force
What force means in Mathematics A-Level, as defined for AQA, Pearson Edexcel, WJEC.
Definitions of force
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Reference: WJEC
An interaction that tends to alter the state of rest or uniform motion of a body, possessing both magnitude measured in newtons and direction.
A push or pull that can change an object's motion or shape, measured in newtons and represented as a vector with magnitude and direction.
A push or pull that can change an object's shape, speed or direction, and a vector quantity measured in newtons.
Defined by Newton's second law F = ma, with the derived SI unit of the newton (N), equivalent to 1 kg m s⁻².
A push or pull that can change an object's motion; resultant force is mass multiplied by acceleration.
Topics that use force
- P: Quantities and units in mechanics (AQA A-Level)
- R: Forces and Newton’s laws (AQA A-Level)
- Forces and Newton’s laws (Pearson Edexcel A-Level)
- Forces and Newton’s laws (AS Unit 2: Applied Mathematics A) (WJEC A-Level)
- Quantities and units in mechanics (AS Unit 2: Applied Mathematics A) (WJEC A-Level)
Related terms
- weight
- Newton's first law
- Newton's second law
- Newton’s third law
- Resultant force
- coefficient of friction
- Equilibrium
- inextensible string
Using force in the exam
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