This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Physics GCSE, particularly the ‘Forces in Balance’ SoW.
 
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
 
The lesson begins with a definition for the resolution of of forces, as the process of splitting a single force into two components (at right angles to each other), as horizontal and vertical components. Included on this slide, is a diagram of a car parked on a hill to demonstrate the parallel and perpendicular components on this object.
 
The next task requires students to watch a video, this demonstrates how to draw a vector diagram to scale, to determine the magnitude of the horizontal and vertical components. After a couple of examples, the video will be paused and students will be required to complete a question on their own to check their understanding of this process. The video can be resumed so that children can self-assess their answer for this question.
 
The next activity is for students to complete a worksheet of questions which practices finding the horizontal and vertical components of a force. The mark scheme for this task is included, so students can peer or self-assess work once complete.
The next part of the lesson introduces the idea of equilibrium, and the conditions required for an object to be in equilibrium/at rest.
 
Students will be shown a diagram of an aircraft in equilibrium, which shows that there are no resultant horizontal or vertical forces acting upon the plane. The next slide shows a variety of vehicles, each with force arrows depicting horizontal and vertical components. Students will need to decide which of the objects is in equilibrium, and which are not.
 
Students are show a diagram of a box on a slope in equilibrium, given the information provided students are to determine the parallel and perpendicular components of the box. The answers are shown, and explained, and then students will be asked to complete a set of exam-style questions which are on the same topic. The mark scheme for this task is included in the PowerPoint presentation for students to mark their work.
 
The plenary task asks students to write a ‘WhatsApp’ message about what they have learned this lesson.
 
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