Energy Transfers for AQA GCSE Physics and AQA Combined Science (Physics)

Make sure that you know these energy transfer scenarios. These are all mentioned in the AQA specification.

1. Object Projected Upwards:

• Initial Energy: The object initially possesses kinetic energy due to its initial velocity.
• During Ascent: As the object moves upward against gravity, its kinetic energy decreases while its gravitational potential energy increases. The total mechanical energy (the sum of these two) remains constant if air resistance is neglected.
• At the Peak: At the highest point, the kinetic energy is minimal (almost zero), and the gravitational potential energy is at its maximum.
• Descending: As the object descends, its gravitational potential energy decreases, while kinetic energy increases. Energy is conserved throughout the motion.

2. Moving Object Hitting an Obstacle:

• Initial Energy: The object has kinetic energy due to its initial motion.
• During Collision: When the object collides with an obstacle, some of its kinetic energy is transferred to the obstacle as kinetic energy, deformation energy, or sound energy. This may result in a loss of kinetic energy in the object.
• After Collision: The object may come to rest if enough energy is transferred to the obstacle and converted into other forms like deformation (if it’s a solid obstacle) or sound.
• Conservation of Total Energy: In a closed system, the total mechanical energy (kinetic + potential) remains constant, even though some energy might change forms.

3. Object Accelerated by a Constant Force:

• Initial Energy: The object has potential energy due to its initial position and kinetic energy if it’s in motion.
• During Acceleration: As a constant force is applied, work is done on the object, converting some of its potential energy or kinetic energy into mechanical work and increasing its kinetic energy.
• Conservation of Energy: The total mechanical energy can change if external forces like friction are involved. Otherwise, in an ideal case, the mechanical energy remains conserved.

4. Vehicle Slowing Down:

• Initial Energy: The vehicle has kinetic energy due to its motion.
• During Deceleration: As the brakes are applied, friction and other forces act in the opposite direction of motion. These forces do work on the vehicle, converting its kinetic energy into heat energy due to friction and mechanical work.
• Final Energy: The vehicle eventually comes to a stop, and its kinetic energy is fully converted into heat and work energy.

5. Bringing Water to a Boil in an Electric Kettle:

• Initial Energy: The electric kettle is supplied with electrical energy from the power source.
• Energy Transfer: The electric kettle’s heating element converts electrical energy into thermal energy. This thermal energy is then transferred to the water through conduction and convection.
• Temperature Rise: As the water absorbs thermal energy, its temperature increases. The energy transferred is used to raise the water’s temperature from room temperature to its boiling point.
• Boiling Point: When the water reaches its boiling point, additional energy input is required to convert the water from a liquid to a gas, which is known as the latent heat of vaporization.
• End Result: The end result is hot, boiling water, and the energy from the electrical source is now primarily in the form of thermal energy in the water.

A Deep Dive into AQA GCSE Physics Paper 1 and Paper 2 Assessments

The AQA GCSE Physics 8463 examination is a pivotal moment for students pursuing this subject. It tests their knowledge, understanding, and application of fundamental principles in the field. To help you prepare effectively, we’ll take a closer look at the assessments in Paper 1 and Paper 2, what topics they cover, and how they are structured.

Paper 1: What’s Assessed

Topics Covered:
Paper 1 primarily assesses your understanding of the following topics:

1. Energy
2. Electricity
3. Particle model of matter
4. Atomic structure

Assessment Details:

• Written Exam: You’ll have 1 hour and 45 minutes to tackle this paper.
• Total Marks: It’s worth 100 marks in total, making up 50% of your GCSE grade.
• Question Types: The paper includes a variety of question types such as multiple-choice, structured questions, closed short-answer questions, and open-response questions.

This examination, which falls under the AQA GCSE Physics 8463 specification, has been in effect since June 2018. However, it’s essential to check the most up-to-date specification, resources, support, and administration details on the official AQA website.

Paper 2: What’s Assessed

Topics Covered:
Paper 2 dives into the following topics:

5. Forces
6. Waves
7. Magnetism and electromagnetism
8. Space physics

In addition to these topics, it’s worth noting that questions in Paper 2 may draw on your understanding of energy changes and transfers due to heating, mechanical work, and electrical work, as well as the concept of energy conservation, which are covered in the Energy and Electricity sections of the syllabus.

Assessment Details:

• Written Exam: Like Paper 1, Paper 2 also requires 1 hour and 45 minutes of your time.
• Total Marks: This paper carries a weight of 100 marks, constituting 50% of your GCSE grade.
• Question Types: Just like Paper 1, you’ll encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice, structured questions, closed short-answer questions, and open-response questions.

These two papers together encompass the breadth of knowledge expected from a student studying AQA GCSE Physics. It’s crucial to prepare thoroughly and efficiently to perform your best on exam day.

Remember, understanding the content thoroughly, practicing different question types, and managing your time during the exams are key strategies for success. Utilize official resources and support from AQA to aid your preparation.

For the most up-to-date information regarding the AQA GCSE Physics 8463 specification, resources, support, and administration details, visit the official AQA website.

