•

24 Dec 2025

•

3 pages

GCSE Physics Combined Science: Motion (P1) Notes

Sofia

@sofia_mnlj

Understanding motion is crucial in physics - it's literally how... Show more

1 / 3

Physics PI Motion
Vectors + Scalars
vector Quantities have both direction & magnitude
e.g. force, displacement (100M NORTH)
not
have directi

Vectors and Scalars - The Foundation of Motion

Ever wondered why physicists are so fussy about direction? It's because some measurements need it, whilst others don't! Vector quantities have both size (magnitude) and direction - think of force, displacement, velocity, and momentum.

Scalar quantities only have size, no direction needed. These include mass, speed, distance, energy, and time. For example, saying "I walked 100m north" describes displacement (vector), but "I walked 100m" describes distance (scalar).

Here's something that trips many students up: displacement is the straight-line distance between your start and end points, whilst distance is the actual path you travelled. Because of curves and bends, displacement is usually less than the total distance covered.

Quick Check: Weight is a force that always acts towards Earth's centre - that's why it's a vector quantity measured in Newtons!

Speed, Distance, and Time Calculations

Calculating speed is straightforward once you know the formula: speed = distance ÷ time. This gives you metres per second $m/s$ , which you can rearrange to find distance travelled = speed × time.

For really fast-moving objects, scientists use light gates instead of stopwatches because they're much more accurate. You can also find speed from the gradient (slope) of a distance-time graph - the steeper the line, the faster the object.

Acceleration measures how quickly velocity changes, using the formula: acceleration = $final velocity - initial velocity$ ÷ time. Remember, acceleration doesn't always mean getting faster - objects can decelerate (slow down) too!

Remember: Velocity is speed with direction, so even if a car maintains constant speed around a corner, it's still accelerating because its direction changes!

Advanced Motion Equations and Gravity

There's a powerful equation that connects velocity, acceleration, and distance: (final velocity)² - (initial velocity)² = 2 × acceleration × distance. This is brilliant for solving problems when you don't know the time taken.

Gravity provides constant acceleration here on Earth - approximately 9.8 m/s² $often rounded to 10 m/s² for easier calculations$ . This means any falling object speeds up by about 10 m/s every second, assuming no air resistance interferes.

Velocity-time graphs tell amazing stories about motion. A horizontal line shows constant velocity, whilst slopes show acceleration or deceleration. The area under the line gives you the total displacement travelled.

Top Tip: Don't confuse speed (scalar) with velocity (vector) - a car going around a roundabout at constant speed is actually changing velocity because its direction keeps changing!

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.

Most popular content in Physics

GCSE Physics: Energy & Radioactivity

Explore key concepts in GCSE Physics, including energy types, power calculations, radioactive decay (alpha, beta, gamma), and electrical circuits. This summary covers essential topics such as conservation of energy, resistance, and the National Grid, providing a comprehensive overview for exam preparation.

Physics

BTEC Applied Science Unit 1 Overview

Comprehensive resource for Year 12 students pursuing a Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science. This booklet covers essential topics including cell structure, chemical properties, and wave theory, providing clear explanations and key concepts to aid in your studies and exam preparation.

Chemistry

Forces and Motion Overview

Explore key concepts in Forces and Motion, including Hooke's Law, velocity, acceleration, and the principles of moments. This summary covers essential topics such as the relationship between force and extension, terminal velocity, and the impact of safety devices in physics. Ideal for AQA Physics Unit 5 revision.

Physics

AQA Physics Paper 1 Overview

Comprehensive summary of key concepts in AQA Physics Paper 1, covering atomic structure, energy transfers, radioactivity, electrical circuits, and more. Ideal for exam preparation and revision. Topics include nuclear fission, half-life, specific latent heat, and the particle model.

Physics

Electricity Fundamentals

Comprehensive GCSE AQA Physics notes covering key concepts of electricity, including series and parallel circuits, power calculations, resistance, electrostatics, and the National Grid. Ideal for students preparing for exams, this resource provides clear explanations and essential formulas.

Physics

Physics Paper 2 Essentials

Physics

Energy Transfers in Physics

Explore the principles of energy transfer, including gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy, and elastic potential energy. This summary covers key concepts such as work done, efficiency, and the impact of friction on energy dissipation. Ideal for GCSE AQA Physics students seeking to understand energy transformations and conservation.

