Summary Notes for Paper 1 AQA GCSE Physics (suitable for Higher Tier). Includes the topics: Energy, Electricity, Particle Model of Matter & Atomic Structure
System – an object or a group of objects Kinetic Energy Elastic Potential Energy
When a system changes, the way energy 1 1
𝐸 = 𝑚𝑣 𝐸 = 𝑘𝑒
is stored also changes. 2 2
EXAMPLES: m = mass (kg) k = spring constant (N/m)
Ball Rolling and hitting a wall: v = speed (m/s) e = extension (m)
- System is the moving ball Ek = kinetic energy (J) Ee = elastic potential energy (J)
- When it hits the wall, some of
the kinetic energy is transferred Gravitational Potential Energy
as sound
𝐺𝑃𝐸 = 𝑚𝑔ℎ
Vehicle Slowing Down: GPE = Gravitational Potential Energy
- System is moving vehicle m = mass (kg)
- When it slows down, kinetic
energy transfers to thermal due g = gravitational field strength (N/kg)
to friction between wheels and
h = height (m)
brakes
Specific Heat Capacity – the energy Power – the rate at which energy is transferred or the
required to raise the temperature of rate at which work is done
1kg of a substance by 1°C 𝐸 𝑊
𝑃= 𝑃=
Energy = mass x specific heat 𝑡 𝑡
capacity x temperature change P = Power (W)
An energy transfer of 1 joule per
𝐸 = 𝑚𝑐∆𝑇 E = Energy (J) second is equal to a power of 1
W = Work Done (J) watt.
E = energy (J)
t = time (s) If given two motors A and B, the
m = mass (kg) motor than can do the same
c = specific heat capacity (J/kg°C) work faster is more powerful –
as the energy is transferred at a
T = temperature (°C) faster rate.
Energy Stores
Kinetic Moving objects have kinetic energy
Thermal All objects have thermal energy
Chemical Anything that can release energy during a chemical reaction
Elastic Potential Things that are stretched
Gravitational Potential Anything that is raise
Electrostatic Charges that attract or repel
Magnetic Magnets that attract or repel
Nuclear The nucleus of an atom releases energy
, Energy can be transferred:
Mechanically – when work is done
Electrically – when moving charge does work
Heating – when energy is transferred from a hotter object to a
colder object
Conservation of Energy
Energy can never be created nor destroyed; it can only be
transferred from one store to another with some being
dissipated to the surroundings (usually wasted energy)
Energy Transfer
Lubrication (such as oil) – reduces the amount of friction
between surfaces so less energy is lost as heat through friction
Conduction – when a solid is heated, the particles vibrate and
collide more, and the energy is transferred
Convection – when a liquid or a gas is heated, the particles move
faster – meaning it becomes less dense. The denser region will
rise above the cooler region – this is a convection current
Insulation – reduces the amount of heat lost. Efficiency – the less energy wasted during an
In your home, you can prevent heat loss by
energy transfer, the more efficient the transfer
having:
- Thick walls 𝑢𝑠𝑒𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡
- Thermal insulation, such as: 𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 =
𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡
o Loft Insulation (reducing
convection) 𝑢𝑠𝑒𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡
𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 =
o Cavity Walls (reducing conduction 𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡
and convection)
o Double Glazing (reducing
conduction)
Trends in Energy Resources
Most of our electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels & nuclear.
The UK is trying to use more renewable energy sources & electric cars on the rise.
Non-renewable energy sources are running out.
- However, changing the fuels we use & building renewable power plants cost money.
- Many people are against building power plants near them & don’t want to pay extra in energy bills
- Hybrid & electric cars are expensive
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