REVISION NOTES

IGCSE Edexcel Physics

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1.1 Movement and Position

1.1.1 Use the following units: kilogram (kg), metre (m), metre/second (m/s), metre/second2 (m/s2), newton (N), second (s) and newton/kilogram (N/kg)

Quantity

Symbol

SI Unit

Mass

m

Kilograms (kg)

Distance

d

Metres (m)

Velocity

v

Metres per second (m/s)

Acceleration

a

Metres per second squared (m/s2)

Force

F

Newtons (N)

Time

t

Seconds (s)

Gravitational Field Strength

g

Newtons per kilogram (N/kg)

1.1.2 Use the following units: newton metre (Nm), kilogram metre/second (kg m/s)

Quantity

Symbol

SI Unit

Moments

M

Newton metre (Nm)

Momentum

p

Kilogram metre per second (kg m/s)

1.1.3 Plot and explain distance−time graphs

edexcel_igcse_physics_topic 01_forces_001_distance_time_graph

1.1.4 Know and use the relationship between average speed, distance moved and time taken:

1.1.5 Practical: investigate the motion of everyday objects such as toy cars or tennis balls

Apparatus needed:

  • Stopwatch
  • Metre ruler or tape measure
  • Marker or pen

Method: 

  • Mark starting point and end point with marker
    Measure distance with metre ruler or tape measure
  • Line up front of toy car with starting point
  • Release the car and start the stopwatch
  • Stop stopwatch when the front of the toy car reaches the end point
  • Repeat steps and average results for reliability
  • Calculate speed

Control variables:

  • Ensure that the toy car starts from a stationary speed
  • Use same stopwatch for accuracy

1.1.6 Know and use the relationship between acceleration, change in velocity and time taken: acceleration = change in velocity/time taken

1.1.7 Plot and explain velocity−time graphs

The area under the the graph is equal to the distance travelled.

1.1.8 Determine acceleration from the gradient of a velocity−time graph

1.1.9 Determine the distance travelled from the area between a velocity−time graph and the time axis

1.1.10 Use the relationship between final speed, initial speed, acceleration and distance moved: