GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 1

1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1200 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 800 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 52 m/s. moving with 280 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.79 J of energy when
1200 g = 1.2 kg 280 kJ = 280,000 J 86 N/m when it is stretched by 13 cm. stretched 12 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 13 cm = 0.13 m 12 cm = 0.12 m

KE = ½ x 1.2 x 522 280000 = ½ x 800 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 1600 J v2 = 2 x 280000 / 800 EPE = ½ x 86 x 0.132 0.79 = ½ x k x 0.122

Always convert units before starting to v = 26 m/s EPE = 0.73 J k = 2 x 0.79 / 0.122
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 110 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 400 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 3.7 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.5 kg block of metal which absorbs 39 kJ of transfers 240 kJ of energy in 3 minutes.
17 m. 2700 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 240 kJ = 240000 J 3 min = 180 s
GPE = mgh 20°C to 58°C. 20°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 3.7 x 9.8 x 17 400 g = 0.4 kg 39 kJ = 39000 J
P = 240000 / 180
GPE = 620 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1300 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.4 x 2700 x (58 - 20) 39000 = 2.5 x c x 20
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 41000 J c = 39000 / (2.5 x 20) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 780 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 48 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 26 m. 7.4 kJ of energy to lift a 34 kg object 11 m. a 87 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.4 kJ = 7400 J 200 N/m when it has been stretched 27 cm.

GPE = mgh = 48 x 9.8 x 26 = 12200 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 87 g = 0.087 kg 27 cm = 0.27 m

KE = ½ mv2 12200 = ½ x 48 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 12200 / 48 v = 23 m/s useful energy = mgh = 34 x 9.8 x 11 = 3700 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 200 x 0.272 = 7.29 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3700 / 7400 GPE = mgh 7.29 = 0.087 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 48 x 9.8 x 26 = ½ x 48 x v2 efficiency = 0.5 (50 %) h = 7.29 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 8.6 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 26 v = 23 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 2
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1900 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1800 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 74 m/s. moving with 920 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.49 J of energy when
1900 g = 1.9 kg 920 kJ = 920,000 J 55 N/m when it is stretched by 13 cm. stretched 6 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 13 cm = 0.13 m 6 cm = 0.06 m

KE = ½ x 1.9 x 742 920000 = ½ x 1800 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 5200 J v2 = 2 x 920000 / 1800 EPE = ½ x 55 x 0.132 0.49 = ½ x k x 0.062

Always convert units before starting to v = 32 m/s EPE = 0.46 J k = 2 x 0.49 / 0.062
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 270 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 180 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 9.8 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.1 kg block of metal which absorbs 20 kJ of transfers 210 kJ of energy in 6 minutes.
13 m. 3700 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 210 kJ = 210000 J 6 min = 360 s
GPE = mgh 23°C to 89°C. 22°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 9.8 x 9.8 x 13 180 g = 0.18 kg 20 kJ = 20000 J
P = 210000 / 360
GPE = 1200 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 580 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.18 x 3700 x (89 - 23) 20000 = 2.1 x c x 22
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 44000 J c = 20000 / (2.1 x 22) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 430 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 50 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 14 m. 7.5 kJ of energy to lift a 29 kg object 14 m. a 64 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.5 kJ = 7500 J 320 N/m when it has been stretched 29 cm.

GPE = mgh = 50 x 9.8 x 14 = 6860 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 64 g = 0.064 kg 29 cm = 0.29 m

KE = ½ mv2 6860 = ½ x 50 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 6860 / 50 v = 17 m/s useful energy = mgh = 29 x 9.8 x 14 = 4000 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 320 x 0.292 = 13.5 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4000 / 7500 GPE = mgh 13.5 = 0.064 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 50 x 9.8 x 14 = ½ x 50 x v2 efficiency = 0.53 (53 %) h = 13.5 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 22 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 14 v = 17 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 3
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1500 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2200 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 50 m/s. moving with 1320 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.29 J of energy when
1500 g = 1.5 kg 1320 kJ = 1,320,000 J 43 N/m when it is stretched by 24 cm. stretched 5 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 24 cm = 0.24 m 5 cm = 0.05 m

KE = ½ x 1.5 x 502 1320000 = ½ x 2200 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 1900 J v2 = 2 x 1320000 / 2200 EPE = ½ x 43 x 0.242 0.29 = ½ x k x 0.052

Always convert units before starting to v = 35 m/s EPE = 1.2 J k = 2 x 0.29 / 0.052
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 230 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 240 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 3.9 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.9 kg block of metal which absorbs 33 kJ of transfers 260 kJ of energy in 3 minutes.
14 m. 3900 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 260 kJ = 260000 J 3 min = 180 s
GPE = mgh 25°C to 37°C. 15°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 3.9 x 9.8 x 14 240 g = 0.24 kg 33 kJ = 33000 J
P = 260000 / 180
GPE = 540 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1400 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.24 x 3900 x (37 - 25) 33000 = 1.9 x c x 15
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 11000 J c = 33000 / (1.9 x 15) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 1200 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 154 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 48 m. 6.9 kJ of energy to lift a 29 kg object 15 m. a 67 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.9 kJ = 6900 J 310 N/m when it has been stretched 30 cm.

GPE = mgh = 154 x 9.8 x 48 = 72400 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 67 g = 0.067 kg 30 cm = 0.3 m

KE = ½ mv2 72400 = ½ x 154 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 72400 / 154 v = 31 m/s useful energy = mgh = 29 x 9.8 x 15 = 4300 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 310 x 0.32 = 14 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4300 / 6900 GPE = mgh 14 = 0.067 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 154 x 9.8 x 48 = ½ x 154 x v2 efficiency = 0.62 (62 %) h = 14 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 21 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 48 v = 31 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 4
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1400 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 900 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 59 m/s. moving with 340 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.45 J of energy when
1400 g = 1.4 kg 340 kJ = 340,000 J 53 N/m when it is stretched by 25 cm. stretched 17 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 25 cm = 0.25 m 17 cm = 0.17 m

KE = ½ x 1.4 x 592 340000 = ½ x 900 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 2400 J v2 = 2 x 340000 / 900 EPE = ½ x 53 x 0.252 0.45 = ½ x k x 0.172

Always convert units before starting to v = 27 m/s EPE = 1.7 J k = 2 x 0.45 / 0.172
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 31 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 740 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 2 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 5.4 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of kg block of metal which absorbs 23 kJ of transfers 470 kJ of energy in 5 minutes.
3 m. 2100 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 470 kJ = 470000 J 5 min = 300 s
GPE = mgh 19°C to 52°C. 11°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 5.4 x 9.8 x 3 740 g = 0.74 kg 23 kJ = 23000 J
P = 470000 / 300
GPE = 160 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1600 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.74 x 2100 x (52 - 19) 23000 = 2 x c x 11
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 51000 J c = 23000 / (2 x 11) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 1000 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 123 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 47 m. 6.4 kJ of energy to lift a 39 kg object 12 m. a 83 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.4 kJ = 6400 J 490 N/m when it has been stretched 36 cm.

GPE = mgh = 123 x 9.8 x 47 = 56700 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 83 g = 0.083 kg 36 cm = 0.36 m

KE = ½ mv2 56700 = ½ x 123 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 56700 / 123 v = 30 m/s useful energy = mgh = 39 x 9.8 x 12 = 4600 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 490 x 0.362 = 31.8 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4600 / 6400 GPE = mgh 31.8 = 0.083 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 123 x 9.8 x 47 = ½ x 123 x v2 efficiency = 0.72 (72 %) h = 31.8 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 39 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 47 v = 30 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 5
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1200 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1300 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 54 m/s. moving with 160 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.59 J of energy when
1200 g = 1.2 kg 160 kJ = 160,000 J 11 N/m when it is stretched by 15 cm. stretched 16 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 15 cm = 0.15 m 16 cm = 0.16 m

KE = ½ x 1.2 x 542 160000 = ½ x 1300 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 1700 J v2 = 2 x 160000 / 1300 EPE = ½ x 11 x 0.152 0.59 = ½ x k x 0.162

Always convert units before starting to v = 16 m/s EPE = 0.12 J k = 2 x 0.59 / 0.162
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 46 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 260 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 2 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 6.8 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of kg block of metal which absorbs 44 kJ of transfers 480 kJ of energy in 9 minutes.
13 m. 4300 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 480 kJ = 480000 J 9 min = 540 s
GPE = mgh 21°C to 66°C. 11°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 6.8 x 9.8 x 13 260 g = 0.26 kg 44 kJ = 44000 J
P = 480000 / 540
GPE = 870 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 890 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.26 x 4300 x (66 - 21) 44000 = 2 x c x 11
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 50000 J c = 44000 / (2 x 11) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 2000 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 165 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 28 m. 7.6 kJ of energy to lift a 39 kg object 10 m. a 66 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.6 kJ = 7600 J 300 N/m when it has been stretched 35 cm.

GPE = mgh = 165 x 9.8 x 28 = 45300 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 66 g = 0.066 kg 35 cm = 0.35 m

KE = ½ mv2 45300 = ½ x 165 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 45300 / 165 v = 23 m/s useful energy = mgh = 39 x 9.8 x 10 = 3800 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 300 x 0.352 = 18.4 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3800 / 7600 GPE = mgh 18.4 = 0.066 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 165 x 9.8 x 28 = ½ x 165 x v2 efficiency = 0.5 (50 %) h = 18.4 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 28 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 28 v = 23 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 6
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2300 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1500 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 25 m/s. moving with 530 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.84 J of energy when
2300 g = 2.3 kg 530 kJ = 530,000 J 48 N/m when it is stretched by 35 cm. stretched 13 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 35 cm = 0.35 m 13 cm = 0.13 m

KE = ½ x 2.3 x 252 530000 = ½ x 1500 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 720 J v2 = 2 x 530000 / 1500 EPE = ½ x 48 x 0.352 0.84 = ½ x k x 0.132

Always convert units before starting to v = 27 m/s EPE = 2.9 J k = 2 x 0.84 / 0.132
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 99 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 290 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 6.7 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.5 kg block of metal which absorbs 44 kJ of transfers 300 kJ of energy in 4 minutes.
4 m. 1700 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 300 kJ = 300000 J 4 min = 240 s
GPE = mgh 15°C to 77°C. 29°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 6.7 x 9.8 x 4 290 g = 0.29 kg 44 kJ = 44000 J
P = 300000 / 240
GPE = 260 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1300 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.29 x 1700 x (77 - 15) 44000 = 1.5 x c x 29
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 31000 J c = 44000 / (1.5 x 29) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 1000 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 165 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 42 m. 6.5 kJ of energy to lift a 24 kg object 10 m. a 97 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.5 kJ = 6500 J 260 N/m when it has been stretched 34 cm.

GPE = mgh = 165 x 9.8 x 42 = 67900 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 97 g = 0.097 kg 34 cm = 0.34 m

KE = ½ mv2 67900 = ½ x 165 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 67900 / 165 v = 29 m/s useful energy = mgh = 24 x 9.8 x 10 = 2400 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 260 x 0.342 = 15 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 2400 / 6500 GPE = mgh 15 = 0.097 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 165 x 9.8 x 42 = ½ x 165 x v2 efficiency = 0.37 (37 %) h = 15 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 16 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 42 v = 29 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 7
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2200 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2000 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 25 m/s. moving with 1000 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.68 J of energy when
2200 g = 2.2 kg 1000 kJ = 1,000,000 J 90 N/m when it is stretched by 11 cm. stretched 7 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 11 cm = 0.11 m 7 cm = 0.07 m

KE = ½ x 2.2 x 252 1000000 = ½ x 2000 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 690 J v2 = 2 x 1000000 / 2000 EPE = ½ x 90 x 0.112 0.68 = ½ x k x 0.072

Always convert units before starting to v = 32 m/s EPE = 0.54 J k = 2 x 0.68 / 0.072
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 280 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 610 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 5.8 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.7 kg block of metal which absorbs 35 kJ of transfers 200 kJ of energy in 3 minutes.
14 m. 1000 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 200 kJ = 200000 J 3 min = 180 s
GPE = mgh 16°C to 86°C. 24°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 5.8 x 9.8 x 14 610 g = 0.61 kg 35 kJ = 35000 J
P = 200000 / 180
GPE = 800 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1100 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.61 x 1000 x (86 - 16) 35000 = 1.7 x c x 24
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 43000 J c = 35000 / (1.7 x 24) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 860 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 31 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 26 m. 8 kJ of energy to lift a 34 kg object 10 m. a 56 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 8 kJ = 8000 J 280 N/m when it has been stretched 33 cm.

GPE = mgh = 31 x 9.8 x 26 = 7900 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 56 g = 0.056 kg 33 cm = 0.33 m

KE = ½ mv2 7900 = ½ x 31 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 7900 / 31 v = 23 m/s useful energy = mgh = 34 x 9.8 x 10 = 3300 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 280 x 0.332 = 15.2 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3300 / 8000 GPE = mgh 15.2 = 0.056 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 31 x 9.8 x 26 = ½ x 31 x v2 efficiency = 0.41 (41 %) h = 15.2 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 28 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 26 v = 23 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 8
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2400 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1800 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 50 m/s. moving with 620 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.83 J of energy when
2400 g = 2.4 kg 620 kJ = 620,000 J 82 N/m when it is stretched by 48 cm. stretched 10 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 48 cm = 0.48 m 10 cm = 0.1 m

KE = ½ x 2.4 x 502 620000 = ½ x 1800 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 3000 J v2 = 2 x 620000 / 1800 EPE = ½ x 82 x 0.482 0.83 = ½ x k x 0.12

Always convert units before starting to v = 26 m/s EPE = 9.4 J k = 2 x 0.83 / 0.12
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 170 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 880 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 1.6 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.2 kg block of metal which absorbs 23 kJ of transfers 470 kJ of energy in 6 minutes.
4 m. 2300 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 470 kJ = 470000 J 6 min = 360 s
GPE = mgh 24°C to 56°C. 22°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 1.6 x 9.8 x 4 880 g = 0.88 kg 23 kJ = 23000 J
P = 470000 / 360
GPE = 63 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1300 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.88 x 2300 x (56 - 24) 23000 = 1.2 x c x 22
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 65000 J c = 23000 / (1.2 x 22) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 870 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 53 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 47 m. 8 kJ of energy to lift a 29 kg object 12 m. a 54 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 8 kJ = 8000 J 450 N/m when it has been stretched 31 cm.

GPE = mgh = 53 x 9.8 x 47 = 24400 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 54 g = 0.054 kg 31 cm = 0.31 m

KE = ½ mv2 24400 = ½ x 53 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 24400 / 53 v = 30 m/s useful energy = mgh = 29 x 9.8 x 12 = 3400 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 450 x 0.312 = 21.6 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3400 / 8000 GPE = mgh 21.6 = 0.054 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 53 x 9.8 x 47 = ½ x 53 x v2 efficiency = 0.43 (43 %) h = 21.6 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 41 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 47 v = 30 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 9
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2500 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1800 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 24 m/s. moving with 320 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.8 J of energy when
2500 g = 2.5 kg 320 kJ = 320,000 J 96 N/m when it is stretched by 10 cm. stretched 5 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 10 cm = 0.1 m 5 cm = 0.05 m

KE = ½ x 2.5 x 242 320000 = ½ x 1800 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 720 J v2 = 2 x 320000 / 1800 EPE = ½ x 96 x 0.12 0.8 = ½ x k x 0.052

Always convert units before starting to v = 19 m/s EPE = 0.48 J k = 2 x 0.8 / 0.052
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 640 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 230 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 2.3 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.6 kg block of metal which absorbs 26 kJ of transfers 500 kJ of energy in 3 minutes.
1 m. 1600 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 500 kJ = 500000 J 3 min = 180 s
GPE = mgh 11°C to 31°C. 25°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 2.3 x 9.8 x 1 230 g = 0.23 kg 26 kJ = 26000 J
P = 500000 / 180
GPE = 23 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 2800 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.23 x 1600 x (31 - 11) 26000 = 1.6 x c x 25
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 7400 J c = 26000 / (1.6 x 25) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 650 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 167 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 48 m. 6.9 kJ of energy to lift a 24 kg object 10 m. a 54 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.9 kJ = 6900 J 390 N/m when it has been stretched 36 cm.

