These resources, produced by the Institute of Physics, look at circular motion, which is frequently observed in nature. Once students have a grasp of the mechanics of linear motion in one or two dimensions, it is a natural extension to consider circular motion.

There are two learning episodes in this topic...

From the Institute of Physics, this learning episode introduce students to the importance of circular motion and the need for a centripetal force to keep an object moving along a circular path. The activities include: * observing circular motion * whirling bucket and centripetal force * discussing examples of...

This learning episode from the Institute of Physics, uses worked examples and discussion to help students gain an understanding of circular motion, including linear velocity, angular velocity and angular acceleration. The activities include: * discussing linear and angular velocity * calculating angular velocity *...

From the Institute of Physics, these resources focus on some important mechanical properties of materials. They provide a good opportunity for calculations using scientific notation as well as unit conversions.

The learning episodes in this series include:

 Episode 227:...

In this learning episode from the Institute of Physics, students use Hooke's law to demonstrate the strength and stiffness of materials when subject to linear tensile or compressive forces. The activities include: • recap of Hooke's law • explaining tension and extension in a variety of materials • explaining...

Produced by the Institute of Physics, in this learning episode students measure the Young modulus. Through a range of discussions, questions and student investigations, activities look at: • defining the Young modulus • measuring the Young modulus of a material • measuring the stiffness of a material • stress-...

In this learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, students use data and stress-strain graphs to gather information about the properties of materials.

Activities include:
* interpreting stress-strain graphs
* considering energy stored in a stretched material
* calculating stored...

This set of resources, from the Institute of Physics, looks at simple harmonic motion (SHM). The topic follows logically from linear motion and circular motion. Activities also give opportunities to revisit many aspects of physics.

The learning episodes in this section include:

Episode 301:...

Through demonstrations and discussions, this learning episode from the Institute of Physics helps students to understand the main features of simple harmonic motion. This is in preparation to moving to a more mathematical description. Activities include: * observing simple harmonic motion (SHM) * discussing the...

Produced by the Institute of Physics, this learning episode assists students to use a mathematical approach to simple harmonic motion, starting from its physical basis and the forces involved. In the activities, students look at: * restoring forces in simple harmonic motion (SHM) * graphical representations of SHM...

In this learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, students use experimental techniques and modelling to investigate simple harmonic motion (SHM). The activities include discussions, practical investigations and worked examples, including: • linking Hooke's law and SHM • investigating a loaded spring...

In this learning episode, from the Institute of Physics, students investigate the simple harmonic motion of a pendulum. This involves discussion and student investigations. The activities include: • measuring the restoring force • investigating the time period of a pendulum • using a computer model of a pendulum •...

Produced by the Institute of Physics, this learning episode enables students to appreciate that there is a continuous interchange between potential and kinetic energy during simple harmonic motion. Students are also shown the mathematical basis for calculating energy.

The activities include:
•...

From the Institute of Physics, this learning episode will help students to see how energy moves from an oscillating system and how this results in a decrease in amplitude that follows an exponential decay pattern.

The activities include:
• observing water oscillating in a u-tube
• the motion of...