What is it
Students learn to identify contact and non-contact forces, calculate speed from distance and time, interpret distance-time graphs, and understand Newton's idea that a resultant force changes an object's motion.
Why it matters
This is students' first quantitative treatment of forces — moving from KS2's qualitative 'push and pull' to real calculations — building directly toward GCSE physics' equations of motion.
Exam tip
Practise reading distance-time graphs: a steeper line means faster speed, and a flat horizontal line means stationary — graph-interpretation questions are extremely common on this topic.
Related topics
Want help mastering Forces and Motion?
Tell us about the student's goals and confidence — we'll design a personalised plan.