Forces and Moments
Learn the complete H1 Physics 8867 Forces and Moments scope through clear explanations, worked methods and purposeful practice.
Learning goals
- Explain inertia and momentum, then apply Newton's laws using free-body diagrams.
- show a qualitative understanding of forces including normal force, frictional force and viscous force, e.g. air resistance (knowledge of the concepts of coefficients of friction and viscosity is not required)
- Apply Hooke's law within the limit of proportionality.
- Apply moments, couples and force-and-torque equilibrium using free-body diagrams and vector triangles.
- show an understanding that the weight of a body may be taken as acting at a single point known as its centre of gravity
- apply the principle of moments to new situations or to solve related problems
Before you begin
Start with the first lesson if this topic is new. If you are revising, use Check your understanding to find the lesson that deserves your attention, then work from the explanation to supported and independent practice.
Be comfortable with: Quantities and Measurement
How the ideas connect
- Field, contact and elastic forces
- Moments, couples and centre of gravity
- Translational and rotational equilibrium
Learn in order
Lesson route
Learn the topic
- 01Field, contact and elastic forcesForces describe interactions. Identify what is interacting with the chosen body before deciding the force type or direction.35 min
- 02Moments, couples and centre of gravityA force turns a body only through its perpendicular lever arm. A couple produces rotation without a resultant force, while centre of gravity locates the line of action of weight.35 min
- 03Translational and rotational equilibriumComplete equilibrium requires no linear acceleration and no angular acceleration. That means both the resultant force and resultant torque are zero.35 min
Check your understanding
Practice and check
What you will learn
These lessons cover the complete H1 Forces and Moments scope in a deliberate order.
- Describe gravitational, electric and magnetic field forces on the appropriate object.
- Recognise normal, frictional and viscous contact forces without using out-of-scope coefficients.
- Define and calculate the moment of a force and torque of a couple.
- Explain why a couple produces rotation only.
- Apply the principle of moments to unfamiliar arrangements.
- Use both equilibrium conditions rather than force balance alone.
Syllabus and review details
Covers the complete 2027 H1 Physics 8867 requirements for Forces and Moments; H2-only extensions are deliberately left out.
Use written working, labelled diagrams and clear physical reasoning as well as final answers. The lesson questions are designed to prepare you for both calculations and explanations.
Curriculum and content checked 2026-09-14
Frequently asked questions
Where should I start in Forces and Moments?
Start with Field, contact and elastic forces. The 3 lessons build in order, and each one ends with an independent question and a clear next step.
How should I use the worked examples?
Cover the steps, attempt the question first, then compare your method line by line. Check the sign, direction, unit and size of your result.
What should I do when I finish the lessons?
Use Check your understanding, revisit any weak lesson, then complete the practice plan without looking at the worked answers.
Course and syllabus information
- Course
- GCE A-Level H1 Physics
- Edition
- GCE A-Level H1 Physics 2027