GPE = mgh = 167 x 9.8 x 48 = 78600 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 54 g = 0.054 kg 36 cm = 0.36 m

KE = ½ mv2 78600 = ½ x 167 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 78600 / 167 v = 31 m/s useful energy = mgh = 24 x 9.8 x 10 = 2400 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 390 x 0.362 = 25.3 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 2400 / 6900 GPE = mgh 25.3 = 0.054 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 167 x 9.8 x 48 = ½ x 167 x v2 efficiency = 0.35 (35 %) h = 25.3 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 48 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 48 v = 31 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 10
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 700 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1800 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 67 m/s. moving with 250 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.99 J of energy when
700 g = 0.7 kg 250 kJ = 250,000 J 15 N/m when it is stretched by 24 cm. stretched 12 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 24 cm = 0.24 m 12 cm = 0.12 m

KE = ½ x 0.7 x 672 250000 = ½ x 1800 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 1600 J v2 = 2 x 250000 / 1800 EPE = ½ x 15 x 0.242 0.99 = ½ x k x 0.122

Always convert units before starting to v = 17 m/s EPE = 0.43 J k = 2 x 0.99 / 0.122
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 140 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 400 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 9.4 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.8 kg block of metal which absorbs 33 kJ of transfers 710 kJ of energy in 6 minutes.
1 m. 4600 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 710 kJ = 710000 J 6 min = 360 s
GPE = mgh 16°C to 46°C. 21°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 9.4 x 9.8 x 1 400 g = 0.4 kg 33 kJ = 33000 J
P = 710000 / 360
GPE = 92 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 2000 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.4 x 4600 x (46 - 16) 33000 = 1.8 x c x 21
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 55000 J c = 33000 / (1.8 x 21) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 870 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 171 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 40 m. 6.8 kJ of energy to lift a 38 kg object 15 m. a 78 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.8 kJ = 6800 J 500 N/m when it has been stretched 26 cm.

GPE = mgh = 171 x 9.8 x 40 = 67000 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 78 g = 0.078 kg 26 cm = 0.26 m

KE = ½ mv2 67000 = ½ x 171 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 67000 / 171 v = 28 m/s useful energy = mgh = 38 x 9.8 x 15 = 5600 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 500 x 0.262 = 16.9 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 5600 / 6800 GPE = mgh 16.9 = 0.078 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 171 x 9.8 x 40 = ½ x 171 x v2 efficiency = 0.82 (82 %) h = 16.9 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 22 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 40 v = 28 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 11
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1200 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2100 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 72 m/s. moving with 770 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.96 J of energy when
1200 g = 1.2 kg 770 kJ = 770,000 J 12 N/m when it is stretched by 20 cm. stretched 11 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 20 cm = 0.2 m 11 cm = 0.11 m

KE = ½ x 1.2 x 722 770000 = ½ x 2100 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 3100 J v2 = 2 x 770000 / 2100 EPE = ½ x 12 x 0.22 0.96 = ½ x k x 0.112

Always convert units before starting to v = 27 m/s EPE = 0.24 J k = 2 x 0.96 / 0.112
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 160 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 160 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 3.8 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.8 kg block of metal which absorbs 44 kJ of transfers 770 kJ of energy in 3 minutes.
9 m. 1200 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 770 kJ = 770000 J 3 min = 180 s
GPE = mgh 20°C to 48°C. 31°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 3.8 x 9.8 x 9 160 g = 0.16 kg 44 kJ = 44000 J
P = 770000 / 180
GPE = 340 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 4300 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.16 x 1200 x (48 - 20) 44000 = 1.8 x c x 31
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 5400 J c = 44000 / (1.8 x 31) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 790 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 200 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 34 m. 7.5 kJ of energy to lift a 28 kg object 11 m. a 93 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.5 kJ = 7500 J 280 N/m when it has been stretched 39 cm.

GPE = mgh = 200 x 9.8 x 34 = 66600 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 93 g = 0.093 kg 39 cm = 0.39 m

KE = ½ mv2 66600 = ½ x 200 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 66600 / 200 v = 26 m/s useful energy = mgh = 28 x 9.8 x 11 = 3000 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 280 x 0.392 = 21.3 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3000 / 7500 GPE = mgh 21.3 = 0.093 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 200 x 9.8 x 34 = ½ x 200 x v2 efficiency = 0.4 (40 %) h = 21.3 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 23 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 34 v = 26 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 12
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1900 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1600 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 48 m/s. moving with 960 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.13 J of energy when
1900 g = 1.9 kg 960 kJ = 960,000 J 18 N/m when it is stretched by 25 cm. stretched 14 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 25 cm = 0.25 m 14 cm = 0.14 m

KE = ½ x 1.9 x 482 960000 = ½ x 1600 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 2200 J v2 = 2 x 960000 / 1600 EPE = ½ x 18 x 0.252 0.13 = ½ x k x 0.142

Always convert units before starting to v = 35 m/s EPE = 0.56 J k = 2 x 0.13 / 0.142
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 13 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 760 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 8.9 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.2 kg block of metal which absorbs 26 kJ of transfers 850 kJ of energy in 4 minutes.
5 m. 1500 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 850 kJ = 850000 J 4 min = 240 s
GPE = mgh 14°C to 77°C. 29°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 8.9 x 9.8 x 5 760 g = 0.76 kg 26 kJ = 26000 J
P = 850000 / 240
GPE = 440 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 3500 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.76 x 1500 x (77 - 14) 26000 = 2.2 x c x 29
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 72000 J c = 26000 / (2.2 x 29) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 410 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 188 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 29 m. 7.1 kJ of energy to lift a 39 kg object 11 m. a 74 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.1 kJ = 7100 J 380 N/m when it has been stretched 31 cm.

