Conservation of Energy (AQA A Level Physics)
Revision Note
The Principle of Conservation of Energy
The Principle of Conservation of Energy states that:
Energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be transferred from one form to another
This means the total amount of energy in a closed system remains constant, although how much of each form there is may change
Types of Energy
Energy Dissipation
No energy transfer is 100% efficient
When energy is transferred, some of the energy is dissipated to the surroundings
Dissipated energy is usually regarded as wasted energy because it cannot easily be used for a specific purpose
Any energy not transferred for a useful purpose is wasted energy
These are commonly in the form of thermal (heat), light or sound energy
What counts as wasted energy depends on the system
For example, in a television:
electrical energy ➝ light energy + sound energy + thermal energy
Light and sound energy are useful energy transfers, whereas thermal energy (from the heating up of wires) is wasted
Another example, in a heater:
electrical energy ➝ thermal energy + sound energy
Thermal energy is useful, whereas sound is not
Applications of Energy Conservation
Common examples of energy transfers are:
A falling object (in a vacuum): gravitational potential energy ➝ kinetic energy
A battery: chemical energy ➝ electrical energy
Horizontal mass on a spring: elastic potential energy ➝ kinetic energy
Energy transfers whilst jumping on a trampoline
There may also be work done against resistive forces such as friction
For example, if an object travels up a rough inclined surface, then
Loss in kinetic energy = Gain in gravitational potential energy + Work done against friction
Energy Equations
The most common equations used in the conservation of energy calculations are:
Worked Example
The diagram shows a rollercoaster going down a track.
The rollercoaster takes the path A → B → C → D.
Which statement is true about the energy changes that occur for the rollercoaster down this track?
A. KE - GPE - GPE - KE
B. KE - GPE - KE - GPE
C. GPE - KE - KE - GPE
D. GPE - KE - GPE - KE
Answer: D
At point A:
The rollercoaster is raised above the ground, therefore it has GPE
As it travels down the track, GPE is converted to KE and the roller coaster speeds up
At point B:
KE is converted to GPE as the rollercoaster rises up the loop
At point C:
This GPE is converted back into KE as the rollercoaster travels back down the loop
At point D:
The flat terrain means the rollercoaster only has KE
Examiner Tips and Tricks
You may not always be given the energy transfers happening in the system in exam questions. By familiarising yourself with the transfers and stores of energy, you will be expected to relate these to the situation in question. For example, a ball rolling down a hill is transferring gravitational potential energy to kinetic energy whilst a spring converts elastic potential energy into kinetic energy.
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