Force, mass and acceleration (a = Δv/t)
I can explain how to investigate the effect of force or mass on the acceleration of an object.
Force, mass and acceleration (a = Δv/t)
I can explain how to investigate the effect of force or mass on the acceleration of an object.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Acceleration can be measured accurately using light gates or roughly measured using a stopwatch and ruler.
- The acceleration of an object is proportional to the resultant force acting on the object.
- The acceleration of an object is inversely proportional to the mass of the object.
- Newton's Second Law states that F = m × a.
Keywords
Air track - A track which uses a cushion of air to reduce frictional forces in experiments.
Directly proportional - A relationship where one value is a constant multiple of the other, represented by y ∝ x.
Inversely proportional - A relationship where one value is a constant multiple of the other, represented by y ∝ 1/x.
Newton's Second Law of Motion - Newton's Second Law of motion states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the resultant force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass.
Common misconception
It is common for pupils to fail to consider the hanging mass as part of the accelerating mass.
Emphasise that all of the moving parts in the investigation are connected, are accelerated together, and need to be included in the measurement of the mass being accelerated.
To help you plan your year 11 physics lesson on: Force, mass and acceleration (a = Δv/t), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 physics lesson on: Force, mass and acceleration (a = Δv/t), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 physics lessons from the Forces make things change unit, dive into the full secondary physics curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
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Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
air track -
A track that uses a cushion of air to reduce frictional forces.
directly proportional -
A relationship where one value is a constant multiple of the other.
inversely proportional -
A relationship where one value halves each time the other doubles.
Newton's Second Law of motion -
Acceleration: proportional to force, inversely proportional to mass.