GCSE Physics - Energy (Topic 1)

Flashcards on GCSE Physics Topic 1 (Energy). Add whenever terminology needs to be updated/things should be added. This is only a semi-complete deck

How many forms of energy are there?

10

What are the forms of energy?

Magnetic, Kinetic, Heat (Thermal), Light, Gravitational potential, Chemical, Sound, Electrical, Elastic potential, Nuclear

(Most Kids Hate Learning GCSE Energy Names)

What is energy?

The ability to do/carry out work

What is a system?

A term used to describe the study of a few objects working together. An object or group of objects working together. They often involve energy stores changing from one form to another.

What is an open system and an example of one?

A system where energy and matter can be transferred in and out of the system into its surroundings (eg a kettle with an open lid)

What is a closed system and an example of one?

A system where energy and matter cannot be transferred outside the system or to its surroundings (eg a pressure cooker)

Can energy ever be destroyed or created?

No, energy can only ever be stored or transferred from one store to another through energy pathways.

How many energy stores are there? What are they?

Kinetic, gravitational potential, chemical, elastic potential, nuclear, electrostatic, magnetic, thermal

How many energy pathways are there?

4

Energy pathway 1: Mechanical Work

- When something is moved using force/physically

Energy Pathway 2: Electrical Work

- When electrical current flows, energy is transferred

Energy Pathway 3: Heating

- The process of making something hotter or colder

Energy Pathway 4: Radiation

- Or waves in general; light, sound, microwaves ect.

What is efficiency?

Being able to produce the same energy output using less energy. Essentially, a system is more efficient than another if it can do the same job using less energy.

How can you increase the efficiency of a system?

Reducing wasted energy transfers eg for a lamp use materials with low electrical resistance in electrical wires / reduce electrical heating in wires as to minimise thermal energy output

What is work done?

A measure of the amount of energy transferred when a force moves an object over a distance.

Work Done (J) = Force (N) x Distance (m)