar quantities: speed, distance, mass, time, temperature
• Vector quantities: force, velocity, acceleration, tension, momentum

Definition: The centre of mass is the point at which an object's weight appears to act.

Newton's Laws of Motion

The page outlines Newton's three laws of motion:

1. First Law: When the resultant force is zero, an object remains stationary or moves at constant speed.

2. Second Law: Force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma).

Highlight: Acceleration is inversely proportional to mass when the force is constant.

3. Third Law: Two interacting objects exert equal and opposite forces on each other.

Types of Forces

The page lists various types of forces, including:

• Contact forces: friction, tension, normal reaction
• Non-contact forces: gravitational, electrostatic, magnetic

Friction and Braking

The page discusses the role of friction in braking:

• Friction causes deceleration and converts kinetic energy to heat.
• Factors affecting braking distance: speed, reaction time, road conditions.

Example: Wet or icy roads increase braking distance.

Safety Features

Various safety features are mentioned:

• Air bags
• Seat belts
• Cushioned playground flooring
• Crash mats
• Bike helmets

Vocabulary: Air bags inflate during a crash to increase the time of impact, reducing the rate of change in momentum and the forces felt.

Motion Graphs

The page includes information on distance-time (DT) and velocity-time (VT) graphs:

• DT graph: gradient represents speed
• VT graph: gradient represents acceleration, area under the curve represents distance

Terminal Velocity

The concept of terminal velocity is explained using the example of a skydiver:

1. Initially, gravity is greater than air resistance, causing acceleration.
2. As speed increases, air resistance increases.
3. When forces balance, terminal velocity is reached.
4. Opening the parachute increases air resistance, leading to deceleration.
5. A new, lower terminal velocity is reached.

Definition: Terminal velocity is the constant speed reached when the forces acting on an object are balanced.

Practical Experiments

The page concludes with descriptions of practical experiments:

• Springs: Measuring extension with added mass
• Acceleration and mass: Using a trolley and light gate to measure acceleration with varying masses

These experiments help students understand the relationships between force, mass, and acceleration, which are fundamental to the AQA Combined Science Physics forces curriculum.