What this topic covers
Topic 15: Forces and matter has 2 subtopics:
- Elasticity and spring behaviour
- Pressure in liquids and upthrust
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GCSE Edexcel Higher Physics · Topic 15 of 15
Topic 15: Forces and matter – GCSE Edexcel Higher Physics revision notes
Choose a subtopic. Elasticity, atmospheric pressure, liquid pressure and upthrust. 8 lessons in 2 subtopics.
Revise Topic 15: Forces and matter for GCSE Edexcel Higher Physics, including Elasticity and spring behaviour and Pressure in liquids and upthrust.
8
Lessons
2
Subtopics
Topic 15: Forces and matter lessons by subtopic
8 lessons, grouped by subtopic.
Elasticity and spring behaviour
- Elasticity Explained: Forces, Deformation and Springs
- Spring Constant and Calculations
- Elastic Potential Energy
- Core practical: spring extension and work done: Investigate extension and work done when forces are applied to a spring.
Pressure in liquids and upthrust
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Frequently asked questions
What is Topic 15: Forces and matter?
Elasticity, atmospheric pressure, liquid pressure and upthrust. 8 lessons in 2 subtopics.
What is the formula for pressure?
The formula for pressure is p = F/A: pressure in pascals (Pa) equals the force normal to a surface in newtons divided by the area in m². The Understanding Pressure in Fluids notes cover this in full.
What is Archimedes' principle?
Archimedes' principle states that the upthrust on an object equals the weight of fluid displaced by the object. The Upthrust, Floating and Sinking notes cover this in full.
What is a fluid?
A fluid is a substance that can flow and take the shape of its container, which includes both liquids, like water and oil, and gases, like air and helium. The Understanding Pressure in Fluids notes cover this in full.
What does a force-extension graph show?
A force-extension graph is a straight line through the origin while Hooke's Law applies, showing a linear relationship, and its gradient is the spring constant. The Elasticity Explained: Forces, Deformation and Springs notes cover this in full.
How do you calculate the spring constant?
Find the extension, convert it to metres, then use k = F ÷ e. The Spring Constant and Calculations notes cover this in full.
What is upthrust?
Upthrust is the resultant upward force on a submerged object caused by pressure differences in the fluid, measured in newtons (N). The Upthrust, Floating and Sinking notes cover this in full.
What is elastic potential energy?
Elastic potential energy is the energy stored in a stretched or compressed elastic object, like a spring, measured in joules (J). The Elastic Potential Energy notes cover this in full.
What is the density of mercury?
The density of mercury is 13,600 kg/m³, compared with 1000 kg/m³ for water. The Pressure in Liquid Columns notes cover this in full.