Mechanics

Mechanics (AS91171) is the biggest external at Level 2 Physics — worth 6 credits. It covers how things move (motion), why they move (forces), and the two great bookkeeping laws of physics (momentum and energy).

Two pieces of good news before you start:

• You don't memorise formulas. Every relationship you need is given on a resource sheet in the exam. The skill being tested is choosing the right one and explaining the physics.
• g is always 9.8 m s⁻² in NCEA Level 2 Physics — it's stated in the assessment specification. Bring an approved calculator, a ruler, and a protractor.

Clear reasoning is what earns marks: numerical working, words, and diagrams all count.