GCSE Physics Specification

Edexcel 1PH0

Section 3: Conservation of energy

Are you studying this syllabus?

You can track your progress by adding it to your account.

Add syllabus

#3.1

Recall and use the equation to calculate the change in gravitational PE when an object is raised above the ground:

change in gravitational potential energy (joule, J) = mass (kilogram, kg) × gravitational field strength (newton per kilogram, N/kg) × change in vertical height (metre, m)

\(\Delta GPE = m × g × \Delta h\)

#3.2

Recall and use the equation to calculate the amounts of energy associated with a moving object:

kinetic energy (joule, J) = \(\frac{1}{2}\) × mass (kilogram, kg) × (speed)2 ((metre/second)2, (m/s)2)

\(KE = \dfrac{1}{2} × m × v^2\)

#3.3

Draw and interpret diagrams to represent energy transfers

#3.4

Explain what is meant by conservation of energy

#3.5

Analyse the changes involved in the way energy is stored when a system changes, including:

a) an object projected upwards or up a slope
b) a moving object hitting an obstacle
c) an object being accelerated by a constant force
d) a vehicle slowing down
e) bringing water to a boil in an electric kettle

#3.6

Explain that where there are energy transfers in a closed system there is no net change to the total energy in that system

#3.7

Explain that mechanical processes become wasteful when they cause a rise in temperature so dissipating energy in heating the surroundings

#3.8

Explain, using examples, how in all system changes energy is dissipated so that it is stored in less useful ways

#3.9

Explain ways of reducing unwanted energy transfer including through lubrication, thermal insulation

#3.10

Describe the effects of the thickness and thermal conductivity of the walls of a building on its rate of cooling qualitatively

#3.11

Recall and use the equation:

\(\text{efficiency} = \dfrac{\text{useful energy transferred by the device}}{\text{total energy supplied to the device}}\)

#3.12

Explain how efficiency can be increased

#3.13

Describe the main energy sources available for use on Earth (including fossil fuels, nuclear fuel, bio-fuel, wind, hydro-electricity, the tides and the Sun), and compare the ways in which both renewable and non-renewable sources are used

#3.14

Explain patterns and trends in the use of energy resources