Forces, Momentum & Energy Lab

Train free-body, impulse, collision, and work-energy-power reasoning so you can pick the cleanest A Level mechanics method.

GCE A-Level H2 Physics 2027

Learning goals

Explain inertia and momentum, then apply Newton's laws using free-body diagrams.
Define work and derive and apply the kinetic-energy relationship.
Derive Eₖ = ½mv² from the definition of work done by a force and the uniformly accelerated motion equations.
Use impulse and momentum conservation in one-dimensional elastic and inelastic collisions.

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Change one variable at a time and watch the model respond.

Mechanics setup

Main mode

Mode

Scenario

Primary mass2.4 kg

Second mass1.6 kg

Primary initial speed8.0 m s⁻¹

Second initial speed-2.0 m s⁻¹

Primary final speed3.0 m s⁻¹

Interaction controls

Forces and timing

Driving / applied force28 N

Resistive force10 N

Interaction time0.8 s

Distance during interaction2.4 m

Show hints during prediction

Practice run

Choose a mode and checkpoint count when you want scoring.

Run modeGuidedChallengeTest

Run length

Try A Level Forces Quiz

Choose your checkpoint count for guided or challenge mode.

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.

How to explore

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

Predict the outcome, change one variable at a time, then interpret the result. Completion records participation only and does not award mastery.

About this activity

Train free-body, impulse, collision, and work-energy-power reasoning so you can pick the cleanest A Level mechanics method. A text explanation and no-JavaScript route remain available.

How this activity affects progress

Course and syllabus information

Course: GCE A-Level H2 Physics
Edition: GCE A-Level H2 Physics 2027