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Work done and energy transfer
For calculation or explanation marks, Work done and energy transfer sits inside 4.5 Forces and should be revised as a connected set of physical ideas, not as isolated definitions. Context: the topic brings together Work done by a force, Energy transfer and braking and asks students to move between description, calculation, graph interpretation and explanation where appropriate. Key Concept: identify the quantity, model or interaction first, then state how evidence or a mathematical relationship supports it. Worked Example: for a typical exam item, name the relevant principle, use the given data or diagram, and finish with a sentence that interprets the physical consequence. Exam Focus: keep command words visible; describe asks for features, explain asks for a causal link, calculate requires equation, substitution and unit, and evaluate needs evidence. Common Mistake: avoid using a nearby concept as a substitute, such as confusing field with force, current with potential difference, speed with acceleration, or red-shift evidence with the Big Bang model itself.
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10
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90 min
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Syllabus checklist
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21 objective pages available
Work done by a force11 objectives
- Define work done as energy transferred when a force moves an object through a distance.
- State that one joule is one newton metre.
- Use the equation work done = force x distance moved along the line of action of the force.
- Calculate work done from force and distance.
- Calculate force from work done and distance.
- Calculate distance from work done and force.
- Identify the distance moved along the line of action of the force.
- Explain that work done against friction transfers energy to thermal stores.
- Explain that work done on an object can increase its kinetic energy store.
- Distinguish force from work done in calculations and explanations.
- Apply MS 3b and MS 3c skills when rearranging W = Fs.
Energy transfer and braking10 objectives
- Describe how braking forces transfer energy from a vehicle's kinetic energy store.
- Explain that braking often transfers energy to thermal stores in brakes and surroundings.
- Link larger braking forces to greater work done over a given distance.
- Explain why stopping distance depends on energy transfer by braking forces.
- Distinguish thinking distance from braking distance in stopping-distance contexts.
- Describe how increased speed increases the energy that must be dissipated during braking.
- Explain why excessive braking can make brakes overheat.
- Use work done ideas to explain safety features that increase stopping time or distance.
- Interpret simple data about braking force, distance and energy transfer.
- Apply proportional reasoning when comparing work done by different braking forces.
Key terms
Exam tips
- Understand Work Done: Remember that work done is defined as the energy transferred when a force moves an object through a distance. Always use the formula W = F x s to calculate work done.
- Understand Joules and Newton Metres: Remember that one joule is equivalent to one newton metre; use this relationship in calculations involving work done.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Work Done with Energy Transfer: To fix this, remember that work done is a specific case of energy transfer that occurs when a force causes an object to move. Focus on the definition: work done is energy transferred when a force moves an object through a distance.
- Confusion between Joules and Newton Metres: Remember that one joule is defined as one newton metre, which means they are equivalent and can be used interchangeably in the context of work done.
Practice preview
- Which option best applies work done for Work done by a force in AQA GCSE Physics Forces?
- Work done and energy transfer scenario: weight and normal contact force act on one object. Which answer best addresses Work done by a force and the objective to define work done as energy transferred when a force moves an object through a distance?
- Work done and energy transfer scenario: speed changes over a measured time interval. Which answer best addresses Work done by a force and the objective to define work done as energy transferred when a force moves an object through a distance?
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