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System: GCSE Physics Definition

Katie M

Written by: Katie M

Reviewed by: Ann Howell

Published

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2 minutes

Contents

  1. 1. What is a system?
  2. 2. System revision resources to ace your exams

What is a system?

In GCSE physics, a system is an object or group of objects. Any objects not a part of the system are thought to be in the surroundings.

Defining a system is a useful tool for simplifying concepts in physics, such as energy and forces. It allows us to set boundaries between the object or objects being studied and the surroundings and makes it easier to describe changes to the system.

Changes make things happen. When nothing changes, the system remains in equilibrium. When a change occurs, energy is transferred to or from the system. Energy can be transferred between different stores of energy, such as kinetic, gravitational, elastic, chemical, and so on.

Energy can be transferred within a system via four main pathways:

  • Mechanical work done - when a force moves an object over a distance

  • Electrical work done - when a current flows due to a potential difference

  • Heating by particles - when energy is transferred due to a temperature difference

  • Heating by radiation - when energy is transferred as an electromagnetic wave

Hand holding a mug of coffee with arrows showing heat transfer from coffee to mug and from mug to hand; text boxes define the system as the coffee, the mug, and the hand and explain that energy is transferred by heating from the thermal store of the coffee to the thermal store of the mug and then to the hands.
In a system consisting of a hot coffee, a mug and cold hands, energy is transferred by heating from the thermal store of the hot coffee to the mug and eventually to the cold hands

System revision resources to ace your exams

You can simplify your revision of systems by checking out our GCSE physics resources, including expert-written revision notes and exam questions. These are tailored to your specific exam board, whether you are taking AQA, Edexcel, OCR or WJEC.

Explore Our GCSE Physics Revision Resources

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Author
Reviewer
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.

Ann Howell

Author: Ann Howell

Expertise: Physics Content Creator

Ann obtained her Maths and Physics degree from the University of Bath before completing her PGCE in Science and Maths teaching. She spent ten years teaching Maths and Physics to wonderful students from all around the world whilst living in China, Ethiopia and Nepal. Now based in beautiful Devon she is thrilled to be creating awesome Physics resources to make Physics more accessible and understandable for all students, no matter their schooling or background.

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