Reading the notation

A small set of symbols carries every part of this paper — get them precise, since a mixed-up variable is the fastest way to lose a method mark.

6 terms

Cover the right column and check you can say what each one means.

u, v, a, t, s: Initial velocity, final velocity, acceleration, time, displacement — the five variables of the constant-acceleration equations.
p: Momentum (kg m s⁻¹) = mv. Conserved in EVERY collision, whether elastic or inelastic.
F_net: The net (resultant) force (N) — the sum of all forces along the direction of motion, including friction and weight components.
W, E_p, E_k: Work (J) = Fd; gravitational potential energy = mgh; kinetic energy = ½mv².
F_c, a_c: Centripetal force (N) = mv²/r and centripetal acceleration (m s⁻²) = v²/r — always directed toward the centre of the circle.
τ (torque): The turning effect of a force about a pivot (N m) = F × d, where d is the PERPENDICULAR distance from the pivot to the line of the force.

Practice for this standard covers the whole topic — flashcards and quiz.