Grade 12 · Physical Sciences · Physics, Paper 1 · CAPS
Momentum and Impulse – Grade 12 Physical Sciences (Physics, Paper 1)
What Momentum & Impulse covers, how it is examined in Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics), the 4 sections to study and how long it takes – plus live online lessons when you get stuck.
- Study sections
- 4
- Exam-style questions
- 10
- Marks of practice
- 105
- Study time
- ≈ 4 h 00 min
What it covers
Momentum is mass times velocity, and this topic is about how it changes. You use the momentum form of the second law, calculate impulse as force multiplied by the time it acts, and explain safety features such as airbags and crumple zones by the longer contact time they create. Collisions and explosions are solved with the idea that total momentum stays the same when no outside force acts, and you decide if a collision was elastic by checking the kinetic energy before and after.
How it is examined
- Paper
- Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics) – Friday 30 October 2026, 09:00 (3 hours, 150 marks)
- Weighting
- Mechanics ≈ 65/150 (momentum and impulse typically ≈ 12–16 marks, plus MCQs)
- Questions
- In a typical paper you will find it in Question 4 of Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics), with multiple-choice items in Question 1 as well.
Question numbers and mark splits are typical, not fixed – they vary a little from year to year.
Sections to study
- Momentum and Newton's second law in momentum form25 min
- Impulse and the impulse-momentum theorem25 min
- Conservation of linear momentum: collisions and explosions30 min
- Elastic and inelastic collisions25 min
Study time
| Notes and worked examples4 sections | 1 h 45 min |
|---|---|
| Exam-style questions10 questions · 105 marks × 1,2 min per mark | 2 h 05 min |
| Topic quiz | 10 min |
| Total | ≈ 4 h 00 min |
Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics) is written on Friday 30 October 2026 at 09:00.
What you get in the portal
- 10 exam-style questions on Momentum & Impulse (105 marks in total), each with a full marking memo
- Worked examples with diagrams and step-by-step calculations for each of the 4 sections
- Tutor notes added to sections and questions – for the whole class or just for you
- A topic quiz, mock papers and a study plan that counts down to Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics)
Notes, worked examples, questions and memos open once the tutor approves your account – usually with your first confirmed lesson.
Stuck on Momentum & Impulse? Book a one-on-one lesson.
R250 per hour – 60, 90 or 120 minutes, online from anywhere in South Africa. Pick Momentum & Impulse as your topic; you pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms.
Related Physics P1 topics
All Grade 12 Physical Sciences topics, weighting and study time
Questions about Momentum & Impulse
How many marks is Momentum & Impulse worth in the matric exam?
In Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics) (3 hours, 150 marks) the usual weighting is: Mechanics ≈ 65/150 (momentum and impulse typically ≈ 12–16 marks, plus MCQs). In a typical paper you will find it in Question 4 of Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics), with multiple-choice items in Question 1 as well. The exact marks change a little from year to year.
How long does it take to study Momentum & Impulse?
About 4 h 00 min: 1 h 45 min for the notes and worked examples in its 4 sections, 2 h 05 min for the 10 exam-style questions (105 marks) at exam pace of 1,2 minutes per mark, and a 10-minute quiz.
When is the Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics) exam in 2026?
Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics) is written on Friday 30 October 2026 at 09:00 and lasts 3 hours (150 marks), according to the DBE’s 2026 NSC timetable. Confirm the date with your school, because the DBE can amend the timetable.
Can I get online lessons for Momentum & Impulse?
Yes. Create a free account in the Adventuity portal, request a one-on-one online lesson of 60, 90 or 120 minutes (or a seat in a group class) and choose Momentum & Impulse as your topic. You pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms the booking.