Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Introduction to Physics - Meaning of Physics as a science
Introduction to Physics - Branches of Physics

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Define Physics as a branch of science
- Explain why Physics is considered a science
- Relate Physics to everyday observations like vehicle movement and electrical appliances

- Discuss in groups the meaning of Physics using textbooks and digital resources
- Search for the meaning of Physics as a branch of science
- Share explanations on the meaning of Physics with classmates

What is Physics and why is it considered a science?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 1
- Digital devices with internet access
- Physics textbooks
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 2
- Digital resources
- Charts showing branches of Physics

- Oral questions - Group discussions - Observation

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Introduction to Physics - Importance of Physics in day-to-day life
Introduction to Physics - Relationship with other fields and careers

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- List applications of Physics in everyday life
- Categorize Physics applications in transportation, communication, medicine and home appliances
- Recognize how Physics enables technologies like GPS, microwave ovens and digital cameras

- Search and list examples of Physics applications in everyday life
- Organize examples into categories such as transportation, communication, medicine and home appliances
- Discuss significance of Physics applications in modern technology

How does Physics contribute to modern technology and daily conveniences?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 3
- Pictures of technological devices
- Digital resources
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 5
- Career booklets
- Digital devices
- Charts and manila papers

- Group presentations - Oral questions - Written tests

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Pressure - Atmospheric pressure as used in Physics
Pressure - Demonstrating atmospheric pressure effects
Pressure - Factors affecting pressure in liquids
Pressure - Investigating pressure variation with depth

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Define atmospheric pressure
- Demonstrate the existence of atmospheric pressure
- Relate atmospheric pressure to real-life experiences like breathing and weather changes
- Identify factors affecting pressure in liquids
- Investigate relationship between pressure, depth and density
- Relate liquid pressure to swimming pool depth and dam construction

- Discuss the meaning of atmospheric pressure
- Perform experiment using balloon and sheet of paper to demonstrate air pressure
- Carry out inverted glass experiment with water and manila paper
- Use U-tube and thistle funnel to investigate pressure variation with depth
- Lower thistle funnel to different depths and note U-tube readings
- Repeat with brine and glycerine to compare densities

What causes atmospheric pressure and how does it affect us?
How do depth and density affect pressure in liquids?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 9
- Balloon, glass, water, manila paper
- Digital resources
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 11
- Plastic bottles, hot water, cold water
- Balloon, optical pin, sellotape
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 12
- U-tube, rubber tubing, thistle funnel
- Retort stand, water, brine, glycerine
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 14
- Tin, sellotape, nail, hammer
- Water, brine, ruler

- Practical observation - Oral questions - Written tests
- Practical observation - Data recording - Oral questions

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Pressure - Deriving and applying P = ρgh

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Derive the pressure formula P = ρgh
- Apply the formula to calculate pressure in liquids
- Use the formula to solve real-world problems like calculating pressure at ocean depths

- Derive pressure formula from first principles using weight, volume and density
- Discuss mathematical relationship between pressure, density, gravity and depth
- Solve numerical problems using P = ρgh

How do we calculate pressure at any depth in a liquid?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 15
- Scientific calculators
- Worked examples

- Numerical exercises - Written tests - Problem solving

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Pressure - Solving pressure problems using P = ρgh

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Calculate pressure at various depths in different liquids
- Determine total pressure including atmospheric pressure
- Apply calculations to real situations like diving depths and water storage tanks

- Solve problems involving barometer construction
- Calculate pressure exerted by water at bottom of tanks
- Determine force on tap openings using pressure formula
- Work out total pressure at various depths

How do divers experience increased pressure at greater depths?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 16
- Scientific calculators
- Problem worksheets

- Written exercises - Class work - Oral questions

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Pressure - Pascal's principle and transmission of pressure

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Explain Pascal's principle of pressure transmission
- Demonstrate transmission of pressure using syringes
- Connect Pascal's principle to hydraulic systems in vehicles and machines

- Connect two syringes with rubber tubing filled with water
- Push plunger of one syringe and observe effect on the other
- Discuss how pressure is transmitted equally in enclosed fluids

How is pressure transmitted through fluids in a closed system?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 18
- Two syringes (different sizes)
- Rubber tubing, water

- Practical observation - Oral questions - Written tests

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Pressure - Hydraulic lift and brake systems
Pressure - Car hydraulic braking system

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Explain how hydraulic lift works
- Calculate force multiplication in hydraulic systems
- Relate hydraulic principles to car jacks and lifting equipment
- Identify parts of hydraulic brake system
- Explain how hydraulic brakes work
- Relate brake system knowledge to road safety and vehicle maintenance

