Newton's laws of motion — KCSE Physics

KCSE Physics · 116 practice questions · 11 syllabus objectives

36 easy40 medium40 hard

What You'll Learn

Key learning outcomes for this topic, aligned to the KNEC KCSE syllabus.

Solve numerical problems involving Newton's laws and conservation of linear momentum

State Newton's three laws of motion and identify examples of each law in everyday situations

Apply Newton's second law (F = ma) to calculate net force, mass or acceleration for a given system

Define linear momentum and impulse, and apply the law of conservation of momentum to collisions and explosions

State Newton's first law of motion and define inertia

State Newton's second law and derive F=ma; define momentum and impulse

State the law of conservation of linear momentum and distinguish elastic and inelastic collisions

State Newton's third law of motion

Describe frictional forces, define coefficient of friction and solve related problems

Define viscosity, explain terminal velocity and sketch relevant graphs

Newton's laws of motion

Sample Questions

Try 3 questions free. Sign up to access all 116 questions with full marking schemes.

1
easySHORT ANSWER3 marks

List three factors that affect the coefficient of friction between two surfaces in contact. (3 marks)

View Marking Scheme
Part (a) — 3 marks
The nature of the surfaces in contact (1 mk)
The normal force acting between the surfaces (1 mk)
The presence of lubricants or contaminants (1 mk)
2
easySHORT ANSWER2 marks

State Newton's third law of motion. (2 marks)

View Marking Scheme
Part (a) — 2 marks
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction (2 mks)
3
easySHORT ANSWER3 marks

Identify the definition of linear momentum and give its formula. (3 marks)

View Marking Scheme
Part (a) — 1 mark
Linear momentum is the product of the mass and velocity of an object (1 mk)
Part (b) — 1 mark
p = mv (1 mk)
Part (c) — 1 mark
The unit of linear momentum is kilogram metre per second (kg m/s) (1 mk)
4

A cyclist of mass 70 kg accelerates from a stationary position to a speed of 14 m/s in 4 seconds. Calculate the net force applied to the cyclist. (3 marks)

+113 More Questions

Sign up free to access all 116 questions with marking schemes, track your progress, and get personalised recommendations.

Why Practise Newton's laws of motion?

KNEC Aligned

Questions match the KCSE syllabus objectives and exam format exactly.

Detailed Marking Schemes

Every answer shows exactly what examiners award marks for.

Track Your Mastery

See your score improve as you practise and identify remaining gaps.

Master Newton's laws of motion for KCSE

Sign up free to unlock all 116 questions, track your progress, and get a personalised study plan for Physics.