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2 Dec 2025

365

2 pages

GCSE Combined Higher Physics Paper 2 Forces

R

ruby @rubymqy

Physics isn't just about memorising formulas - it's about understanding how forces shape everything around you, from why... Show more

equations
PAPER 2
Scalar-magnitude only.
vector - magnitude + aurection
represented
by anews
Clonger a mew=
bigger vector).
use unes of
rymm

Forces and Vectors Fundamentals

Scalars have magnitude only (like speed), whilst vectors have both magnitude and direction (like velocity). Think of arrows - the longer the arrow, the bigger the vector's magnitude.

When dealing with objects, the centre of mass is where all the mass appears to be concentrated. For symmetrical shapes, it's right in the middle, but for irregular shapes, you'll need to use a plumb line to find it.

Forces come in two flavours contact forces (where objects physically touch) and non-contact forces (acting at a distance through fields like gravitational, electrostatic, or magnetic). When an object is in equilibrium, all forces are balanced and the resultant force equals zero.

Hooke's Law governs elastic objects - they return to their original shape unless you've pushed them past their limit. The extension is proportional to the force applied, which is crucial for understanding springs and elastic materials.

Key Insight Work done against friction always creates thermal energy, making objects heat up - that's why rubbing your hands together warms them up!

equations
PAPER 2
Scalar-magnitude only.
vector - magnitude + aurection
represented
by anews
Clonger a mew=
bigger vector).
use unes of
rymm

Motion, Newton's Laws, and Momentum

Speed tells you how fast something moves, but velocity includes direction too. Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity a = Δv/t. Even objects moving in circles at constant speed are accelerating because their direction constantly changes.

Newton's three laws are your foundation objects stay put or keep moving unless a force acts on them (1st), F = ma (2nd), and every action has an equal and opposite reaction (3rd). These explain everything from why you feel pushed back in an accelerating car to how rockets work.

Momentum p=mvp = mv is conserved in closed systems - the total before an event equals the total after. This principle explains collisions, explosions, and why jumping gives you a tiny push backwards.

When objects fall, they eventually reach terminal velocity when air resistance (drag) equals weight. Larger surface areas create more drag, which is why parachutes work so well.

Exam Tip Remember that stopping distance = thinking distance + braking distance. Both increase with speed, and factors like drugs, alcohol, worn tyres, and wet roads make stopping even harder!

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Xander S

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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Physics

365

2 Dec 2025

2 pages

GCSE Combined Higher Physics Paper 2 Forces

R

ruby

@rubymqy

Physics isn't just about memorising formulas - it's about understanding how forces shape everything around you, from why you don't float off the ground to how cars brake safely. This guide breaks down the essential concepts of forces, motion, and... Show more

equations
PAPER 2
Scalar-magnitude only.
vector - magnitude + aurection
represented
by anews
Clonger a mew=
bigger vector).
use unes of
rymm

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

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Forces and Vectors Fundamentals

Scalars have magnitude only (like speed), whilst vectors have both magnitude and direction (like velocity). Think of arrows - the longer the arrow, the bigger the vector's magnitude.

When dealing with objects, the centre of mass is where all the mass appears to be concentrated. For symmetrical shapes, it's right in the middle, but for irregular shapes, you'll need to use a plumb line to find it.

Forces come in two flavours: contact forces (where objects physically touch) and non-contact forces (acting at a distance through fields like gravitational, electrostatic, or magnetic). When an object is in equilibrium, all forces are balanced and the resultant force equals zero.

Hooke's Law governs elastic objects - they return to their original shape unless you've pushed them past their limit. The extension is proportional to the force applied, which is crucial for understanding springs and elastic materials.

Key Insight: Work done against friction always creates thermal energy, making objects heat up - that's why rubbing your hands together warms them up!

equations
PAPER 2
Scalar-magnitude only.
vector - magnitude + aurection
represented
by anews
Clonger a mew=
bigger vector).
use unes of
rymm

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Motion, Newton's Laws, and Momentum

Speed tells you how fast something moves, but velocity includes direction too. Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity: a = Δv/t. Even objects moving in circles at constant speed are accelerating because their direction constantly changes.

Newton's three laws are your foundation: objects stay put or keep moving unless a force acts on them (1st), F = ma (2nd), and every action has an equal and opposite reaction (3rd). These explain everything from why you feel pushed back in an accelerating car to how rockets work.

Momentum p=mvp = mv is conserved in closed systems - the total before an event equals the total after. This principle explains collisions, explosions, and why jumping gives you a tiny push backwards.

When objects fall, they eventually reach terminal velocity when air resistance (drag) equals weight. Larger surface areas create more drag, which is why parachutes work so well.

Exam Tip: Remember that stopping distance = thinking distance + braking distance. Both increase with speed, and factors like drugs, alcohol, worn tyres, and wet roads make stopping even harder!

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

1

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Most popular content: Newton's Second Law

Most popular content in Physics

Most popular content

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user