- Study hydraulic lift diagram and identify components
- Derive relationship between force, pressure and area in hydraulic systems
- Solve numerical problems on hydraulic lift
- Discuss advantages of hydraulic systems
- Study diagram of hydraulic braking system
- Identify functions of brake pedal, master cylinder, slave cylinder, brake fluid
- Visit nearby garage to observe braking system
- Discuss properties of brake fluid

How do hydraulic lifts multiply force to lift heavy loads?
Why do car brakes fail when air enters the brake pipes?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 19
- Hydraulic lift diagrams
- Scientific calculators
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 21
- Hydraulic brake diagrams
- Resource persons (mechanics)

- Numerical problems - Written tests - Oral questions
- Oral questions - Written assignments - Field visit reports

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Pressure - Drinking straw and syringe applications

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Explain how drinking straw works using atmospheric pressure
- Describe the working principle of a syringe
- Apply knowledge to medical applications and everyday drinking

- Suck water through straw and observe what happens
- Make hole in straw and repeat experiment
- Demonstrate syringe operation by drawing and expelling water
- Discuss pressure differences that enable these devices to work

Why can't you drink through a straw with a hole in it?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 24
- Straws, syringes
- Glass, water, optical pin

- Practical demonstrations - Oral questions - Written tests

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Pressure - Siphoning principle and applications

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Demonstrate siphoning process
- Explain conditions for continuous siphoning
- Apply siphoning knowledge to fuel transfer and aquarium maintenance

- Set up siphon using two containers at different heights
- Fill tube with water and demonstrate siphoning
- Identify conditions for continuous flow
- Calculate pressure difference in siphon system

Under what conditions does a siphon work continuously?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 26
- Plastic/rubber tube
- Two containers, water

- Practical observation - Oral questions - Written reports

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Pressure - Pumping mechanisms

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Explain working of bicycle pump
- Describe operation of lift pump
- Relate pump mechanisms to inflating tyres and drawing water from wells

- Examine bicycle pump and identify leather washer function
- Demonstrate upstroke and downstroke of bicycle pump
- Study lift pump diagram and explain valve operations
- Discuss limitations of lift pump (10m height limit)

How does a bicycle pump use atmospheric pressure to inflate tyres?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 27
- Bicycle pump
- Lift pump diagrams

- Practical demonstrations - Oral questions - Written tests

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Mechanical Properties - Types of mechanical properties
Mechanical Properties - Demonstrating ductility, brittleness and malleability

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Define mechanical properties of materials
- Identify different types of materials and their properties
- Connect material properties to selection of materials for tools like axes and hammers
- Demonstrate ductility, brittleness and malleability
- Classify materials based on their mechanical behavior
- Apply knowledge to explain why copper is used for wires and glass breaks easily

- Discuss meaning of materials and types (metals, wood, plastics, glass)
- Search for properties: ductility, malleability, elasticity, brittleness, strength, hardness, stiffness
- Relate properties to everyday materials
- Use G-clamp to fix metal rods and apply loads until bending or breaking
- Hammer iron nail and observe flattening
- Compare behavior of glass, wood, lead, copper and steel rods
- Classify materials as ductile, brittle or malleable

Why are different materials used for different purposes?
Why does glass break suddenly while copper bends without breaking?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 33
- Samples of different materials
- Digital resources
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 34
- G-clamp, metal rods, hammer
- Nails, glass rod, masses

- Oral questions - Group discussions - Written assignments
- Practical observation - Classification tables - Written tests

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Mechanical Properties - Elasticity and hardness

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Demonstrate elasticity using springs and rubber bands
- Test hardness of different materials
- Relate elasticity to shock absorbers and hardness to cutting tools

- Stretch springs and rubber bands and observe return to original shape
- Use sharp object to mark different materials and compare hardness
- Classify materials as elastic or hard
- Discuss applications of elastic and hard materials

Why do springs return to their original shape after stretching?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 36
- Springs, rubber bands
- Nail, various material samples

- Practical demonstrations - Oral questions - Written assignments

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Mechanical Properties - Investigating Hooke's Law

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- State Hooke's Law
- Investigate relationship between force and extension
- Apply Hooke's Law to weighing scales and spring balances

- Set up spiral spring with pointer and metre rule
- Add masses in steps and record extensions
- Calculate force for each mass
- Record data in table and observe pattern

What is the relationship between stretching force and extension of a spring?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 38
- Spiral spring, retort stand
- Masses, metre rule

