WJEC GCSE Physics
WJEC GCSE Physics 2.4 Further Motion Concepts Exam Questions
Free WJEC GCSE Physics revision for 2.4 Further Motion Concepts: what you need to know, common mistakes and exam-style questions with answers. Covers momentum, conservation of momentum, force and rate of change of momentum, collisions and explosions, equations of motion and moments.
Practise 2.4 Further Motion Concepts with past papers
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About WJEC GCSE Physics 2.4 Further Motion Concepts
Further motion concepts extends the mechanics of Unit 2. You need to calculate momentum with p = mv, use force as the rate of change of momentum, and apply conservation of momentum to collisions and explosions, linking it to Newton's third law and comparing kinetic energy before and after. You must use the equations of uniformly accelerated motion, v = u + at, x = 1/2(u + v)t, x = ut + 1/2at^2 and v^2 = u^2 + 2ax. The topic finishes with moments and the principle of moments, which is the specified practical. Examiners set multi-step calculations, so select the correct equation and list known values first.
What you need to know
- Momentum Momentum = mass x velocity (p = mv), in kg m/s. It is a vector, so direction matters; take one direction as positive.
- Force and momentum Force = change in momentum / time (F = Δp / Δt). This is another form of Newton's second law and explains why increasing collision time reduces force.
- Conservation of momentum In a collision or explosion, total momentum before equals total momentum after, as long as no external force acts. This follows from Newton's third law. Kinetic energy is usually not conserved, as some is transferred to heat and sound.
- Equations of motion For uniform acceleration: v = u + at; x = 1/2(u + v)t; x = ut + 1/2at^2; v^2 = u^2 + 2ax, where u is initial velocity, v final velocity, a acceleration, t time and x displacement.
- Moments Moment = force x perpendicular distance from the pivot (M = Fd), in N m.
- Principle of moments For an object in equilibrium, sum of clockwise moments = sum of anticlockwise moments about the pivot. Investigating the principle of moments with a metre rule balanced on a pivot is the specified practical.
Common mistakes in 2.4 Further Motion Concepts
- Ignoring direction in momentum calculations. Objects moving in opposite directions have momenta with opposite signs.
- Assuming kinetic energy is conserved in every collision. Momentum is conserved; kinetic energy is often lost to heat and sound.
- Measuring distance for a moment from the end of the beam. Use the perpendicular distance from the pivot to the line of the force.
- Picking an equation of motion that contains an unknown you cannot find. List u, v, a, t and x first, then choose the equation with the one unknown you need.
Try three 2.4 Further Motion Concepts exam-style questions
1. A 2 kg trolley moving at 3 m/s collides with a stationary 1 kg trolley and they move off together. Calculate their velocity. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Momentum before = 2 x 3 = 6 kg m/s; after: 3v = 6; v = 2 m/s.
2. A car accelerates from rest at 2 m/s2 over a distance of 25 m. Calculate its final velocity. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
v^2 = u^2 + 2ax = 0 + 2 x 2 x 25 = 100; v = 10 m/s.
3. A 300 N child sits 2.0 m from the pivot of a see-saw. How far from the pivot must a 400 N adult sit on the other side to balance it? (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Clockwise moment = anticlockwise: 300 x 2.0 = 600 N m; d = 600 / 400 = 1.5 m.
2.4 Further Motion Concepts FAQs
What does WJEC GCSE Physics 2.4 Further Motion Concepts cover?
It covers momentum, force as rate of change of momentum, conservation of momentum in collisions and explosions, the equations of uniformly accelerated motion, moments and the principle of moments.
Which unit is Further Motion Concepts examined in?
It is examined in Unit 2: Forces, Space and Radioactivity, a 1 hour 45 minute written paper worth 45% of the GCSE, sat at foundation or higher tier. The Unit 3 practical assessment draws on the same practical skills.
How do I choose the right equation of motion?
Write down u, v, a, t and x, mark the three you know and the one you need, and pick the equation that contains exactly those four quantities.