AQA GCSE Physics Energy Topic summarised in 50 points

1. A system refers to an object or group of objects.
2. Understanding the changes in energy storage involved in different situations is essential to understanding the behavior of systems.
3. When an object is projected upwards, its potential energy increases and its kinetic energy decreases as it moves against the force of gravity.
4. When a moving object hits an obstacle, its kinetic energy decreases, and its potential energy and elastic potential energy increase as it deforms the obstacle.
5. When an object is accelerated by a constant force, its kinetic energy increases, and its potential energy and work done by the force increase as it moves in the direction of the force.
6. When a vehicle slows down, its kinetic energy decreases, and its potential energy and work done by friction increase as it comes to a stop.
7. When water is brought to a boil in an electric kettle, the electrical energy supplied is converted into thermal energy, increasing the internal energy of the water and the kettle.
8. Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by a moving object and can be calculated using the equation: kinetic energy = 0.5 × mass × speed^2.
9. The unit of kinetic energy is joules (J), which is the same as the unit of work or energy.
10. The kinetic energy of an object increases with its speed and mass.
11. The equation for calculating kinetic energy assumes that the object is moving in a straight line at a constant speed.
12. Elastic potential energy is the energy stored in a stretched spring and can be calculated using the equation: elastic potential energy = 0.5 × spring constant × extension^2.
13. The unit of elastic potential energy is also joules (J).
14. The spring constant is a measure of the stiffness of the spring and is measured in newtons per metre (N/m).
15. The extension is the change in length of the spring from its original length and is measured in metres (m).
16. Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object gains when it is raised above the ground level and can be calculated using the equation: gravitational potential energy = mass × gravitational field strength × height.
17. The unit of gravitational potential energy is also joules (J), and the value of the gravitational field strength (g) is given in the equation.
18. The equation for calculating the amount of energy stored in or released from a system as its temperature changes is given as: change in thermal energy = mass × specific heat capacity × temperature change.
19. The unit of thermal energy is joules (J), which is the same as the unit of work or energy.
20. The mass in the equation refers to the mass of the system undergoing a change in temperature, and it is measured in kilograms (kg).
21. The specific heat capacity is a property of a substance and is measured in joules per kilogram per degree Celsius (J/kg°C).
22. The specific heat capacity of a substance is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of the substance by one degree Celsius.
23. Power is a measure of the rate at which energy is transferred or the rate at which work is done.
24. The equation for power is given as: power = energy transferred/time or power = work done/time.
25. The unit of power is watts (W), which is the same as the unit of energy per unit time.
26. The energy transferred in the equation refers to the amount of energy that is transferred from one object to another, and it is measured in joules (J).
27. The time in the equation refers to the time taken for the energy transfer or work to be done, and it is measured in seconds (s).
28. The work done in the equation refers to the amount of work that is done on an object, and it is also measured in joules (J).
29. An energy transfer of 1 joule per second is equal to a power of 1 watt.
30. Power is a scalar quantity, meaning that it has magnitude but no direction.
31. The definition of power can be illustrated using examples, such as comparing two electric motors that both lift the same weight through the same height but one does it faster than the other.
32. Energy is a fundamental property of matter and cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or stored.
33. Energy can be transferred usefully, meaning it can be used to do work or perform useful tasks, or it can be stored for later use.
34. Energy can also be dissipated, meaning it is transferred into less useful forms or lost to the surroundings.
35. In a closed system, the total energy remains constant, meaning that the energy transferred into the system is equal to the energy transferred out of the system.
36. Examples of energy transfers in a closed system include the transfer of heat from one object to another or the transfer of electrical energy from a battery to a circuit.
37. In all system changes, some energy is dissipated or wasted, often in the form of heat or sound energy.
38. Ways of reducing unwanted energy transfers include the use of lubrication to reduce frictional energy losses and thermal insulation to reduce heat losses.
39. The thermal conductivity of a material refers to its ability to conduct heat and can affect the rate of energy transfer by conduction across the material.
40. The rate of cooling of a building is affected by the thickness and thermal conductivity of its walls, as well as other factors such as the type of insulation used.
41. The energy efficiency of any energy transfer is a measure of how much useful output energy is obtained from the total input energy.
42. The equation for calculating energy efficiency is given as: efficiency = useful output energy transfer/total input energy transfer.
43. The efficiency of an energy transfer can also be calculated using the equation: efficiency = useful power output/total power input.
44. The unit of energy efficiency is a dimensionless quantity, meaning it has no units.
45. The main energy resources available for use on Earth include fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas), nuclear fuel, bio-fuel, wind, hydroelectricity, geothermal energy, the tides, the Sun, and water waves.
46. Renewable energy resources are those that can be replenished as they are used, while non-renewable resources are finite and cannot be replenished.
47. Energy resources are used for various purposes, including transport, electricity generation, and heating.
48. Reliability is an important factor in determining the suitability of an energy resource, as some sources are more reliable than others.
49. The use of energy resources can have environmental impacts, including air pollution, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
50. Renewable energy sources generally have lower environmental impacts than non-renewable sources.