Grade 12 · Physical Sciences · Physics, Paper 1 · CAPS
Vertical Projectile Motion (1D) – Grade 12 Physical Sciences (Physics, Paper 1)
What Vertical Projectile Motion 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
- 10
- Marks of practice
- 101
- Study time
- ≈ 4 h 55 min
What it covers
Vertical projectile motion deals with objects that move straight up or down under gravity alone – dropped, thrown upwards, thrown from a building or bouncing off the ground. You choose a sign convention, use the equations of motion with g = 9,8 m·s⁻² to find heights, speeds and times, and draw or interpret position-time, velocity-time and acceleration-time graphs of the whole motion. Problems where one ball is dropped and another is thrown a moment later test whether you can link the two motions.
How it is examined
- Paper
- Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics) – Friday 30 October 2026, 09:00 (3 hours, 150 marks)
- Weighting
- Mechanics ≈ 65/150 (vertical projectile motion typically ≈ 12–15 marks, plus MCQs)
- Questions
- In a typical paper you will find it in Question 3 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
- Free fall and the equations of motion25 min
- Thrown upward: maximum height and time of flight30 min
- Thrown from a height; bouncing balls35 min
- Graphs of motion: x–t, v–t and a–t35 min
- Two objects: dropped and thrown later40 min
Study time
| Notes and worked examples5 sections | 2 h 45 min |
|---|---|
| Exam-style questions10 questions · 101 marks × 1,2 min per mark | 2 h 00 min |
| Topic quiz | 10 min |
| Total | ≈ 4 h 55 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 Vertical Projectile Motion (101 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 Vertical Projectile Motion? Book a one-on-one lesson.
R250 per hour – 60, 90 or 120 minutes, online from anywhere in South Africa. Pick Vertical Projectile Motion 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 Vertical Projectile Motion
How many marks is Vertical Projectile Motion worth in the matric exam?
In Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics) (3 hours, 150 marks) the usual weighting is: Mechanics ≈ 65/150 (vertical projectile motion typically ≈ 12–15 marks, plus MCQs). In a typical paper you will find it in Question 3 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 Vertical Projectile Motion?
About 4 h 55 min: 2 h 45 min for the notes and worked examples in its 5 sections, 2 h 00 min for the 10 exam-style questions (101 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 Vertical Projectile Motion?
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 Vertical Projectile Motion as your topic. You pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms the booking.