Physics on the move (P8.1) | OCR GCSE Physics A (Gateway Science) — Higher (J249)

P8.1 Physics on the move

Summary Learners will use their knowledge of forces and motion to develop their ideas about how objects are affected by external factors. They will develop a better understanding of these external factors to be able to understand how the design of objects such as cars may be modified to operate more safely. Underlying knowledge and understanding Learners should be familiar with how forces affect motion of objects. They will also need to have a good understanding of momentum from P2.2. Learners may already have some knowledge of how vehicles are adapted to increase safety.

Common misconceptions Learners tend to confuse the factors that affect thinking distance and braking distance, thinking that alcohol, drugs and tiredness will affect braking distance rather than thinking distance. It needs to be made clear the distinction between these two terms and that the combination of these gives us the stopping distance.

Learning outcomes	To include	Maths	Working scientifically	Practical suggestions
$P8.1a recall typical speeds encountered in everyday experience for wind and sound, and for walking, running, cycling and other transportation systems$		$M1d$

P8.1a recall typical speeds encountered in everyday experience for wind and sound, and for walking, running, cycling and other transportation systems

P8.1b estimate the magnitudes of everyday accelerations

P8.1c make calculations using ratios and proportional reasoning to convert units and to compute rates

conversion from non-SI to SI units

P8.1d explain methods of measuring human reaction times and recall typical results

WS1.2b, WS1.2c, WS1.2e, WS1.3a, WS1.3b, WS1.3c, WS1.3e, WS1.3g, WS1.3h, WS2a, WS2b, WS2c, WS2d

Investigation of reaction time using ruler drop experiments. (PAG P3)

P8.1e explain the factors which affect the distance required for road transport vehicles to come to rest in emergencies and the implications for safety

factors that affect thinking and braking distance and overall stopping distance

P8.1f ☑ estimate how the distances required for road vehicles to stop in an emergency, varies over a range of typical speeds

M1c, M1d, M2c, M2h, M3b, M3c

Research stopping distances using the Highway Code.

P8.1g explain the dangers caused by large decelerations

WS1.1e, WS1.1f, WS1.1h, WS1.2a, WS1.2b, WS1.2c, WS1.2e, WS2a, WS2b

Research and building of casing on trolleys for eggs to investigate crumple zones and safety features in cars.

P8.1h ☑ estimate the forces involved in typical situations on a public road

P8.1i ☑ estimate, for everyday road transport, the speed, accelerations and forces involved in large accelerations

Physics on the move

Next Steps

Learning Objectives