Motion and Forces
Learn the complete H1 Physics 8867 Motion and Forces scope through clear explanations, worked methods and purposeful practice.
Learning goals
- Interpret position, displacement, velocity and acceleration using equations and graphs.
- Derive the uniformly accelerated motion equations from the definitions of velocity and acceleration.
- Derive and apply uniformly accelerated motion equations with a stated sign convention.
- Explain inertia and momentum, then apply Newton's laws using free-body diagrams.
- state and apply each of Newton’s laws of motion: 1st law: a body at rest will stay at rest, and a body in motion will continue to move at constant velocity, unless acted on by a resultant external force; 2nd law: the rate of change of momentum of a body is (directly) proportional to the resultant force acting on the body and is in the same direction as the resultant force; and 3rd law: the force exerted by one body on a second body is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the force simultaneously exerted by the second body on the first body
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: Forces and Moments
How the ideas connect
- Kinematics, graphs and uniform acceleration
- Mass, inertia and linear momentum
- Newton’s laws and resultant force
Learn in order
Lesson route
Learn the topic
- 01Kinematics, graphs and uniform accelerationMotion graphs are compact stories. Their coordinates, gradients and areas mean different physical quantities, so read the axes before using a method.35 min
- 02Mass, inertia and linear momentumMass measures resistance to a change in motion. Momentum combines that inertia with velocity, so direction matters.35 min
- 03Newton’s laws and resultant forceNewton’s laws connect motion to the resultant external force. The key is to choose one body and keep force pairs on their correct bodies.35 min
Check your understanding
Practice and check
What you will learn
These lessons cover the complete H1 Motion and Forces scope in a deliberate order.
- Use position, distance, displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration precisely.
- Interpret gradients and signed areas on motion graphs, including non-uniform acceleration.
- Explain mass as a measure of inertia.
- Define linear momentum and use its vector direction.
- State and apply all three Newton’s laws.
- Use force as rate of change of momentum and F = ma for constant mass.
Syllabus and review details
Covers the complete 2027 H1 Physics 8867 requirements for Motion and Forces; 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 Motion and Forces?
Start with Kinematics, graphs and uniform acceleration. 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