Physics

Understanding Radioactivity

Explore the key concepts of radioactivity, including nuclear fission, decay types (alpha, beta, gamma), and detection methods like Geiger-Müller counters. This comprehensive summary covers essential topics for GCSE Physics, including isotopes, half-life, and practical applications in medicine and safety.

Physics

GCSE Physics Practical Experiments

Explore essential GCSE Physics practicals for AQA, covering key concepts such as Hooke's Law, wave properties, thermal insulation, and electrical circuits. This comprehensive guide includes step-by-step procedures, variables, and safety considerations for each experiment, ensuring a thorough understanding of practical applications in physics.

Physics

Most popular content

An Inspector Calls: Character Insights

Explore in-depth analysis and key quotes for characters in J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls'. This resource covers Gerald Croft, Inspector Goole, Sheila Birling, Mrs. Birling, Eric Birling, and Eva Smith, focusing on themes of class, gender roles, and social responsibility. Ideal for students aiming for Grade 8 and above.

English Literature

aqa higher tier combined science - biology b1 : cell biology, paper 1

b1: cell biology - paper 1

Biology

Sociology of Families: Comprehensive Revision

Dive into an extensive overview of family dynamics, perspectives, and patterns in sociology. This resource covers key concepts such as family diversity, gender roles, marriage, and the impact of social policies on family structures. Perfect for A-Level Sociology students preparing for Paper 2.

Sociology

Comprehensive Crime & Deviance Overview

Explore an extensive revision of crime and deviance topics, including theories, types of crime, and the impact of media. This resource covers key concepts such as Marxism, functionalism, gender and crime, and the influence of globalization on criminal behavior. Ideal for students seeking a thorough understanding of criminology and its various theories. Type: Full Topic Revision.

Sociology

Sociology of Education Overview

Explore comprehensive A-Level Sociology notes on the education system, covering key theories, policies, and sociological perspectives. This resource includes insights on marketisation, gender roles, cultural deprivation, and educational inequalities, providing a thorough understanding of how education shapes social stratification and individual achievement. Ideal for exam preparation and in-depth study.

Sociology

Criminal Justice Evidence Rules

Explore the essential rules governing the use of evidence in criminal cases, including reliability, admissibility, and relevance. This summary covers key concepts such as the roles of personnel in investigations, the impact of witness testimonies, and the implications of plea bargaining. Ideal for Year 13 criminology students preparing for assessments.

Criminology

Biology Paper 1 Overview

Comprehensive study notes covering key concepts in cellular biology, human digestion, respiration, photosynthesis, and the circulatory system. This resource includes detailed explanations of cell structures, enzyme functions, nutrient absorption, and the impact of environmental factors on biological processes. Ideal for students preparing for Biology Paper 1 exams.

Biology

Macbeth: Guilt and Ambition

Explore the complex themes of guilt and ambition in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'. This analysis covers key characters, including Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, their moral dilemmas, and the tragic consequences of their ambition. Ideal for students studying character motivations, thematic elements, and the psychological impact of power. Includes insights on the natural order, manipulation, and the descent into madness.

English Literature

Language Paper 1 Strategies

Master the AQA English Language Paper 1 with this comprehensive guide. Explore key strategies for language and structural analysis, critical evaluation, and creative writing. Learn how to effectively analyze texts, utilize literary techniques, and enhance your writing skills to excel in your exams.

English Language

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

Stefan S

iOS user

Samantha Klich

Android user

Anna

iOS user

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

Thomas R

iOS user

Basil

Android user

David K

iOS user

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

Rohan U

Android user

Xander S

iOS user

Elisha

iOS user

Paul T

iOS user

Physics

•

219

•

24 Dec 2025

•

3 pages

GCSE Physics Combined Science: Motion (P1) Notes

Sofia

@sofia_mnlj

Understanding motion is crucial in physics - it's literally how everything around you moves! This topic covers the essential concepts of vectors, scalars, speed, velocity, and acceleration that you'll need to master for your GCSE Physics exams.

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

Vectors and Scalars - The Foundation of Motion

Quick Check: Weight is a force that always acts towards Earth's centre - that's why it's a vector quantity measured in Newtons!

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

Speed, Distance, and Time Calculations

Remember: Velocity is speed with direction, so even if a car maintains constant speed around a corner, it's still accelerating because its direction changes!

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

Advanced Motion Equations and Gravity

Top Tip: Don't confuse speed (scalar) with velocity (vector) - a car going around a roundabout at constant speed is actually changing velocity because its direction keeps changing!