Make sense of motion.

Connect physical motion, graphs and equations. Choose a chapter, explore its activities, then test your understanding with NCEA questions.

01 / Mechanics

Linear Motion

Signs, motion graphs, kinematics and two-vehicle investigations.

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02 / Mechanics

Vectors and Relative Velocity

Components, vector construction, reference frames and river crossings.

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03 / Mechanics

Projectile Motion

Shared time, launch components, trajectories and exam investigations.

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04 / Mechanics

Newton Laws and Force Balance

Forces change velocity. A free-body diagram includes only forces acting on the selected object; the net force is their vector sum.

Explore Forces →

05 / Mechanics

Circular Motion

Uniform circular motion has constant speed but changing velocity. The net radial force is inward; “centripetal” describes its role, not a new type of force.

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06 / Mechanics

Momentum and Collisions

Momentum is a vector. For an isolated system, total momentum is conserved through a collision; kinetic energy need not be.

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07 / Mechanics

Impulse and Cushioning

Impulse is the change in momentum. Spreading the same momentum change over a longer time reduces average force.

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08 / Mechanics

Work, Energy and Power

Work transfers energy. Choose a system, identify energy stores and account for dissipative transfers. Power measures the rate of energy transfer.

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09 / Mechanics

Springs and Elastic Energy

Within the linear elastic range, restoring force is proportional to displacement from the natural length. The area under a force–extension graph is stored elastic energy.

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10 / Mechanics

Moments and Equilibrium

Equilibrium requires both zero net force and zero net moment. A force’s turning effect depends on its perpendicular distance from the pivot.

Explore Moments →