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VCE Units 1–4 · Physics

VCE Physics — Motion and Forces

Motion and forces underpin Units 1 and 3 of VCE Physics. Kinematics equations describe how objects move; Newton's laws explain why. Exam questions typically require both a correct formula and correct working — many marks are lost to sign errors, wrong variable identification and missing force diagrams.

Key Concepts & Formulas

  • Kinematics equations (uniform acceleration): v = u + at; s = ut + ½at²; v² = u² + 2as; s = (u+v)t/2

  • Take a positive direction at the start of every problem and keep signs consistent throughout

  • Newton's First Law: constant velocity (or rest) when net force = 0

  • Newton's Second Law: ΣF = ma (vector equation — direction matters)

  • Newton's Third Law: action and reaction forces are equal, opposite, and act on different objects

  • Momentum: p = mv (kg m/s); impulse: J = FΔt = Δp

  • Conservation of momentum: total momentum before = total momentum after (in isolated systems)

  • Projectile motion: horizontal velocity is constant (no air resistance); vertical motion has a = −g = −9.8 m/s²

  • Work: W = Fs cos θ (J); kinetic energy: Eₖ = ½mv²; gravitational PE: Eₚ = mgh

  • Work-energy theorem: net work done = change in kinetic energy

Practice Questions

5 questions

Attempt each question before reading the hint. These are styled to match VCE exam format.

Q1.A car accelerates from rest to 25 m/s in 8 s. Find the acceleration and distance travelled, assuming uniform acceleration.

3 marks

Q2.A 0.5 kg ball is thrown horizontally at 12 m/s from a cliff 20 m high. Find the time to hit the ground and the horizontal distance from the base.

4 marks
Show hint

Treat horizontal and vertical motion separately. Vertical: u = 0, a = 9.8 m/s², s = 20 m.

Q3.Two carts (2 kg and 3 kg) collide on a frictionless track. The 2 kg cart moves at 4 m/s east; the 3 kg cart is stationary. After the collision, the 2 kg cart moves at 1 m/s east. Find the velocity of the 3 kg cart.

3 marks

Q4.A 60 kg person stands on a scale in a lift accelerating upward at 2 m/s². What does the scale read? (g = 9.8 m/s²)

3 marks

Q5.A force of 200 N acts for 0.04 s on a 0.1 kg ball initially at rest. Find the impulse and the final velocity.

3 marks

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These are the errors that VCE students most frequently make in Motion and Forces — and that examiners are specifically watching for.

  • Not defining a positive direction — causes sign errors throughout the entire problem

  • Using g = 9.8 m/s² without a negative sign when downward is the positive direction (or vice versa)

  • In projectile motion, applying acceleration to the horizontal component — horizontal velocity is always constant

  • Confusing impulse (FΔt = Δp) with work (Fs = ΔEₖ) — both involve force but are very different quantities

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