These resources, produced by the Institute of Physics, look at circular motion, which is frequently observed in nature. Once students have a grasp of the mechanics of linear motion in one or two dimensions, it is a natural extension to consider circular motion.

There are two learning episodes in this topic...

Through demonstrations and discussions, this learning episode from the Institute of Physics helps students to understand the main features of simple harmonic motion. This is in preparation to moving to a more mathematical description. Activities include: * observing simple harmonic motion (SHM) * discussing the...

Produced by the Institute of Physics, this learning episode assists students to use a mathematical approach to simple harmonic motion, starting from its physical basis and the forces involved. In the activities, students look at: * restoring forces in simple harmonic motion (SHM) * graphical representations of SHM...

Produced by the Institute of Physics, this learning episode enables students to appreciate that there is a continuous interchange between potential and kinetic energy during simple harmonic motion. Students are also shown the mathematical basis for calculating energy.

The activities include:
•...

From the Institute of Physics, this learning episode will help students to see how energy moves from an oscillating system and how this results in a decrease in amplitude that follows an exponential decay pattern.

The activities include:
• observing water oscillating in a u-tube
• the motion of...

From the Institute of Physics, these demonstrations, computer model and associated discussions help students to look at Brownian motion as evidence for the particulate nature of matter, and the macroscopic gas laws. The learning episode looks at: * Brownian motion and what it tells us about gases * investigating...

Kinetic theory: M and M translational motion

This resource, from Mathematics for Engineering Exemplars, shows the application of mathematics within the field of mechanical engineering and explores the design and construction of wheels, to be used to challenge a land speed record. These principles also apply in engines and gear-boxes, which are typically full...

The Earth spins on its axis, completing a full revolution every day. By why does it do this? One of the most common misconceptions in physics is the belief that constant motion requires a constant force. So many people believe there must be some force in the Earth (e.g. gravity, centrifugal force) that keeps it...

A pair of videos that explains how to demonstrate the Newton’s Second Law required practical. The first demonstrates an experiment we can do in order to investigate the relationship between the acceleration of an object (with a constant mass) and the applied force.  The second explains how to interpret the data,...

A Catalyst article about using an AFM to image surfaces. The article comprises an annotated diagram of the microscope.

This article is from Catalyst: GCSE Science Review 2005, Volume 16, Issue 2.

Catalyst is a science magazine for students...

These The Centre for Industry Education Collaboration (CIEC) resources look at forces in real-life contexts. Students have an opportunity to learn about the properties of air and air resistance.

The context is that of a transport company looking for ways to reduce the drag of their lorries and so improve...

Produce by the Royal Observatory Greenwich, this booklet provides a brief overview of Newton’s law of gravitation, speed, distance and time, standard form and cosmological units. A description of Newton’s law of gravitation is supported by an online video that discusses the end of the Universe. This is followed by...

These diagnostic questions and response activities (contained in the zip file) support students in being able to:

• Describe the effect of a resultant force on objects of different mass.
• Describe the relationship between the resultant force on an object and its acceleration.
• Explain the...