Energy

• What format is the specification presented in?


  Two column format
• What does the left-hand column of the specification contain?

  Content all students must cover
• What do WS, MS, and AT refer to in the specification?

  Working scientifically, Mathematical requirements, Use of apparatus
• What is the purpose of the overview at the beginning of each topic?

  To encourage an overarching approach
• Is the overview directly assessed?

  No, it is not directly assessed
• What indicates content applicable only to physics?

  (physics only)
• What indicates content applicable only to Higher Tier?

  (HT only)
• Why is it good practice to teach mathematical skills throughout the course?

  They will be assessed in certain subject areas
• Where can details of required practicals be found?

  Practical assessment (page 87)
• What will be assessed across all papers?

  Working scientifically and Use of apparatus
• When did the concept of energy emerge?

  In the 19th century
• What was the initial use of the concept of energy?

  To explain work output of steam engines
• What are critical problems related to fossil fuels?

  Limits to use and global warming
• Who is working to reduce energy usage?

  Physicists and engineers
• What is a system in physics?

  An object or group of objects
• What happens to energy storage when a system changes?

  There are changes in energy storage
• What should students be able to describe regarding energy storage changes?

  Common situations of energy storage changes
• What is an example of a situation where energy storage changes?

  An object projected upwards
• What is another example of energy storage change?

  A moving object hitting an obstacle
• What is a third example of energy storage change?

  A vehicle slowing down
• What is a fourth example of energy storage change?

  Bringing water to a boil in an electric kettle
• How can students calculate changes in energy?

  By heating, work done by forces, or current flow
• What is the link between work done and current flow?

  It is covered in Energy transfers
• What can students calculate regarding moving objects?

  The amount of energy associated with them
• What is the equation for kinetic energy?

  $E_k =$$0.5 \times m \times v^2$
• What does the variable $E_k$ represent?


  Kinetic energy in joules
• What does the variable $m$ represent in the kinetic energy equation?


  Mass in kilograms
• What does the variable $v$ represent in the kinetic energy equation?


  Speed in metres per second
• What is the equation for elastic potential energy?

  $E_e =$$0.5 \times k \times e^2$
• What does the variable $k$ represent in the elastic potential energy equation?


  Spring constant in newtons per metre
• What does the variable $E_e$ represent?


  Elastic potential energy in joules
• What does the variable $e$ represent in the elastic potential energy equation?


  Extension in metres
• What does the variable $E_p$ represent?


  Gravitational potential energy in joules
• What is the equation for gravitational potential energy?

  $E_p =$$m \times g \times h$
• What does the variable $g$ represent in the gravitational potential energy equation?


  Gravitational field strength in newtons per kilogram
• What does the variable $m$ represent in the gravitational potential energy equation?


  Mass in kilograms
• What does the variable $h$ represent in the gravitational potential energy equation?


  Height in metres
• What can students investigate regarding energy changes?

  Transfer from gravitational to kinetic energy
• What is the equation for change in thermal energy?

  $\Delta E =$$m \times c \times \Delta \theta$
• What does the variable $\Delta E$ represent?


  Change in thermal energy in joules