AQA GCSE Physics
AQA GCSE Physics 4.1.1.4 Power Exam Questions
Free AQA GCSE Physics exam questions for 4.1.1.4 Power, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers power as the rate of energy transfer or work done, the watt, power equations and comparing the power of devices.
4.1.1.4 Power exam questions
1 question pack 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 4.1.1.4 Power
Power in AQA GCSE Physics is the rate at which energy is transferred or work is done. This short section of the Energy topic on Paper 1 is mainly about two equations and the meaning of the watt, but it underpins electrical power in 4.2.4 and work done by forces in 4.5.2. Examiners often ask you to compare two motors lifting the same load in different times, or to calculate power, energy or time with unit conversions from kilowatts, minutes or hours.
What you need to know
- Definition Power is the rate at which energy is transferred or the rate at which work is done.
- Equations P = E / t and P = W / t, where P is power in watts (W), E is energy transferred in joules (J), W is work done in joules and t is time in seconds (s). Both must be memorised.
- The watt An energy transfer of 1 joule per second is equal to a power of 1 watt. 1 kW = 1000 W.
- Comparing devices Two motors that lift the same load through the same height do the same work. The one that does it in less time has a greater power output.
- Linking to other sections Power is used with efficiency (useful power out / total power in) and with electrical power P = V I in the electricity topic.
Common mistakes in 4.1.1.4 Power
- Leaving time in minutes or hours. Convert to seconds before using P = E / t.
- Confusing power with energy. Power is how fast energy is transferred, not the total amount.
- Forgetting to convert kW to W, giving answers 1000 times too small.
- Saying a more powerful device always transfers more energy. It transfers more energy per second; total energy also depends on how long it is on.
Try three 4.1.1.4 Power exam-style questions
1. Define power. (1 mark)
Show the mark scheme answer
The rate of energy transfer, or the rate at which work is done.
2. A motor lifts a load, doing 4800 J of work in 1 minute. Calculate the power output of the motor. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
t = 60 s; P = W / t = 4800 / 60; = 80 W.
3. Motor A and motor B each lift the same box through the same height. Motor A takes 4 s and motor B takes 6 s. Explain which motor is more powerful. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Both do the same work (transfer the same energy); motor A does it in less time so transfers energy at a higher rate and is more powerful.
4.1.1.4 Power FAQs
What does AQA GCSE Physics 4.1.1.4 Power cover?
It covers the definition of power, the watt, and the equations P = E / t and P = W / t, including comparing the power of different devices.
Which paper is power examined in?
This section is part of the Energy topic on Paper 1, but power calculations also appear in electricity questions on the same paper and in forces questions on Paper 2.
What is the most common way to lose marks on power questions?
Not converting units. Always change minutes and hours into seconds and kilowatts into watts before you substitute.
