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Cambridge International AS & A Level - mechanics

A-Level Physics mechanics

Mechanics is a sequence of models, not a bag of equations. Describe motion, identify interactions, connect resultant force to acceleration, and choose energy or momentum when that representation makes the change easier to track.

Framework
Cambridge Physics 9702
Level
Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics
Guide format
Topic and problem-solving guide

Start with the model

Move between motion, force, energy, and momentum deliberately.

Kinematics describes how motion changes without naming its cause. Dynamics introduces the interactions that produce acceleration. Draw the geometry and choose a coordinate system before resolving a projectile, interpreting a graph, or summing forces; the signs then carry a physical meaning rather than appearing as calculator accidents.

For an interaction over time, impulse and momentum may be the cleanest description. For a change across positions, work and energy may be cleaner. These approaches are compatible, but each requires its own system boundary and assumptions. State why the chosen model applies before substituting values.

Study pathway

Four decisions that organize the topic.

Follow the sequence or open the step that matches your current gap. Destination pages keep their existing access rules.

  1. 01

    Interpret motion graphs

    Use gradient and area with the axis quantities and signs made explicit.

    Open this step
  2. 02

    Separate projectile components

    Share time between perpendicular directions while keeping horizontal and vertical acceleration distinct.

    Open this step
  3. 03

    Build the force equation

    Define the system, draw external forces, resolve components, and apply Newton's laws.

    Open this step
  4. 04

    Use momentum across an event

    Connect impulse, force-time area, and conservation for a justified system.

    Open this step

Use it deliberately

A mechanics modelling checklist

Use the checklist before algebra so multi-stage questions do not lose their physical thread.

  1. 01

    Define the object or system and draw a labelled before/during/after sketch when the state changes.

  2. 02

    Declare axes, signs, and initial conditions; resolve vectors once and keep components separate.

  3. 03

    Choose kinematics, Newton's laws, energy, or momentum because its assumptions match the interval.

  4. 04

    Check units, direction, magnitude, and a simple limiting case before accepting the answer.

Continue on GioPhysics

A mapped route, not a search-results wall.

Curriculum context on this page is public. Lessons, presentations, files, and practice follow the access message shown when you open them.

MapA-Level mechanics directorySee kinematics and dynamics concepts in their syllabus sequence.GraphOne-dimensional kinematicsConnect motion quantities, gradients, and signed graph areas.VectorTwo-dimensional kinematicsResolve projectile motion into perpendicular components.InteractNewton's lawsTurn free-body diagrams into a resultant-force model.PractiseMechanics applicationsApply kinematics and force models through graduated problems.

Questions before you begin

Clear scope, honest expectations.

Which mechanics model should I try first?

Ask what changes and over which interval. Kinematics describes motion, Newton's laws connect force and acceleration, energy connects states across displacement, and momentum is especially useful across short interactions.

Why do projectile questions use the same time in both directions?

The horizontal and vertical components describe one object during the same flight, so their clocks are shared even though their velocities and accelerations differ.

Are these pages a replacement for the Cambridge syllabus?

No. They organize GioPhysics learning routes around the local Cambridge 9702 map. Use the current official syllabus and guidance supplied by Cambridge or your school for requirements.