Eduqas A Level Physics
Eduqas A Level Physics Component 1: Newtonian Physics Exam Questions
Free Eduqas A Level Physics exam questions for Component 1: Newtonian Physics, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers units and vectors, kinematics, dynamics and momentum, energy, circular motion, simple harmonic motion, kinetic theory and thermal physics.
Component 1: Newtonian Physics exam questions
8 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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A-Level Physics Flashcards for 2027 Onwards
Every answer is written in mark scheme wording, so you learn exactly what examiners give marks for. Then test yourself with the questions on this page.
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About Eduqas A Level Physics Component 1: Newtonian Physics
Component 1 of Eduqas A Level Physics, Newtonian Physics, covers the mechanics and thermal physics at the heart of the course. It starts with SI units, vectors and moments, then builds through equations of motion, Newton's laws and momentum, work and energy, circular motion and simple harmonic motion, before finishing with the kinetic theory of gases and the first law of thermodynamics. Many ideas, such as energy conservation and vectors, reappear in fields and orbits in Component 2. Examiners expect confident use of equations from the data booklet, clear derivations, graph analysis such as gradients of velocity-time graphs, and multi-step calculations.
What you need to know
- 1.1 SI base units and homogeneity of equations, scalars and vectors, resolving and adding vectors, density, and moments with the principle of moments and centre of gravity.
- 1.2 Displacement, velocity and acceleration; the constant acceleration equations; motion graphs (gradient and area); projectile motion with independent horizontal and vertical components.
- 1.3 Newton's three laws, free-body diagrams, momentum p = mv, force as rate of change of momentum, conservation of momentum, and elastic and inelastic collisions.
- 1.4 Work = Fx cos(theta), kinetic and gravitational potential energy, elastic potential energy (1/2 kx^2), power = work / time, and efficiency.
- 1.5 Angular velocity omega = 2 pi / T, centripetal acceleration v^2 / r = omega^2 r, and centripetal force as the resultant force towards the centre.
- 1.6 Simple harmonic motion defined by a = -omega^2 x; displacement equations, period of a mass-spring system and simple pendulum, energy exchange, damping, forced oscillations and resonance.
- 1.7 and 1.8 Ideal gas equation pV = nRT = NkT, assumptions of kinetic theory, p = 1/3 rho c^2, internal energy, the first law Delta U = Q - W, specific heat capacity and work done by a gas pDelta V.
Common mistakes in Component 1: Newtonian Physics
- Using the constant acceleration equations when acceleration changes. They only apply when acceleration is uniform, for example in free fall without air resistance.
- Including centripetal force as an extra force on a free-body diagram. It is the resultant of real forces such as tension, friction or weight, not an additional force.
- Using temperature in degrees Celsius in pV = nRT. Temperature must be in kelvin, so add 273 (or 273.15).
- Mixing up signs in the first law. In Delta U = Q - W, Q is heat supplied to the gas and W is work done by the gas.
- Saying a damped oscillator changes its period significantly. Light damping reduces amplitude over time while the period stays almost constant.
Try three Component 1: Newtonian Physics exam-style questions
1. A 0.25 kg mass oscillates on a spring of spring constant 40 N m-1. Calculate the period. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
T = 2 pi root(m / k) = 2 pi root(0.25 / 40); = 2 pi x 0.0791 = 0.50 s.
2. A sealed container holds gas at 1.0 x 10^5 Pa and 300 K in a volume of 2.4 x 10^-3 m3. Calculate the number of moles of gas. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
n = pV / RT = (1.0 x 10^5 x 2.4 x 10^-3) / (8.31 x 300); = 240 / 2493 = 0.096 mol.
3. A car of mass 1200 kg travels at 15 m s-1 around a bend of radius 50 m on a flat road. Calculate the centripetal force needed and state what provides it. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
F = mv^2 / r = 1200 x 15^2 / 50; = 5 400 N; provided by friction between the tyres and the road.
Component 1: Newtonian Physics FAQs
What does Eduqas A Level Physics Component 1: Newtonian Physics cover?
Basic physics, kinematics, dynamics, energy concepts, circular motion, vibrations, kinetic theory and thermal physics.
Is Newtonian Physics a separate exam?
Yes. It is one of the three written A Level components and is sat as its own paper.
Which equations should I know well for Newtonian Physics?
The suvat equations, F = ma and momentum conservation, kinetic and potential energy, centripetal force mv^2 / r, the SHM equations, pV = nRT and Delta U = Q - W. Know which are given in the data booklet and practise using them.