GPE = mgh = 188 x 9.8 x 29 = 53400 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 74 g = 0.074 kg 31 cm = 0.31 m

KE = ½ mv2 53400 = ½ x 188 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 53400 / 188 v = 24 m/s useful energy = mgh = 39 x 9.8 x 11 = 4200 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 380 x 0.312 = 18.3 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4200 / 7100 GPE = mgh 18.3 = 0.074 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 188 x 9.8 x 29 = ½ x 188 x v2 efficiency = 0.59 (59 %) h = 18.3 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 25 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 29 v = 24 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 13
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2400 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1600 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 44 m/s. moving with 1330 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.5 J of energy when
2400 g = 2.4 kg 1330 kJ = 1,330,000 J 14 N/m when it is stretched by 34 cm. stretched 19 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 34 cm = 0.34 m 19 cm = 0.19 m

KE = ½ x 2.4 x 442 1330000 = ½ x 1600 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 2300 J v2 = 2 x 1330000 / 1600 EPE = ½ x 14 x 0.342 0.5 = ½ x k x 0.192

Always convert units before starting to v = 41 m/s EPE = 0.81 J k = 2 x 0.5 / 0.192
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 28 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 720 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 1.6 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.4 kg block of metal which absorbs 42 kJ of transfers 790 kJ of energy in 7 minutes.
14 m. 2700 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 790 kJ = 790000 J 7 min = 420 s
GPE = mgh 19°C to 86°C. 21°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 1.6 x 9.8 x 14 720 g = 0.72 kg 42 kJ = 42000 J
P = 790000 / 420
GPE = 220 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1900 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.72 x 2700 x (86 - 19) 42000 = 2.4 x c x 21
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 130000 J c = 42000 / (2.4 x 21) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 830 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 157 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 47 m. 8 kJ of energy to lift a 29 kg object 15 m. a 88 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 8 kJ = 8000 J 490 N/m when it has been stretched 33 cm.

GPE = mgh = 157 x 9.8 x 47 = 72300 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 88 g = 0.088 kg 33 cm = 0.33 m

KE = ½ mv2 72300 = ½ x 157 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 72300 / 157 v = 30 m/s useful energy = mgh = 29 x 9.8 x 15 = 4300 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 490 x 0.332 = 26.7 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4300 / 8000 GPE = mgh 26.7 = 0.088 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 157 x 9.8 x 47 = ½ x 157 x v2 efficiency = 0.54 (54 %) h = 26.7 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 31 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 47 v = 30 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 14
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1500 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1900 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 33 m/s. moving with 400 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.8 J of energy when
1500 g = 1.5 kg 400 kJ = 400,000 J 48 N/m when it is stretched by 43 cm. stretched 19 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 43 cm = 0.43 m 19 cm = 0.19 m

KE = ½ x 1.5 x 332 400000 = ½ x 1900 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 820 J v2 = 2 x 400000 / 1900 EPE = ½ x 48 x 0.432 0.8 = ½ x k x 0.192

Always convert units before starting to v = 21 m/s EPE = 4.4 J k = 2 x 0.8 / 0.192
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 44 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 170 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 2.4 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.8 kg block of metal which absorbs 24 kJ of transfers 780 kJ of energy in 6 minutes.
16 m. 3600 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 780 kJ = 780000 J 6 min = 360 s
GPE = mgh 19°C to 88°C. 19°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 2.4 x 9.8 x 16 170 g = 0.17 kg 24 kJ = 24000 J
P = 780000 / 360
GPE = 380 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 2200 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.17 x 3600 x (88 - 19) 24000 = 1.8 x c x 19
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 42000 J c = 24000 / (1.8 x 19) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 700 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 65 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 45 m. 7.5 kJ of energy to lift a 25 kg object 14 m. a 100 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.5 kJ = 7500 J of 240 N/m when it has been stretched 23 cm.

GPE = mgh = 65 x 9.8 x 45 = 28700 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 100 g = 0.1 kg 23 cm = 0.23 m

KE = ½ mv2 28700 = ½ x 65 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 28700 / 65 v = 30 m/s useful energy = mgh = 25 x 9.8 x 14 = 3400 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 240 x 0.232 = 6.35 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3400 / 7500 GPE = mgh 6.35 = 0.1 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 65 x 9.8 x 45 = ½ x 65 x v2 efficiency = 0.45 (45 %) h = 6.35 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 6.5 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 45 v = 30 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 15
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1100 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1300 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 63 m/s. moving with 1160 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.24 J of energy when
1100 g = 1.1 kg 1160 kJ = 1,160,000 J 49 N/m when it is stretched by 14 cm. stretched 15 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 14 cm = 0.14 m 15 cm = 0.15 m

KE = ½ x 1.1 x 632 1160000 = ½ x 1300 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 2200 J v2 = 2 x 1160000 / 1300 EPE = ½ x 49 x 0.142 0.24 = ½ x k x 0.152

Always convert units before starting to v = 42 m/s EPE = 0.48 J k = 2 x 0.24 / 0.152
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 21 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 410 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 5 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.7 kg block of metal which absorbs 36 kJ of transfers 360 kJ of energy in 7 minutes.
19 m. 2600 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 360 kJ = 360000 J 7 min = 420 s
GPE = mgh 21°C to 51°C. 26°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 5 x 9.8 x 19 410 g = 0.41 kg 36 kJ = 36000 J
P = 360000 / 420
GPE = 930 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 860 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.41 x 2600 x (51 - 21) 36000 = 1.7 x c x 26
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 32000 J c = 36000 / (1.7 x 26) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 810 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 170 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 14 m. 6.9 kJ of energy to lift a 34 kg object 12 m. a 79 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.9 kJ = 6900 J 360 N/m when it has been stretched 35 cm.

