Work Done & Energy Transfer (AQA GCSE Physics)

Revision Note

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Units for Work & Energy

  • The formula for work is:

W = F × s

  • Multiplying force and distance produces units of newton-metres (N m)
    • Work is measured in joules (J)

  • This leads to a simple conversion:

1 J = 1 N m

  • Therefore, the number of Joules is equal to the number of newton-metres, making conversions between the units very straightforward, for example:

1000 J = 1000 N m

  • One Joule is equal to the work done by a force of one newton acting through one metre

Examiner Tip

You must include the correct units in your answer, forgetting to include units will lose you a mark - in the case of work, you may use either newton-metres (N m) or Joules (J)

Work Done & Energy Transfer

  • Whenever any work is done, energy is transferred from one store to another
  • Mechanical (or electrical) working is an energy transfer pathway
  • The amount of energy transferred (in joules) is equal to the work done (also in joules)

energy transferred (J) = work done (J)

 

  • If a force acts in the direction that an object is moving, then the object will gain energy (energy is transferred to its kinetic store)
  • If the force acts in the opposite direction to the movement then the object will lose energy (energy is transferred away to the thermal store of the object and the surroundings)

  • Take the example of an object which is lifted vertically with a 100 N force for a distance of 10 m
  • The work done on the object is equal to:

W = F × s

W = 100 N × 10 m = 1000 N m

  • Energy is transferred mechanically to the gravitational potential store of the object 
  • During that energy transfer 1000 J of energy was transferred

Worked example

A woman draws a bucket up out of a well. The bucket has a mass of 10 kg when filled with water and the well is 15 m deep. Take the gravitational field strength to be 9.8 N/kg.Work Energy Transfer Worked example, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

a) Describe the energy transfer involved in raising the bucket out of the well

b) Calculate the energy transferred to the bucket

Part (a)

    • Work is done by the woman as she exerts a force on the rope to pull the bucket up
    • The work done on the bucket is due to overcoming the weight of the bucket for a distance of 15 m
    • As the bucket rises, energy is transferred to the gravitational potential store of the bucket

Part (b)

Step 1: List all of the known values

    • Mass, m = 10 kg
    • Gravitational field strength, g = 9.8 N/kg
    • Height, h = 15 m

Step 2: Write the equation relating work, force and distance

Work = Force × Distance

Step 3: Write out the equation for weight and substitute it into the work equation

Weight = m × g

Work = m × g × h

    • Note: This is the equation for gravitational potential energy

Step 4: Calculate the work done on the bucket

Work = 10 × 9.8 × 15 = 1470 N m

Step 5: Convert the work done into energy transferred

Energy transferred in joules = Work done in newton-metres

Energy transferred = 1470 J

    • The bucket gained 1470 J of gravitational potential energy

Examiner Tip

Remember:

  • Changes in speed are related to kinetic energy
  • Changes in height are related to gravitational potential energy
  • Changes in the shape of materials are related to elastic potential energy

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Katie M

Author: Katie M

Expertise: Physics

Katie has always been passionate about the sciences, and completed a degree in Astrophysics at Sheffield University. She decided that she wanted to inspire other young people, so moved to Bristol to complete a PGCE in Secondary Science. She particularly loves creating fun and absorbing materials to help students achieve their exam potential.