Electrical Energy (Cambridge O Level Physics)

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Electrical Energy Equation

  • Everyday appliances transfer energy from the mains supply to the appliance
    • For example, a heater will transfer energy electrically to the thermal store of the heating element

  • The amount of energy an appliance transfers depends on:
    • The time the appliance is switched on for
    • The power of the appliance

  • A 1 kW iron uses the same amount of energy in 1 hour as a 2 kW iron would use in 30 minutes
  • A 100 W heater uses the same amount of energy in 30 hours as a 3000 W heater does in 1 hour

Calculating Electrical Energy

  • To calculate electrical energy use the equation

E space equals space V I t

  • Where:
    • E = energy (joules, J)
    • V = voltage (volts, V)
    • I = current (amps, A)
    • t = time (seconds, s)

Examiner Tip

Remember that kilo (k) means 1000, so 1 kW = 1000 W

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Leander

Author: Leander

Expertise: Physics

Leander graduated with First-class honours in Science and Education from Sheffield Hallam University. She won the prestigious Lord Robert Winston Solomon Lipson Prize in recognition of her dedication to science and teaching excellence. After teaching and tutoring both science and maths students, Leander now brings this passion for helping young people reach their potential to her work at SME.