GPE = mgh = 170 x 9.8 x 14 = 23300 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 79 g = 0.079 kg 35 cm = 0.35 m

KE = ½ mv2 23300 = ½ x 170 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 23300 / 170 v = 17 m/s useful energy = mgh = 34 x 9.8 x 12 = 4000 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 360 x 0.352 = 22.1 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4000 / 6900 GPE = mgh 22.1 = 0.079 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 170 x 9.8 x 14 = ½ x 170 x v2 efficiency = 0.58 (58 %) h = 22.1 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 29 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 14 v = 17 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 16
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1400 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1200 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 18 m/s. moving with 400 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.48 J of energy when
1400 g = 1.4 kg 400 kJ = 400,000 J 14 N/m when it is stretched by 14 cm. stretched 15 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 14 cm = 0.14 m 15 cm = 0.15 m

KE = ½ x 1.4 x 182 400000 = ½ x 1200 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 230 J v2 = 2 x 400000 / 1200 EPE = ½ x 14 x 0.142 0.48 = ½ x k x 0.152

Always convert units before starting to v = 26 m/s EPE = 0.14 J k = 2 x 0.48 / 0.152
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 43 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 680 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 6 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.2 kg block of metal which absorbs 24 kJ of transfers 460 kJ of energy in 6 minutes.
17 m. 1500 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 460 kJ = 460000 J 6 min = 360 s
GPE = mgh 23°C to 85°C. 33°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 6 x 9.8 x 17 680 g = 0.68 kg 24 kJ = 24000 J
P = 460000 / 360
GPE = 1000 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1300 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.68 x 1500 x (85 - 23) 24000 = 2.2 x c x 33
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 63000 J c = 24000 / (2.2 x 33) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 330 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 105 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 44 m. 6.3 kJ of energy to lift a 32 kg object 13 m. a 96 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.3 kJ = 6300 J 480 N/m when it has been stretched 24 cm.

GPE = mgh = 105 x 9.8 x 44 = 45300 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 96 g = 0.096 kg 24 cm = 0.24 m

KE = ½ mv2 45300 = ½ x 105 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 45300 / 105 v = 29 m/s useful energy = mgh = 32 x 9.8 x 13 = 4100 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 480 x 0.242 = 13.8 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4100 / 6300 GPE = mgh 13.8 = 0.096 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 105 x 9.8 x 44 = ½ x 105 x v2 efficiency = 0.65 (65 %) h = 13.8 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 15 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 44 v = 29 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 17
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2600 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1500 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 24 m/s. moving with 840 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.84 J of energy when
2600 g = 2.6 kg 840 kJ = 840,000 J 16 N/m when it is stretched by 24 cm. stretched 13 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 24 cm = 0.24 m 13 cm = 0.13 m

KE = ½ x 2.6 x 242 840000 = ½ x 1500 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 750 J v2 = 2 x 840000 / 1500 EPE = ½ x 16 x 0.242 0.84 = ½ x k x 0.132

Always convert units before starting to v = 33 m/s EPE = 0.46 J k = 2 x 0.84 / 0.132
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 99 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 730 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 1.5 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.4 kg block of metal which absorbs 25 kJ of transfers 250 kJ of energy in 4 minutes.
12 m. 3300 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 250 kJ = 250000 J 4 min = 240 s
GPE = mgh 20°C to 77°C. 19°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 1.5 x 9.8 x 12 730 g = 0.73 kg 25 kJ = 25000 J
P = 250000 / 240
GPE = 180 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1000 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.73 x 3300 x (77 - 20) 25000 = 2.4 x c x 19
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 140000 J c = 25000 / (2.4 x 19) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 550 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 147 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 42 m. 7.5 kJ of energy to lift a 27 kg object 15 m. a 78 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.5 kJ = 7500 J 390 N/m when it has been stretched 31 cm.

GPE = mgh = 147 x 9.8 x 42 = 60500 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 78 g = 0.078 kg 31 cm = 0.31 m

KE = ½ mv2 60500 = ½ x 147 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 60500 / 147 v = 29 m/s useful energy = mgh = 27 x 9.8 x 15 = 4000 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 390 x 0.312 = 18.7 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4000 / 7500 GPE = mgh 18.7 = 0.078 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 147 x 9.8 x 42 = ½ x 147 x v2 efficiency = 0.53 (53 %) h = 18.7 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 24 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 42 v = 29 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 18
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1100 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2100 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 59 m/s. moving with 200 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.87 J of energy when
1100 g = 1.1 kg 200 kJ = 200,000 J 91 N/m when it is stretched by 23 cm. stretched 7 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 23 cm = 0.23 m 7 cm = 0.07 m

KE = ½ x 1.1 x 592 200000 = ½ x 2100 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 1900 J v2 = 2 x 200000 / 2100 EPE = ½ x 91 x 0.232 0.87 = ½ x k x 0.072

Always convert units before starting to v = 14 m/s EPE = 2.4 J k = 2 x 0.87 / 0.072
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 360 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 810 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 5.6 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.2 kg block of metal which absorbs 47 kJ of transfers 780 kJ of energy in 9 minutes.
19 m. 3000 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 780 kJ = 780000 J 9 min = 540 s
GPE = mgh 12°C to 55°C. 31°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 5.6 x 9.8 x 19 810 g = 0.81 kg 47 kJ = 47000 J
P = 780000 / 540
GPE = 1000 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1400 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.81 x 3000 x (55 - 12) 47000 = 2.2 x c x 31
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 100000 J c = 47000 / (2.2 x 31) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 690 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 50 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 29 m. 6.1 kJ of energy to lift a 25 kg object 13 m. a 94 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.1 kJ = 6100 J 370 N/m when it has been stretched 21 cm.

