Mini PhysicsPart of Mini Education

Interactive practice

Forces, Momentum & Energy Lab

Work across Newton's laws, impulse, collisions, and work-energy-power links in one A Level mechanics lab.

  • A Level
  • Explore first
  • 14 min
BetaReviewed May 2026Back to A Level Core

Focus: Read the interaction first, then decide whether the cleaner route is forces, momentum, or energy before writing equations.

Browse all simulationsOpen legacy simulation link

Interactive stageLive model

Study lensUse resultant force and force balance correctly in A Level mechanics setups.14 min activity

Try this

Read the interaction first, then decide whether the cleaner route is forces, momentum, or energy before writing equations.

Learn to

  • Use resultant force and force balance correctly in A Level mechanics setups.
  • Connect impulse to change in momentum without applying collision forces after contact has ended.
  • Separate momentum conservation from kinetic-energy conservation in collision questions.

Exam transfer

  • Mechanics modeling
  • Calculation + explanation

Governing idea

Impulse J = Δp = ∫F dt, momentum is conserved for an isolated system, and work changes energy. Kinetic energy is conserved only in elastic collisions.

Model boundary

Bodies and contacts are idealized, and conservation statements apply to the chosen system. External impulses and unshown dissipative transfers are omitted unless stated.

Avoid this trap

Momentum conservation does not imply kinetic-energy conservation. Define the system before deciding which conservation law applies.

Practice run

Choose a mode and checkpoint count when you want scoring.

Try A Level Forces Quiz

Choose your checkpoint count for guided or challenge mode.

Mechanics setup

Main mode
2.4 kg
1.6 kg
8.0 m s⁻¹
-2.0 m s⁻¹
3.0 m s⁻¹
Interaction controls
Forces and timing
28 N
10 N
0.8 s
2.4 m

Mechanics checkpoint

What to notice:

Prediction target:

    What you'll train

    Learning objectives

    • Use resultant force and force balance correctly in A Level mechanics setups.
    • Connect impulse to change in momentum without applying collision forces after contact has ended.
    • Separate momentum conservation from kinetic-energy conservation in collision questions.

    Use this when

    • A Level forces and dynamics revision
    • Students who know the formulas but still choose the wrong mechanics method under pressure
    Related lessons
    Next practice

    Shortlist kept on-topic for this simulation and exam level.

    Your progress on this device

    Progress for this simulation stays on this device/browser only.