- Data recording - Practical reports - Oral questions

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Mechanical Properties - Graphical analysis and spring constant

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Plot force-extension graph
- Determine spring constant from graph gradient
- Use spring constant to predict extension for given forces

- Plot graph of force against extension
- Determine gradient of straight line
- Identify spring constant from graph
- Discuss elastic limit and plastic deformation

How do we determine the spring constant of a spiral spring?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 39
- Graph papers
- Data from previous experiment
- Scientific calculators

- Graph plotting - Gradient calculation - Written tests

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Mechanical Properties - Combined spring constant
Mechanical Properties - Hooke's Law in car shock absorbers

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Determine combined spring constant for springs in series
- Determine combined spring constant for springs in parallel
- Apply knowledge to vehicle suspension systems with multiple springs
- Explain application of Hooke's Law in shock absorbers
- Describe how suspension systems work
- Relate overloading of vehicles to damage of shock absorbers

- Connect two identical springs in series and determine combined spring constant
- Connect same springs in parallel and determine combined spring constant
- Compare combined constants with single spring constant
- Derive formulae for series and parallel combinations
- Research application of Hooke's Law in car shock absorbers
- Discuss how shock absorbers compress and extend
- Explain damping effect in suspension systems
- Discuss effects of overloading on vehicle springs

Why is the combined spring constant different for series and parallel arrangements?
How do shock absorbers provide a smooth ride on bumpy roads?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 42
- Two identical springs
- Retort stand, masses
- Metre rule
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 47
- Shock absorber diagrams
- Digital resources

- Practical observation - Numerical problems - Written tests
- Oral questions - Written assignments - Research presentations

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Mechanical Properties - Tensile stress and strain

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Define tensile stress and tensile strain
- Calculate stress and strain using formulae
- Apply stress-strain concepts to engineering structures like bridges and buildings

- Discuss meaning of tensile stress (Force/Area) and tensile strain (extension/original length)
- Derive formula for stress and strain
- Solve numerical problems involving stress and strain

Why is stress measured in N/m² while strain has no units?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 48
- Scientific calculators
- Worked examples

- Numerical exercises - Written tests - Oral questions

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Mechanical Properties - Young's Modulus determination

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Define Young's Modulus
- Calculate Young's Modulus from stress and strain
- Interpret stress-strain graphs for material selection in construction

- Derive Young's Modulus as ratio of stress to strain
- Plot stress-strain graph and identify regions
- Identify elastic limit, yield point and breaking point
- Solve problems involving Young's Modulus

What does the stress-strain graph tell us about material behavior?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 50
- Graph papers
- Scientific calculators

- Graph interpretation - Numerical problems - Written tests

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Mechanical Properties - Industrial applications

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Describe industrial applications of mechanical properties
- Select appropriate materials for specific applications
- Apply material selection principles to everyday items like scissors, springs and brake pads

- Research applications in manufacturing, automobile and construction industries
- Discuss material selection for bridges, wires, cutting tools
- Identify properties required for various products
- Present findings on importance of mechanical properties

Why do engineers study mechanical properties before selecting materials?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 52
- Digital resources
- Sample products (springs, wires, tools)

- Presentations - Oral questions - Written assignments

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Temperature and Thermal Expansion - Meaning of temperature
Temperature and Thermal Expansion - Temperature conversion
Temperature and Thermal Expansion - Liquid-in-glass thermometers
Temperature and Thermal Expansion - Clinical thermometer

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Define temperature as a measure of degree of hotness or coldness
- Identify the SI unit of temperature and other units
- Relate temperature measurement to everyday activities like cooking and weather forecasting
- Identify parts of a liquid-in-glass thermometer
- Describe the working principle of alcohol-in-glass thermometer
- Relate liquid-in-glass thermometers to medical and laboratory temperature measurements

- Discuss with peers the meaning of temperature
- Carry out activities to demonstrate hotness and coldness using water at different temperatures
- Use digital resources to search for temperature units and conversion formulas
- Identify and draw liquid-in-glass thermometer and label its parts
- Measure temperature of water at different temperatures using alcohol thermometer
- Discuss advantages and limitations of alcohol thermometers

How do we measure the degree of hotness or coldness of a body?
How does liquid expansion help in measuring temperature?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 56
- Bowls of water at different temperatures
- Digital resources
- Scientific calculators
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 57
- Alcohol-in-glass thermometer
- Beakers with water
- Heat source
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 59
- Clinical thermometer
- Antiseptic
- Cotton wool