GPE = mgh = 50 x 9.8 x 29 = 14200 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 94 g = 0.094 kg 21 cm = 0.21 m

KE = ½ mv2 14200 = ½ x 50 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 14200 / 50 v = 24 m/s useful energy = mgh = 25 x 9.8 x 13 = 3200 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 370 x 0.212 = 8.16 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3200 / 6100 GPE = mgh 8.16 = 0.094 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 50 x 9.8 x 29 = ½ x 50 x v2 efficiency = 0.52 (52 %) h = 8.16 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 8.9 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 29 v = 24 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 19
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2200 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1500 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 44 m/s. moving with 990 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.93 J of energy when
2200 g = 2.2 kg 990 kJ = 990,000 J 41 N/m when it is stretched by 27 cm. stretched 19 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 27 cm = 0.27 m 19 cm = 0.19 m

KE = ½ x 2.2 x 442 990000 = ½ x 1500 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 2100 J v2 = 2 x 990000 / 1500 EPE = ½ x 41 x 0.272 0.93 = ½ x k x 0.192

Always convert units before starting to v = 36 m/s EPE = 1.5 J k = 2 x 0.93 / 0.192
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 52 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 450 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 3.8 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.4 kg block of metal which absorbs 41 kJ of transfers 330 kJ of energy in 5 minutes.
15 m. 2100 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 330 kJ = 330000 J 5 min = 300 s
GPE = mgh 23°C to 56°C. 14°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 3.8 x 9.8 x 15 450 g = 0.45 kg 41 kJ = 41000 J
P = 330000 / 300
GPE = 560 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1100 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.45 x 2100 x (56 - 23) 41000 = 1.4 x c x 14
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 31000 J c = 41000 / (1.4 x 14) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 2100 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 101 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 16 m. 7.9 kJ of energy to lift a 26 kg object 12 m. a 62 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.9 kJ = 7900 J 410 N/m when it has been stretched 28 cm.

GPE = mgh = 101 x 9.8 x 16 = 15800 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 62 g = 0.062 kg 28 cm = 0.28 m

KE = ½ mv2 15800 = ½ x 101 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 15800 / 101 v = 18 m/s useful energy = mgh = 26 x 9.8 x 12 = 3100 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 410 x 0.282 = 16.1 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3100 / 7900 GPE = mgh 16.1 = 0.062 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 101 x 9.8 x 16 = ½ x 101 x v2 efficiency = 0.39 (39 %) h = 16.1 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 26 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 16 v = 18 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 20
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1600 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1900 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 67 m/s. moving with 780 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.49 J of energy when
1600 g = 1.6 kg 780 kJ = 780,000 J 48 N/m when it is stretched by 18 cm. stretched 4 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 18 cm = 0.18 m 4 cm = 0.04 m

KE = ½ x 1.6 x 672 780000 = ½ x 1900 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 3600 J v2 = 2 x 780000 / 1900 EPE = ½ x 48 x 0.182 0.49 = ½ x k x 0.042

Always convert units before starting to v = 29 m/s EPE = 0.78 J k = 2 x 0.49 / 0.042
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 610 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 360 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 9.9 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.4 kg block of metal which absorbs 41 kJ of transfers 870 kJ of energy in 7 minutes.
17 m. 1100 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 870 kJ = 870000 J 7 min = 420 s
GPE = mgh 25°C to 47°C. 13°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 9.9 x 9.8 x 17 360 g = 0.36 kg 41 kJ = 41000 J
P = 870000 / 420
GPE = 1600 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 2100 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.36 x 1100 x (47 - 25) 41000 = 1.4 x c x 13
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 8700 J c = 41000 / (1.4 x 13) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 2300 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 105 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 27 m. 8 kJ of energy to lift a 33 kg object 10 m. a 91 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 8 kJ = 8000 J 310 N/m when it has been stretched 36 cm.

GPE = mgh = 105 x 9.8 x 27 = 27800 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 91 g = 0.091 kg 36 cm = 0.36 m

KE = ½ mv2 27800 = ½ x 105 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 27800 / 105 v = 23 m/s useful energy = mgh = 33 x 9.8 x 10 = 3200 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 310 x 0.362 = 20.1 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3200 / 8000 GPE = mgh 20.1 = 0.091 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 105 x 9.8 x 27 = ½ x 105 x v2 efficiency = 0.4 (40 %) h = 20.1 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 23 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 27 v = 23 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 21
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2900 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2400 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 21 m/s. moving with 1410 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.9 J of energy when
2900 g = 2.9 kg 1410 kJ = 1,410,000 J 47 N/m when it is stretched by 42 cm. stretched 19 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 42 cm = 0.42 m 19 cm = 0.19 m

KE = ½ x 2.9 x 212 1410000 = ½ x 2400 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 640 J v2 = 2 x 1410000 / 2400 EPE = ½ x 47 x 0.422 0.9 = ½ x k x 0.192

Always convert units before starting to v = 34 m/s EPE = 4.1 J k = 2 x 0.9 / 0.192
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 50 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 640 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 1.2 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.5 kg block of metal which absorbs 34 kJ of transfers 440 kJ of energy in 4 minutes.
13 m. 3900 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 440 kJ = 440000 J 4 min = 240 s
GPE = mgh 19°C to 57°C. 30°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 1.2 x 9.8 x 13 640 g = 0.64 kg 34 kJ = 34000 J
P = 440000 / 240
GPE = 150 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1800 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.64 x 3900 x (57 - 19) 34000 = 1.5 x c x 30
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 95000 J c = 34000 / (1.5 x 30) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 760 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 39 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 13 m. 8 kJ of energy to lift a 32 kg object 12 m. a 62 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 8 kJ = 8000 J 320 N/m when it has been stretched 20 cm.

