Energy: GCSE Physics Definition

What is Energy?

In GCSE Physics, energy is stored in objects in different forms and transferred between stores via transfer pathways.

Examples of energy stores are:

• kinetic

• gravitational

• elastic

• magnetic

• electrostatic

• chemical

• nuclear

• thermal

Examples of energy transfer pathways are:

• mechanical

• electrical

• heating

• radiation

The principle of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transferred from one store to another. This principle is a fundamental concept in physics and tells us that the total amount of energy in a closed system must always remain constant. When there is a change in the system, energy may be transferred between stores usefully or dissipated to the thermal store of the surroundings.

Energy revision resources to ace your exams

Energy is one of the most important topics in all GCSE Physics and Combined Science courses. A strong knowledge of this topic can aid your understanding of other topics. Exam boards are very specific about the energy stores and transfer terminology and when it is used. Each exam board, such as AQA GCSE Physics or Edexcel GCSE Physics, organises the key information about energy slightly differently. Once you are ready to test your knowledge you can use our specific exam practice questions on energy, such as the questions for AQA GCSE Physics on Energy Changes in a System. If you are ready for some general exam revision then you can use the past paper section, for example, the OCR GCSE Physics past papers. 

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