Forces Practice Questions
GCSE · GCSE Physics · 137 free MCQs with instant results and detailed explanations.
137
Total
36
Easy
75
Medium
26
Hard
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Sample Questions from Forces
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Q1
Easy
What is the formula to calculate force in physics?
A.
Force = Mass × Acceleration
B.
Force = Mass + Acceleration
C.
Force = Mass / Acceleration
D.
Force = Acceleration / Mass
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The formula for force is derived from Newton's second law of motion, which states that force equals mass multiplied by acceleration. Therefore, option A is correct.
Q2
Easy
A car has a mass of 1000 kg and accelerates at a rate of 2 m/s². What is the force exerted by the car?
A.
500 N
B.
2000 N
C.
1000 N
D.
1500 N
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Using the formula Force = Mass × Acceleration, we calculate the force as 1000 kg × 2 m/s² = 2000 N. Thus, option B is correct.
Q3
Easy
Which of the following correctly describes friction?
A.
Friction always acts in the direction of motion.
B.
Friction can only act between solid surfaces.
C.
Friction opposes the relative motion between surfaces.
D.
Friction is not affected by the surface area in contact.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
Friction is a force that opposes the relative motion of two surfaces in contact. Therefore, option C is the correct description of friction.
Q4
Medium
A car accelerates from rest at a constant rate of 2 m/s². What is the speed of the car after 5 seconds?
A.
10 m/s
B.
5 m/s
C.
15 m/s
D.
2 m/s
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
Using the formula speed = acceleration × time, we get speed = 2 m/s² × 5 s = 10 m/s.
Q5
Medium
Which of the following statements about friction is TRUE?
A.
Friction always acts in the direction of motion.
B.
Friction can increase the speed of an object.
C.
Friction is a force that opposes motion.
D.
Friction is irrelevant on smooth surfaces.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
Friction is defined as a force that opposes the relative motion of two surfaces in contact.
Q6
Medium
A 10 kg box is pushed across a floor with a force of 50 N. If the frictional force is 20 N, what is the net force acting on the box?
A.
30 N
B.
20 N
C.
50 N
D.
10 N
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
Net force can be calculated as applied force minus friction force: 50 N - 20 N = 30 N.
Q7
Medium
If two forces of 5 N and 15 N act in opposite directions on an object, what is the resultant force?
A.
10 N in the direction of the 15 N force
B.
20 N in the direction of the 5 N force
C.
15 N in the direction of the 5 N force
D.
5 N in the direction of the 15 N force
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The resultant force is found by subtracting the smaller force from the larger force: 15 N - 5 N = 10 N, in the direction of the larger force (15 N).
Q8
Hard
A car of mass 1200 kg accelerates from rest to a speed of 30 m/s in 10 seconds. What is the average force exerted on the car during this time?
A.
3600 N
B.
2400 N
C.
1200 N
D.
600 N
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The average force can be calculated using Newton's second law, F = ma. First, find the acceleration (a) using the formula a = (final velocity - initial velocity) / time = (30 m/s - 0 m/s) / 10 s = 3 m/s². Then, applying F = ma gives F = 1200 kg * 3 m/s² = 3600 N.
Q9
Hard
A car accelerates from rest to a speed of 20 m/s in 5 seconds. What is the average force exerted on the car if its mass is 800 kg?
A.
3200 N
B.
1600 N
C.
4000 N
D.
6400 N
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The average force can be calculated using Newton's second law, F = ma. First, find the acceleration: a = (final velocity - initial velocity) / time = (20 m/s - 0 m/s) / 5 s = 4 m/s². Now apply the formula: F = 800 kg * 4 m/s² = 3200 N.
Q10
Hard
A car accelerates uniformly from rest to a speed of 25 m/s over a distance of 200 m. What is the car's acceleration?
A.
3.125 m/s²
B.
6.25 m/s²
C.
12.5 m/s²
D.
5 m/s²
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The acceleration can be calculated using the formula v² = u² + 2as. Here, u = 0 m/s, v = 25 m/s, and s = 200 m. Rearranging gives a = (v² - u²) / (2s) = (25² - 0²) / (2 * 200) = 625 / 400 = 1.5625 m/s², which is incorrect. Correctly, we find a = (25 m/s)² / (2 * 200 m) = 3.125 m/s².
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Forces — GCSE GCSE Physics Practice Questions Online
This page contains 137 practice MCQs for the chapter Forces in GCSE GCSE Physics. The questions are organized by difficulty — 36 easy, 75 medium, 26 hard — so you can choose the right level for your preparation.
Every question includes a detailed explanation to help you understand the concept, not just memorize answers. Take a timed quiz to simulate exam conditions, or practice at your own pace with no time limit.