AQA GCSE Physics
AQA GCSE Physics 4.5.6.2.2 Newton's Second Law Exam Questions
Free AQA GCSE Physics exam questions for 4.5.6.2.2 Newton's Second Law, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers resultant force, mass and acceleration, F = ma, inertial mass, estimating forces and the acceleration required practical.
4.5.6.2.2 Newton's Second Law exam questions
2 question packs of real past exam questions, each with its mark scheme. Do not stop after a few: answer as many as you can without notes, then mark every answer with the mark scheme. The more questions you do, the more quickly you will spot how examiners ask about each idea.
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About AQA GCSE Physics 4.5.6.2.2 Newton's Second Law
Newton's second law in AQA GCSE Physics links resultant force, mass and acceleration through F = m a. The acceleration of an object is proportional to the resultant force and inversely proportional to its mass. Higher tier only content includes inertial mass and the approximation symbol (~). The section includes a required practical investigating how force and mass affect acceleration. It is examined on Paper 2. Examiners test calculations, estimating forces in everyday situations and the required practical method and analysis.
What you need to know
- The law The acceleration of an object is proportional to the resultant force acting on the object, and inversely proportional to the mass of the object.
- F = m a Resultant force = mass x acceleration: F = m a, with F in N, m in kg and a in m/s^2. This must be memorised.
- Estimating Estimate the speed, acceleration and forces involved in large accelerations for everyday road transport, and recognise and use the symbol for approximately equal (~).
- Inertial mass (Higher tier only) Inertial mass is a measure of how difficult it is to change the velocity of an object. It is defined as the ratio of force over acceleration.
- Required practical Investigate the effect of varying force on the acceleration of an object of constant mass, and the effect of varying mass with constant force. Typically a trolley on a runway is pulled by hanging masses, with light gates or a timer and ticker tape measuring acceleration.
- Practical tips When investigating force, move masses from the trolley to the hanger so the total mass of the system stays constant. Plot acceleration against force; a straight line through the origin shows proportionality.
Common mistakes in 4.5.6.2.2 Newton's Second Law
- Using a single force instead of the resultant force in F = m a. Subtract opposing forces first.
- Saying acceleration is proportional to mass. It is inversely proportional to mass.
- In the practical, adding extra masses to the hanger from outside the system when varying force. This changes the total mass being accelerated.
- Forgetting to convert grams to kilograms for mass.
Try three 4.5.6.2.2 Newton's Second Law exam-style questions
1. A 1500 kg car accelerates at 2.0 m/s^2. Calculate the resultant force on the car. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
F = m a = 1500 x 2.0; = 3000 N.
2. A 60 kg cyclist and bike have a driving force of 200 N and resistive forces of 80 N. Calculate the acceleration. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Resultant force = 200 minus 80 = 120 N; a = F / m = 120 / 60; = 2.0 m/s^2.
3. In the required practical a student uses a trolley and hanging masses to investigate how force affects acceleration. Explain why she takes masses from the trolley and adds them to the hanger. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
This keeps the total mass of the system (trolley plus hanging masses) constant; so only the force is changed, making it a fair test (mass is the control variable).
4.5.6.2.2 Newton's Second Law FAQs
What does AQA GCSE Physics 4.5.6.2.2 Newton's second law cover?
It covers the relationship between resultant force, mass and acceleration, F = m a, estimating forces, inertial mass (Higher tier) and the acceleration required practical.
What do I need to know for the acceleration required practical?
Know how to vary force at constant mass and mass at constant force, how light gates or timing give acceleration, and how to plot and interpret acceleration against force.
Which part of Newton's second law is Higher tier only?
Inertial mass, defined as the ratio of force over acceleration, is Higher tier only.
