At GCSE
At GCSE you calculate kinetic energy (½mv²), gravitational potential energy (mgh), work done (Fd) and efficiency, and compare renewable vs non-renewable energy resources with their environmental impact.
GCSEA-LevelAQAEdexcelOCR
Energy revision — GCSE & A-Level Physics
Energy is the topic where Physics most clearly meets everyday life — kinetic and gravitational potential energy, efficiency calculations, and the trade-offs between energy resources. UK exams reliably ask for definitions and worked calculations.
At A-Level the energy stores model is extended with work done, power as the rate of doing work, and efficiency for real devices. Linking changes in store to forces and motion answers consistently scores in the top band.
At A-Level
At A-Level the energy stores model is applied more rigorously: power as the rate of doing work (P = Fv), efficiency of real machines, and energy changes in collisions and oscillations. Calculations involving energy transfer in mechanical and thermal systems are common.
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Example flashcards
Q: Write the equation for kinetic energy.
A: Ek = ½ × m × v² (mass in kg, speed in m/s, energy in J).
Q: Define power.
A: Power is the rate of energy transfer (or rate of doing work): P = E/t. Measured in watts (1 W = 1 J/s).
Q: Calculate the GPE gained by a 60 kg person climbing 5 m. (g = 9.8 N/kg)
A: Ep = mgh = 60 × 9.8 × 5 = 2940 J.
Q: State the principle of conservation of energy.
A: Energy can be transferred between stores but cannot be created or destroyed; the total energy of a closed system is constant.
Quick summary
Energy is a high-yield Physics topic for GCSE and A-Level students (AQA, Edexcel, OCR). At A-Level the energy stores model is applied more rigorously: power as the rate of doing work (P = Fv), efficiency of real machines, and energy changes in collisions and oscillations. Examiners reward precise definitions and applied explanations — focus on the core ideas and the small set of terms that come up every series.
Key terms
- Kinetic energy
- Gravitational potential energy
- Work done
- Power
- Efficiency
- Joule
- Conservation of energy
- Renewable
- Non-renewable
Energy FAQs
Why can no real machine be 100% efficient?+
Some energy is always transferred to thermal energy stores by friction or air resistance, dissipating to the surroundings and becoming less useful.
What is the difference between energy and power?+
Energy (joules) is the total amount transferred. Power (watts) is the rate at which it is transferred. A 100 W bulb on for 10 s transfers 1000 J.
Are renewable resources always better than non-renewable?+
Renewables produce far less CO2 and won't run out, but they can have higher upfront costs, variable output (wind, solar) and habitat impacts (hydro, tidal).
How does a wind turbine transfer energy?+
Kinetic store of moving air → kinetic store of rotating blades → kinetic store of generator rotor → electrical store via electromagnetic induction.
Related Physics topics
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