- Oral questions - Observation - Written assignments
- Practical assessment - Observation - Oral questions

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Temperature and Thermal Expansion - Thermocouple thermometer
Temperature and Thermal Expansion - RTDs and thermistors

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Explain the working principle of thermocouple thermometers
- Describe the Seebeck effect
- Relate thermocouple thermometers to industrial temperature measurement in furnaces and engines

- Set up a thermocouple thermometer with hot and cold junctions
- Measure temperature using thermocouple
- Discuss industrial applications of thermocouples

How does temperature difference between two junctions produce voltage?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 60
- Thermocouple with voltmeter
- Heat source
- Melting ice
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 61
- Digital thermometer
- Digital resources
- Reference books

- Practical assessment - Observation - Written questions

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Temperature and Thermal Expansion - Infrared and bimetallic thermometers
Temperature and Thermal Expansion - Expansion in solids

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Explain the working principle of infrared thermometers
- Describe how bimetallic strips work in thermometers
- Relate infrared thermometers to contactless temperature screening in hospitals and airports

- Use infrared thermometer to measure temperature of different surfaces
- Discuss the distance-to-spot ratio in infrared thermometers
- Identify parts of bimetallic thermometer

Why are infrared thermometers preferred for contactless temperature measurement?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 60
- Infrared thermometer
- Bimetallic thermometer
- Various surfaces
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 64
- Ball and ring apparatus
- Heat source
- Safety equipment

- Practical assessment - Oral questions - Written tests

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Temperature and Thermal Expansion - Linear expansivity

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Define linear expansivity
- Calculate change in length using the linear expansion formula
- Relate linear expansivity to expansion gaps in railway tracks and bridges

- Measure initial and final lengths of heated metal rods
- Calculate linear expansivity from experimental data
- Apply the formula ΔL = αL₀Δθ to solve problems

How does the type of material affect its expansion?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 65
- Metal rods (iron, copper, aluminium)
- Heat source
- Ruler/measuring tape

- Written tests - Practical assessment - Problem-solving exercises

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Temperature and Thermal Expansion - Expansion in liquids
Temperature and Thermal Expansion - Anomalous expansion of water

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Demonstrate thermal expansion in liquids
- Explain why the liquid level first falls then rises when heated
- Connect liquid expansion to the working of liquid-in-glass thermometers
- Explain the anomalous expansion of water between 0°C and 4°C
- Describe why ice floats on water
- Connect anomalous expansion to survival of aquatic life in frozen lakes during winter

- Set up apparatus with flask, tube and coloured water
- Heat the flask and observe liquid level changes
- Discuss why flask expands before liquid
- Use digital resources to research anomalous expansion of water
- Discuss the density-temperature graph of water
- Explain formation of ice on water surfaces

Why does the liquid level initially fall before rising when heated?
Why does ice float on water?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 67
- Round-bottomed flask
- Narrow tube with cork
- Coloured water
- Heat source
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 68
- Digital resources
- Charts showing density vs temperature
- Reference books

- Practical assessment - Observation - Oral questions
- Oral questions - Written assignments - Group discussions

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Temperature and Thermal Expansion - Applications in daily life

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Describe applications of thermal expansion in bridges and railways
- Explain the working of bimetallic strips in thermostats
- Connect thermal expansion to car indicator systems, electric kettles and fire alarms

- Discuss expansion joints in bridges and railways
- Explain working of bimetallic strip in thermostats
- Use digital resources to search for applications of thermal expansion

How do engineers account for thermal expansion in construction?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 71
- Pictures of expansion joints
- Bimetallic strip
- Digital resources

- Written tests - Oral questions - Project work

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Moments and Equilibrium - Centre of gravity of regular objects
Moments and Equilibrium - Centre of gravity of triangles

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Define centre of gravity
- Determine the C.O.G of regular shaped objects (square, rectangle, circle)
- Relate centre of gravity to balancing objects on fingertips

- Use balancing method to find C.O.G of regular cut-outs
- Use geometrical construction (diagonals) to locate C.O.G
- Compare results from both methods

Where is the centre of gravity of a square located?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 78
- Cut-out shapes (square, rectangle, circle)
- Pencil for balancing
- Ruler
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 80
- Triangular cut-outs
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Marker

- Practical assessment - Observation - Oral questions

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Moments and Equilibrium - Centre of gravity of irregular objects
Moments and Equilibrium - Stable equilibrium

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Determine C.O.G of irregular objects using plumb line method
- Explain why suspended objects align with C.O.G below pivot
- Connect plumb line method to levelling tools used in construction

