AQA GCSE Physics
AQA GCSE Physics 4.5.2 Work Done and Energy Transfer Exam Questions
Free AQA GCSE Physics exam questions for 4.5.2 Work Done and Energy Transfer, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers work done by a force, W = Fs, the joule and newton-metre, and work done against friction causing heating.
4.5.2 Work Done and Energy Transfer exam questions
3 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 4.5.2 Work Done and Energy Transfer
This AQA GCSE Physics section defines work done: when a force causes an object to move through a distance, work is done on the object, and energy is transferred. You use W = F s and need to know that one joule of work is done when a force of one newton moves an object one metre. It is examined on Paper 2 and connects forces with the Energy topic, power and braking distances. Examiners like questions on lifting, pushing and braking, and explanations of why work against friction makes things warm.
What you need to know
- Work done When a force causes an object to move through a distance, work is done on the object. A force does work on an object when the force causes a displacement of the object.
- The equation W = F s, where W is work done in joules (J), F is force in newtons (N) and s is distance moved along the line of action of the force in metres (m). This must be memorised.
- Units One joule of work is done when a force of one newton causes a displacement of one metre. 1 joule = 1 newton-metre (1 J = 1 N m).
- Energy transfer Work done is equal to the energy transferred. For example, lifting an object does work against gravity and increases its gravitational potential energy store.
- Work against friction Work done against the frictional forces acting on an object causes a rise in the temperature of the object, as energy is transferred to its thermal store.
Common mistakes in 4.5.2 Work Done and Energy Transfer
- Using a distance that is not in the direction of the force. Use the distance moved along the line of action of the force.
- Writing the unit as N/m. Work is in joules, equivalent to newton-metres (N m).
- Saying no work is done because the object ends up stationary. Work is done whenever a force moves an object through a distance.
- Leaving distance in centimetres or kilometres. Convert to metres.
Try three 4.5.2 Work Done and Energy Transfer exam-style questions
1. A person pushes a trolley with a force of 40 N for 15 m. Calculate the work done. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
W = F s = 40 x 15; = 600 J.
2. A crane does 36 000 J of work lifting a load through 12 m. Calculate the force exerted by the crane. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
F = W / s = 36 000 / 12; = 3000 N.
3. Explain why the brakes of a car get hot when the car stops. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Work is done by the friction force between the brake pads and the wheel (disc); energy is transferred from the kinetic store of the car to the thermal store of the brakes, so their temperature rises.
4.5.2 Work Done and Energy Transfer FAQs
What does AQA GCSE Physics 4.5.2 Work done and energy transfer cover?
It covers the meaning of work done, the equation W = F s, the link between joules and newton-metres, and how work against friction causes heating.
Which paper is work done examined in?
It is part of the Forces topic on Paper 2, though the energy ideas link back to the Energy topic on Paper 1.
How does work done link to power?
Power is the rate of doing work, P = W / t, so you can combine W = F s with power to answer multi-step questions about motors and lifting.
