Topic 1: Forces and Motion | Edexcel IGCSE Physics

From your teacher

How I want you to use this topic

Forces and motion is the first big physics topic for a reason. If you can explain a graph, choose the right equation, and write a four-mark “why” answer, the rest of Year 10 becomes much easier. Do not just skim definitions. For each idea I want you to be able to:

Say what it means in ordinary English.
Write the equation with units.
Do a calculation without being told which equation to use.
Answer the “explain” version that examiners love.

Work through the three lessons in order. Watch the embedded videos when you reach them — they are the same explanations I would pause a lesson for. Then do the worked examples before the quiz and the 25-mark paper.

Lesson A · 1.1, 1.3–1.10

Movement and position

Units, speed, acceleration, both graph types, and the motion practical (stopwatch, ticker timer, light gates).

About 40–50 minutes →

Lesson B · 1.11–1.21

Forces, movement and shape

Force types, vectors, resultant force, $F=ma$, weight, stopping distance, terminal velocity.

About 45–55 minutes →

Lesson C · 1.22–1.24

Deformation and elasticity

Hooke’s law practical for a spring, wire and rubber band, graphs, elastic vs plastic behaviour.

About 30–40 minutes →

Worked examples

Eight fully talked-through calculations and explain answers, the way I mark them in class.

Cheat sheet 5 quizzes 3 papers

What the June 2026 Year 10 paper can actually ask

This is Double Award Physics Topic 1. Specification point 1.2 and 1.25–1.33 (momentum and so on) are Physics-only and are not taught here.

Point	You must be able to	Lesson
1.1	Use kg, m, m/s, m/s², N, s, N/kg	A
1.3–1.4	Plot/explain distance–time graphs; $v = d/t$	A
1.5	Investigate motion of everyday objects	A
1.6–1.10	$a=(v-u)/t$; $v$–$t$ graphs; gradient; area; $v^2=u^2+2as$	A
1.11–1.16	Effects of forces; types; vector/scalar; resultant; friction	B
1.17–1.18	$F=ma$; $W=mg$	B
1.19–1.21	Stopping distance; factors; terminal velocity	B
1.22–1.24	Hooke’s law practical; linear region; elastic behaviour	C

Command words I will keep repeating

State — one fact. No explanation. “Stopping distance = thinking + braking.”
Calculate — equation, substitution, answer with unit. Show the working even if you use a calculator.
Determine — usually from a graph: gradient or area. Show the triangle or the split areas.
Describe — say what happens, in order. Do not explain why unless asked.
Explain — every sentence needs a because. For terminal velocity you need a chain: speed ↑ → drag ↑ → resultant ↓ → until $R=W$.
Suggest — a sensible physics reason. You do not need the “official” phrase, but it must be scientific.