England · Forces and motion · Unit FM-U2

Work and elasticity

A proposed unit with 2 lectures, independent practice and a unit assessment.

Unit scope

Filters show lectures with relevant core content. Mixed lectures retain clearly labelled Higher/separate extensions; those extensions are not required on other routes. Difficulty is a design rating, not a GCSE grade.

Lectures

FM-U2 · Work and elasticity

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FM-05 · FM-U2 · Planned

Elasticity and the spring investigation

  • ScopeShared
  • Difficulty3 / 4 · proposed
  • Time35–40 min · estimated
  • StatusPlanned

Learning objectives

Use force–extension data to estimate k; distinguish elastic/inelastic deformation and the proportionality limit.

8463 §§4.5.3 / 8464 §§6.5.3

DfE single-science pp.35–37 / Combined pp.30–32. Evidence checked 30 September–1 October 2026. Skills: WS2.2–2.7,3.5,3.7; MS3c,4c,4d.

Needs firstEN-06,FM-02

Explanation

A spring follows F = ke only over its proportional range. Its graph can depart from a straight line before or without the same behaviour as permanent deformation. Measure extension from unloaded length and examine what happens after unloading.

Concepts, equations and units: F=ke; N, N/m, m; E_e=½ke² in proportional range; extension=loaded−original length.

Prediction, demonstration and game exercise

Predict, observe, explain

Load/unload a spring; demonstrate two forces needed to distort a stationary object and nonlinear behaviour.

Planned learner game exercise

Choose increments and repeats, collect extension data, protect the eye-line and identify a model limit.

Independent practice

Plot F against e, calculate gradient k and stored energy for a valid data point.

Original practice example · Shared

A spring extends 0.020 m under 4.0 N in its linear range. Find k.

Show working and model answer

Working / reasoning

k = F/e = 4.0/0.020.

Answer

200 N/m.

Exit check and success criteria

Correct k with units, valid range marked and justified control/improvement.

During practice, compare the prediction with evidence and give an error-specific prompt. The exit item uses a fresh context or fresh values, answered independently.

Misconceptions, practical links and mastery

Check these misconceptions

One force alone distorts a stationary spring; elastic limit and proportionality limit necessarily coincide.

Practical preparation

RP-P6/RP-C18; AT1,2; hands-on required at school.

Virtual preparation and revision only. Required hands-on activities and school records remain separate.

Proposed mastery

0: not yet evidenced. 1: supported. 2: independent exit criteria met. 3: successful changed-context transfer. Advance at 2; revisit with fresh retrieval. These are not GCSE grades.

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FM-06 · FM-U2 · Planned

Work against friction

  • ScopeShared
  • Difficulty2 / 4 · proposed
  • Time25–30 min · estimated
  • StatusPlanned

Learning objectives

Calculate work along the force direction; link frictional work to thermal changes.

8463 §§4.5.2 / 8464 §§6.5.2

DfE single-science pp.35–37 / Combined pp.30–32. Evidence checked 30 September–1 October 2026. Skills: WS3.6,4.5; MS3b,3c.

Needs firstEN-07,FM-03

Explanation

A pulling force can do work even when speed is steady. At steady speed its force may balance resistance, while energy continues to transfer into internal energy through friction. Zero net force does not imply zero work by each individual force.

Concepts, equations and units: W_work=Fs; J=N m; F in N, s in m; constant force along displacement.

Prediction, demonstration and game exercise

Predict, observe, explain

Pull a crate at steady speed; compare force and thermal-energy ledgers on two surfaces.

Planned learner game exercise

Move a crate a fixed distance using a force meter; tune lubrication and reconcile the energy difference.

Independent practice

Three work calculations and an explanation of steady-speed energy transfer.

Original practice example · Shared

A constant 15 N pulling force moves a crate 4 m along the force direction. Find work done by the pull.

Show working and model answer

Working / reasoning

W_work = Fs = 15 × 4.

Answer

60 J; at steady speed this can be matched by work against resistance.

Exit check and success criteria

Two calculations correct and thermal destination named; distinguish balanced forces from zero transfer.

During practice, compare the prediction with evidence and give an error-specific prompt. The exit item uses a fresh context or fresh values, answered independently.

Misconceptions, practical links and mastery

Check these misconceptions

Steady speed means no work done by the pulling force; friction destroys energy.

Practical preparation

Optional friction/work study, AT2,5.

Virtual preparation and revision only. Required hands-on activities and school records remain separate.

Proposed mastery

0: not yet evidenced. 1: supported. 2: independent exit criteria met. 3: successful changed-context transfer. Advance at 2; revisit with fresh retrieval. These are not GCSE grades.

Full lecture page →

Area capstone

Sources and full programme

Sources checked 30 September–1 October 2026. Specifications govern content; textbooks supplement it. England has no single prescribed Physics course book. The full planning document includes sourced comparisons of Collins separate Physics and Trilogy books, Hodder/Hachette Physics and Oxford Physics listings, with access/approval limitations.

Download the complete Markdown programme and coverage matrix

A subsection map is proposed coverage. Clause-level educator review, item moderation, model validation and hands-on provision remain release gates. No all-board alignment or exam-board endorsement is claimed.