OCR GCSE Physics A (Gateway)
OCR GCSE Physics A P7.1 Work Done Exam Questions
Free OCR GCSE Physics A exam questions for P7.1 Work Done, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers energy stores, conservation of energy, work done by forces, kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy and energy transfers in systems.
P7.1 Work Done 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 OCR GCSE Physics A P7.1 Work Done
P7.1 opens the P7 Energy chapter of OCR Gateway Physics A. It describes energy stores and the ways energy is transferred between them, and applies conservation of energy to closed systems. Work done by a force is calculated with work done = force x distance, and energy changes are calculated using kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy equations. You need to describe energy transfers in everyday systems, and recognise that some energy is always dissipated. It links back to P2 Forces and forward to P7.2 Power and efficiency and P8.1 Physics on the move. Examiners like combined GPE and KE calculations.
What you need to know
- Energy stores Kinetic, gravitational potential, elastic potential, thermal, chemical, magnetic, electrostatic and nuclear. Energy is transferred by forces (mechanical work), electrical currents, heating and radiation.
- Conservation of energy Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred. In a closed system total energy is constant, although some is dissipated to the surroundings.
- Work done Work done = force x distance moved along the line of action of the force. Work done is equal to the energy transferred and is measured in joules (1 J = 1 N m).
- Kinetic energy Kinetic energy = 0.5 x mass x (speed)^2.
- Gravitational potential energy GPE = mass x height x gravitational field strength.
- Energy in systems Describe changes in stores, for example as a ball falls GPE decreases and KE increases; when a car brakes KE is transferred to thermal energy in the brakes by work done against friction.
Common mistakes in P7.1 Work Done
- Saying energy is lost. It is transferred, often dissipated to the surroundings.
- Forgetting to square the speed in the KE equation.
- Using the wrong distance for work done. Use the distance moved in the direction of the force.
- Forgetting to convert grams to kilograms before using KE or GPE equations.
- Saying no work is done by friction. Work done against friction transfers energy to the thermal store.
Try three P7.1 Work Done exam-style questions
1. A 0.50 kg ball is dropped from 3.2 m. Ignoring air resistance, calculate its speed just before landing. Use g = 10 N/kg. (4 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
GPE = m x h x g = 0.50 x 3.2 x 10 = 16 J; KE = 16 J; 16 = 0.5 x 0.50 x v^2 so v^2 = 64; v = 8.0 m/s.
2. A force of 150 N pushes a crate 8.0 m. Calculate the work done. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Work done = force x distance = 150 x 8.0; = 1200 J.
3. Describe the energy transfers when a cyclist freewheels down a hill and then brakes to a stop at the bottom. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
GPE store decreases and KE store increases as the cyclist goes down; braking does work against friction; KE is transferred to the thermal store of the brakes and surroundings.
P7.1 Work Done FAQs
What does OCR GCSE Physics A (Gateway Science) P7.1 Work Done cover?
It covers energy stores and transfers, conservation of energy, work done, kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy.
Which paper is P7.1 examined on?
Topics P5 to P8 are assessed on Paper 2 (Foundation) or Paper 4 (Higher), which can also draw on knowledge from P1 to P4 and practical skills.
What equations do I need for Work Done?
Learn work done = force x distance, kinetic energy = 0.5 x mass x speed^2 and GPE = mass x height x gravitational field strength.
