Higher Tier: Change in Momentum and Force

Part of Momentum ยท Section 9 of 12

Higher TierUnit: ForcesGCSE

Newton's Second Law can be restated as: Force = rate of change of momentum

F = ฮ”(mv) / ฮ”t = mฮ”v / ฮ”t
Force (N) = change in momentum (kg m/s) / time (s)

This connects to impulse (F ร— ฮ”t = ฮ”(mv)). A larger force produces a greater rate of change of momentum. This is why safety features (crumple zones, airbags) work: they increase the time of a collision, reducing the force.

This higher tier covers Higher Tier: Change in Momentum and Force within Momentum for GCSE Physics. Revise Momentum in Forces for GCSE Physics with 15 exam-style questions and 6 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 9 of 12 in this topic. This section is most useful once the core foundation idea is secure, because it adds the detail that pushes answers higher.

Practice questions for Momentum

What is the equation for momentum?

  • A. momentum = mass / velocity
  • B. momentum = mass + velocity
  • C. momentum = mass x velocity
  • D. momentum = force x time
1 markfoundation

Explain what is meant by saying momentum is a vector quantity.

2 marksstandard

Quick recall flashcards

Key Facts About Momentum
Unit: kg m/s (kilogram metres per second)
Key Facts About Momentum
Momentum is a VECTOR โ€” has direction

15 questions on Momentum: practise free

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