AQA Combined Science: Physics Topic 1 Energy

Flashcards on Energy stores and calculations

What is the independent variable in the specific heat capacity practical?

Material

What is the dependent variable in the specific heat capacity practical?

Specific heat capacity

What are the control variables in the specific heat capacity practical?

Insulating layer, initial temperature, time taken

What happens to energy when an object falls?

It loses gravitational potential energy and gains kinetic energy.

What type of energy is stored when stretching an object?

Elastic potential energy

What is the equation for kinetic energy?

kinetic energy = 1/2 * mass * speed^2

What is the equation for gravitational potential energy?

Ep = mgh (mass x gravitational field strength x height)

What is the equation for change in thermal energy?

ΔE = m * c * ΔT (mass x specific heat capacity x temperature change)

Define specific heat capacity.

The amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1kg of a material by 1°C

What happens when heating a material?

Energy is transferred to its thermal energy store, and the temperature increases.