In this learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, students derive formulae for capacitors in series and parallel to reinforce their understanding of circuits involving capacitors.

The activities in this...

Produced by the Institute of Physics, this learning episode looks at the energy stored in a capacitor. Students undertake a practical investigation to look at the energy stored and how this varies with potential difference and capacitance.

In this learning episode from the Institute of Physics, students investigate and characterise the exponential discharge of a capacitor.

Activities include:
• looking at exponential discharge
•...

This learning episode from the Institute of Physics, uses discussion and experimental work to help students investigate the application of moments beyond the simple 'see-saw' model.

Activities lead to an application of moments to general equilibrium situations.

Students look at:
* moments and...

From the Institute of Physics, this episode introduces (or revises) the equations of motion. During a practical task, students undertake direct measurements to ensure that they understand the basic physics of velocity, distance and time.

Activities help students to understand:
• scalars and vectors,...

This learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, looks at basic kinematics and introduces the equations of motion for uniform acceleration. It involves practicing calculations and compares uniform with non-uniform acceleration.

Activities look at:
• non-uniform acceleration down a ramp
•...

This learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, looks at the independence of vertical and horizontal motion. The crucial concept is that vertical acceleration does not affect horizontal velocity. This explains all projectile motion. There are a range of activities which include: • demonstrating and discussing...

Produced by the Institute of Physics, this learning episode considers the forces acting on a falling body in air and moves on to related experimental work.

The activities include:
• demonstrating the motion of...

Produced by the Institute of Physics, this learning episode explores Newton’s second law, F = ma. Using simple apparatus, students investigate this law and critically consider the limits of the experiment.

The...

In this learning episode from the Institute of Physics, students tackle practical work looking at the efficiency of a ramp to think of force as a mechanism by which energy is transferred from one body to another. The activities include: • discussing students' current understanding of force, gravity, energy and work...

This learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, looks at kinetic energy, work and velocity in relation to the braking distance of a vehicle. Two experiments are included, both of which connect work done in braking to the initial kinetic energy of the decelerating vehicle. The activities include: • discussion...

From the Institute of Physics, this resource is concerned with the conservation of mechanical energy and the principle in its wider context.

Students look at the meaning of power, undertake sample calculations and the measurement of human power.

Activities include:
• discussing the meaning of...

Produced by the Institute of Physics, this learning episode introduces the concepts of momentum and its conservation. A series of activities include: • an introduction to the conservation of momentum • investigating the conservation of momentum • application of the conservation of momentum in simple cases •...

From the Institute of Physics, this learning episode extends the idea of conservation of momentum into elastic collisions, in which, because kinetic energy (KE) is conserved. Useful information can also be found by calculating the changes in KE of the colliding objects. The activities include: • introducing elastic...

In this learning episode from the Institute of Physics, students use Hooke's law to demonstrate the strength and stiffness of materials when subject to linear tensile or compressive forces. The activities include: • recap of Hooke's law • explaining tension and extension in a variety of materials • explaining...