- Suspend irregular lamina from different points
- Use plumb line to draw vertical lines
- Mark intersection as C.O.G and verify by balancing

Why do all vertical lines through suspension points meet at one point?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 81
- Irregular cardboard shapes
- String and small weight (plumb line)
- Stand and clamp
- Marker
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 83
- Cone-shaped objects
- Flat surface

- Practical assessment - Observation - Written tests

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Moments and Equilibrium - Unstable and neutral equilibrium
Moments and Equilibrium - Factors affecting stability
Moments and Equilibrium - Turning effect of a force
Moments and Equilibrium - Calculating moments

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Demonstrate unstable equilibrium using cone on its tip
- Demonstrate neutral equilibrium using cone on its side
- Connect equilibrium states to why loaded trucks are more stable than empty ones
- Define moment of a force
- Identify factors affecting moment of a force
- Connect moments to why door handles are placed far from hinges

- Balance cone on tip and observe behavior when pushed
- Place cone on its side and push slightly
- Compare all three states of equilibrium
- Push door at different distances from hinges
- Compare ease of opening door at different points
- Discuss meaning of moment of a force

Why does a cone on its tip topple when slightly pushed?
Why is it easier to open a door by pushing at the handle?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 84
- Cone-shaped objects
- Spherical ball
- Flat surface
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 85
- Plastic bottles
- Sand
- Similar books
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 89
- Door
- Spring balance
- Ruler
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 90
- Ruler on pivot
- Known weights
- Metre rule

- Practical assessment - Observation - Written questions
- Observation - Oral questions - Written assignments

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Moments and Equilibrium - Verifying principle of moments

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- State the principle of moments
- Verify principle of moments experimentally
- Connect principle of moments to balancing on see-saws

- Set up metre rule on pivot with weights on both sides
- Adjust positions until balanced
- Calculate and compare clockwise and anticlockwise moments

When is a body in rotational equilibrium?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 91
- Metre rule
- Knife edge pivot
- Known masses
- String

- Practical assessment - Written tests - Observation

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Moments and Equilibrium - Applications of principle of moments

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Apply principle of moments to solve problems
- Determine unknown forces using principle of moments
- Use principle of moments to calculate where children should sit on a see-saw to balance

- Solve problems involving balanced beams
- Calculate unknown masses and distances
- Discuss applications in beam balances and levers

How can we use moments to find an unknown mass?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 92
- Scientific calculators
- Problem sheets
- Beam balance

- Written tests - Problem-solving exercises - Oral questions

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Moments and Equilibrium - Determining mass using moments

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Determine mass of a metre rule using principle of moments
- Locate C.O.G of a metre rule experimentally
- Apply the method to weighing objects using simple beam balances

- Suspend metre rule and find balance point
- Use known mass to determine mass of rule
- Apply principle of moments in calculations

How can we determine the mass of a ruler using moments?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 93
- Metre rule
- Stand and thread
- Known masses (50g, 100g)

- Practical assessment - Written tests - Problem-solving

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Moments and Equilibrium - Parallel forces and two supports
Moments and Equilibrium - Couple and torque

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Demonstrate moments about two points of support
- Apply conditions for equilibrium with parallel forces
- Connect parallel forces to how bridges distribute weight across supports
- Define a couple as two equal and opposite parallel forces
- Calculate torque as Force × perpendicular distance between forces
- Connect couples to turning steering wheels and opening bottle caps

- Set up metre rule supported by two spring balances
- Attach weights at different positions
- Verify sum of upward forces equals sum of downward forces
- Demonstrate couple using a plank fixed at centre
- Apply equal forces in opposite directions
- Calculate torque from experimental data

How are forces distributed in a beam supported at two points?
Why do we need two hands to turn a steering wheel smoothly?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 94
- Metre rule
- Two spring balances
- Known weights
- Stand
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 97
- Uniform plank with central pivot
- Spring balances
- Steering wheel model

- Practical assessment - Written tests - Observation
- Practical assessment - Written tests - Oral questions

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Moments and Equilibrium - Applications and resolution of forces

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Describe applications of torque and couples
- Resolve forces to find perpendicular components
- Apply moments to real-life situations like using spanners, screwdrivers and bicycle pedalling

- Discuss applications of moments in daily life
- Solve problems involving forces at angles
- Calculate moments when force is not perpendicular

How do we calculate moments when force is applied at an angle?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 100
- Pictures of applications
- Digital resources
- Problem sheets

- Written tests - Oral questions - Project presentations