Grade 12 · Physical Sciences · Physics, Paper 1 · CAPS
Newton's Laws and Applications – Grade 12 Physical Sciences (Physics, Paper 1)
What Newton's Laws covers, how it is examined in Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics), the 5 sections to study and how long it takes – plus live online lessons when you get stuck.
- Study sections
- 5
- Exam-style questions
- 11
- Marks of practice
- 136
- Study time
- ≈ 5 h 35 min
What it covers
Newton's laws explains how forces change motion. You draw free-body diagrams, work with static and kinetic friction, and apply the first, second and third laws to objects on flat surfaces and slopes, to blocks joined by strings, to pulleys and to lifts. The topic also covers Newton's law of universal gravitation, which gives the attractive force between two masses and how it weakens with distance.
How it is examined
- Paper
- Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics) – Friday 30 October 2026, 09:00 (3 hours, 150 marks)
- Weighting
- Mechanics ≈ 65/150 (Newton's laws typically ≈ 15–20 marks of this, plus a few MCQs)
- Questions
- In a typical paper you will find it in Question 2 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
- Forces, free-body diagrams and friction35 min
- Newton's three laws of motion25 min
- Inclined planes35 min
- Connected objects, pulleys and lifts40 min
- Newton's law of universal gravitation25 min
Study time
| Notes and worked examples5 sections | 2 h 40 min |
|---|---|
| Exam-style questions11 questions · 136 marks × 1,2 min per mark | 2 h 45 min |
| Topic quiz | 10 min |
| Total | ≈ 5 h 35 min |
Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics) is written on Friday 30 October 2026 at 09:00.
What you get in the portal
- 11 exam-style questions on Newton's Laws (136 marks in total), each with a full marking memo
- Worked examples with diagrams and step-by-step calculations for each of the 5 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 Newton's Laws? Book a one-on-one lesson.
R250 per hour – 60, 90 or 120 minutes, online from anywhere in South Africa. Pick Newton's Laws 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 Newton's Laws
How many marks is Newton's Laws worth in the matric exam?
In Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics) (3 hours, 150 marks) the usual weighting is: Mechanics ≈ 65/150 (Newton's laws typically ≈ 15–20 marks of this, plus a few MCQs). In a typical paper you will find it in Question 2 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 Newton's Laws?
About 5 h 35 min: 2 h 40 min for the notes and worked examples in its 5 sections, 2 h 45 min for the 11 exam-style questions (136 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 Newton's Laws?
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 Newton's Laws as your topic. You pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms the booking.