Level 3 Mechanics Revision

Introduction

• Speakers: Douglas Walker and Andrew Sargent
• Sponsor: Studyit
• Main Focus: Exam strategies and mechanics revision

Resources

• Mr. Wib's YouTube Channel: Solutions for past exams (2018-2021)
• Notes: Available for all topics, similar to purchased folder notes
• Physics Folder: Contains all resources, PowerPoint included
• Simulators: Circuit simulator and physics realm

Exam Strategy

• Sit a minimum of two exams before the real one
• Use Knowledge Deficiency Report (KDR): Identify and practice incorrect questions/topics
• YouTube guides for difficult questions
• NZQA assessment schedules aren't always comprehensive

Common Exam Trends

• Excellence Questions: Typically C or D
• Achieved Questions: Usually A
• Merit/Excellence: Occasionally B
• Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) often features as excellence questions

Key Topics in Mechanics

Translational Motion

• Common in exams, typically easy
• Conservation of Momentum: Might involve two-dimensional problems using vectors

Circular Motion and Gravity

• Kepler's Law: Derivations (e.g. 2015 exam)
• Formula conversions (e.g., days to seconds)

Rotational Systems

• Angular Kinetics: Torque, inertia, angular momentum
• Energy conservation often misunderstood

SHM Questions

• Repetitive across years, important to practice

Exam Walkthrough: 2013 Mechanics Exam

• Angular velocity: Use formula ω = 2πf
• Angular acceleration: Calculate from rest using change in velocity/time
• Rotational Inertia: Use torque and angular acceleration
• Energy Considerations: Different scenarios (non-rotating, solid vs. hollow)

Problem Types

Conservation of Energy and Motion

• Translational energy relates to potential energy
• Rotational vs. linear kinetic energy

Vector and Diagram Analysis

• Understanding centripetal force and tension in circular motion

SHM Conditions

• Conditions for SHM: Restoring force proportional to displacement

Resonance

• Driving at resonant frequencies to build amplitude

Complex Analysis

• Advanced questions on tension and gravity interaction

Additional Tips

• Be familiar with formulae and when to apply them
• Pay attention to question wording and setups
• Annotate diagrams to help understand problems
• Practice interpreting vector components and forces

Conclusion

• Thorough preparation and practice of past questions advised
• Use all available resources and ask questions when needed

Best of luck with your exams!