Eduqas GCSE Physics 1 Energy Exam Questions

About Eduqas GCSE Physics 1 Energy

Energy is the first topic in Eduqas GCSE Physics and has three parts: energy changes in a system and the ways energy is stored, conservation, dissipation and energy sources, and energy transfers including the National Grid. You calculate kinetic, gravitational potential and elastic potential energy, use specific heat capacity and specific latent heat, and link work done and power. You also study efficiency, reducing unwanted energy transfers, renewable and non-renewable resources and why electricity is transmitted at high voltage. It underpins forces, electricity and particle model topics. Examiners frequently set multi-step energy calculations, ask you to evaluate energy resources and test SP1.1, finding the specific heat capacity of a material.

What you need to know

• 1.1 Energy stores Energy is stored as kinetic, gravitational potential, elastic potential, thermal, chemical, nuclear and magnetic. Ek = 1/2 mv^2; Ep = mgh; elastic energy Ee = 1/2 kx^2 (given).
• 1.1 Specific heat capacity and latent heat Q = mcΔθ (given) is the energy to change the temperature of a mass. Q = mL (given) is the energy to change state without a change in temperature. SP1.1: determine the specific heat capacity of a material using an electric heater, joulemeter or E = Pt, and a thermometer.
• 1.1 Work and power Work done W = Fx is energy transferred by a force moving through a distance. Power = work done / time, measured in watts, where 1 W = 1 J/s.
• 1.2 Conservation and efficiency Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or dissipated. Efficiency = useful output / total input, as a decimal or percentage. Unwanted transfers are reduced by lubrication, insulation and thicker walls with lower thermal conductivity.
• 1.2 Energy resources Non-renewable: coal, oil, gas and nuclear fuel. Renewable: wind, solar, hydroelectric, tidal, wave, geothermal and biofuels. Compare reliability, cost, environmental impact and carbon dioxide emissions.
• 1.3 National Grid Step-up transformers raise the voltage for transmission so the current is lower, reducing energy lost as heat in the cables. Step-down transformers lower the voltage for safe domestic use.

Common mistakes in 1 Energy

• Forgetting to square the speed in Ek = 1/2 mv^2. Square v first, then multiply by m and halve.
• Using mass in grams in energy equations. Convert to kilograms before calculating.
• Saying energy is lost or used up. Energy is dissipated to the surroundings, usually as thermal energy, and is spread out so it is less useful.
• Giving efficiency greater than 1 or 100%. If you get this, you have divided the wrong way round; use useful output / total input.
• Saying high voltage transmission reduces resistance. It reduces the current, which reduces heating in the cables.

Try three 1 Energy exam-style questions