AQA GCSE Physics
AQA GCSE Physics 4.1.1.2 Changes in Energy Exam Questions
Free AQA GCSE Physics exam questions for 4.1.1.2 Changes in Energy, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers kinetic energy, elastic potential energy and gravitational potential energy equations, unit conversions and energy change calculations.
4.1.1.2 Changes in Energy exam questions
2 question packs of real past exam questions, each with its mark scheme. Do not stop after a few: answer as many as you can without notes, then mark every answer with the mark scheme. The more questions you do, the more quickly you will spot how examiners ask about each idea.
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About AQA GCSE Physics 4.1.1.2 Changes in Energy
This section of AQA GCSE Physics turns energy stores into numbers. You must be able to calculate the energy in the kinetic, elastic potential and gravitational potential stores and use them together, for example finding the speed of an object that has fallen through a height. It is examined on Paper 1, but the same equations come up again in Paper 2 forces questions on falling objects, springs and work done. Examiners test rearranging equations, squaring the right quantity and converting units such as grams to kilograms and centimetres to metres.
What you need to know
- Kinetic energy Ek = 1/2 m v^2, where m is mass in kg and v is speed in m/s. Doubling the speed quadruples the kinetic energy because speed is squared.
- Elastic potential energy Ee = 1/2 k e^2, where k is the spring constant in N/m and e is the extension in m. This applies as long as the limit of proportionality has not been exceeded. The equation is given on the equation sheet.
- Gravitational potential energy Ep = m g h, where g is gravitational field strength (9.8 N/kg on Earth, often given as 10 N/kg in questions) and h is the change in height in m.
- Energy conservation calculations If resistance is ignored, energy lost from one store equals energy gained by another. For a falling object, m g h = 1/2 m v^2, so v = square root of (2 g h), and mass cancels out.
- Units All energies are in joules (J). Convert g to kg, cm or mm to m, and kJ to J before substituting.
- Equations to recall Ek = 1/2 m v^2 and Ep = m g h must be memorised. Ee = 1/2 k e^2 is provided on the equation sheet.
Common mistakes in 4.1.1.2 Changes in Energy
- Squaring the whole of 1/2 m v instead of just v. Only the speed (or extension) is squared.
- Using length instead of extension in Ee = 1/2 k e^2. The extension is the increase in length from the original length.
- Forgetting to square root at the end when finding speed from kinetic energy. Rearrange to v = square root of (2Ek / m).
- Leaving mass in grams. Mass must be in kilograms for all three energy equations.
- Using total height above the ground when the question asks about a change in height. Use the height difference between the two positions.
Try three 4.1.1.2 Changes in Energy exam-style questions
1. A car of mass 1200 kg travels at 15 m/s. Calculate its kinetic energy. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Ek = 1/2 x 1200 x 15^2; = 135 000 J (135 kJ).
2. A ball of mass 0.50 kg is dropped from a height of 3.2 m. Calculate its speed just before it hits the ground. Ignore air resistance. g = 9.8 N/kg. (4 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Ep = 0.50 x 9.8 x 3.2 = 15.68 J; Ek gained = Ep lost = 15.68 J; v^2 = 2 x 15.68 / 0.50 = 62.72; v = 7.9 m/s.
3. A spring with spring constant 40 N/m is stretched by 5.0 cm. Calculate the elastic potential energy stored. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
e = 0.050 m; Ee = 1/2 x 40 x 0.050^2; = 0.050 J.
4.1.1.2 Changes in Energy FAQs
What does AQA GCSE Physics 4.1.1.2 Changes in energy cover?
It covers calculating energy in the kinetic, elastic potential and gravitational potential stores, and using energy conservation to link them.
Which equations do I need to memorise for this section?
Learn Ek = 1/2 m v^2 and Ep = m g h. The elastic potential energy equation Ee = 1/2 k e^2 is given on the equation sheet, but you still need to use it confidently.
How do I find speed after a fall?
Set the gravitational potential energy lost equal to the kinetic energy gained, then rearrange: v = square root of (2Ek / m). Show each step, as method marks are available even if the final answer is wrong.