GPE = mgh = 39 x 9.8 x 13 = 4970 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 62 g = 0.062 kg 20 cm = 0.2 m

KE = ½ mv2 4970 = ½ x 39 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 4970 / 39 v = 16 m/s useful energy = mgh = 32 x 9.8 x 12 = 3800 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 320 x 0.22 = 6.4 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3800 / 8000 GPE = mgh 6.4 = 0.062 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 39 x 9.8 x 13 = ½ x 39 x v2 efficiency = 0.48 (48 %) h = 6.4 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 11 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 13 v = 16 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 22
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2100 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1600 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 48 m/s. moving with 110 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.48 J of energy when
2100 g = 2.1 kg 110 kJ = 110,000 J 24 N/m when it is stretched by 47 cm. stretched 9 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 47 cm = 0.47 m 9 cm = 0.09 m

KE = ½ x 2.1 x 482 110000 = ½ x 1600 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 2400 J v2 = 2 x 110000 / 1600 EPE = ½ x 24 x 0.472 0.48 = ½ x k x 0.092

Always convert units before starting to v = 12 m/s EPE = 2.7 J k = 2 x 0.48 / 0.092
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 120 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 150 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 8 kg object moves upwards 3 g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.8 kg block of metal which absorbs 49 kJ of transfers 430 kJ of energy in 3 minutes.
m. 3800 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 430 kJ = 430000 J 3 min = 180 s
GPE = mgh 21°C to 78°C. 27°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 8 x 9.8 x 3 150 g = 0.15 kg 49 kJ = 49000 J
P = 430000 / 180
GPE = 240 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 2400 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.15 x 3800 x (78 - 21) 49000 = 1.8 x c x 27
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 32000 J c = 49000 / (1.8 x 27) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 1000 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 200 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 21 m. 8 kJ of energy to lift a 31 kg object 12 m. a 57 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 8 kJ = 8000 J 240 N/m when it has been stretched 32 cm.

GPE = mgh = 200 x 9.8 x 21 = 41200 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 57 g = 0.057 kg 32 cm = 0.32 m

KE = ½ mv2 41200 = ½ x 200 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 41200 / 200 v = 20 m/s useful energy = mgh = 31 x 9.8 x 12 = 3600 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 240 x 0.322 = 12.3 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3600 / 8000 GPE = mgh 12.3 = 0.057 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 200 x 9.8 x 21 = ½ x 200 x v2 efficiency = 0.45 (45 %) h = 12.3 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 22 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 21 v = 20 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 23
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2800 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2000 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 44 m/s. moving with 380 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.78 J of energy when
2800 g = 2.8 kg 380 kJ = 380,000 J 95 N/m when it is stretched by 20 cm. stretched 17 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 20 cm = 0.2 m 17 cm = 0.17 m

KE = ½ x 2.8 x 442 380000 = ½ x 2000 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 2700 J v2 = 2 x 380000 / 2000 EPE = ½ x 95 x 0.22 0.78 = ½ x k x 0.172

Always convert units before starting to v = 19 m/s EPE = 1.9 J k = 2 x 0.78 / 0.172
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 54 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 330 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 7.1 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.7 kg block of metal which absorbs 50 kJ of transfers 570 kJ of energy in 5 minutes.
17 m. 2800 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 570 kJ = 570000 J 5 min = 300 s
GPE = mgh 21°C to 31°C. 18°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 7.1 x 9.8 x 17 330 g = 0.33 kg 50 kJ = 50000 J
P = 570000 / 300
GPE = 1200 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1900 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.33 x 2800 x (31 - 21) 50000 = 1.7 x c x 18
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 9200 J c = 50000 / (1.7 x 18) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 1600 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 109 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 28 m. 6.8 kJ of energy to lift a 37 kg object 14 m. a 58 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.8 kJ = 6800 J 390 N/m when it has been stretched 31 cm.

GPE = mgh = 109 x 9.8 x 28 = 29900 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 58 g = 0.058 kg 31 cm = 0.31 m

KE = ½ mv2 29900 = ½ x 109 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 29900 / 109 v = 23 m/s useful energy = mgh = 37 x 9.8 x 14 = 5100 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 390 x 0.312 = 18.7 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 5100 / 6800 GPE = mgh 18.7 = 0.058 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 109 x 9.8 x 28 = ½ x 109 x v2 efficiency = 0.75 (75 %) h = 18.7 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 33 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 28 v = 23 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 24
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2800 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1900 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 70 m/s. moving with 210 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.52 J of energy when
2800 g = 2.8 kg 210 kJ = 210,000 J 47 N/m when it is stretched by 47 cm. stretched 17 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 47 cm = 0.47 m 17 cm = 0.17 m

KE = ½ x 2.8 x 702 210000 = ½ x 1900 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 6900 J v2 = 2 x 210000 / 1900 EPE = ½ x 47 x 0.472 0.52 = ½ x k x 0.172

Always convert units before starting to v = 15 m/s EPE = 5.2 J k = 2 x 0.52 / 0.172
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 36 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 490 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 8.7 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.3 kg block of metal which absorbs 30 kJ of transfers 760 kJ of energy in 8 minutes.
4 m. 3400 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 760 kJ = 760000 J 8 min = 480 s
GPE = mgh 24°C to 38°C. 21°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 8.7 x 9.8 x 4 490 g = 0.49 kg 30 kJ = 30000 J
P = 760000 / 480
GPE = 340 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1600 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.49 x 3400 x (38 - 24) 30000 = 2.3 x c x 21
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 23000 J c = 30000 / (2.3 x 21) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 620 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 6 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 19 m. 6 kJ of energy to lift a 25 kg object 15 m. a 81 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6 kJ = 6000 J 400 N/m when it has been stretched 22 cm.

GPE = mgh = 6 x 9.8 x 19 = 1120 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 81 g = 0.081 kg 22 cm = 0.22 m

KE = ½ mv2 1120 = ½ x 6 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 1120 / 6 v = 19 m/s useful energy = mgh = 25 x 9.8 x 15 = 3700 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 400 x 0.222 = 9.68 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3700 / 6000 GPE = mgh 9.68 = 0.081 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 6 x 9.8 x 19 = ½ x 6 x v2 efficiency = 0.62 (62 %) h = 9.68 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 12 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 19 v = 19 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 25
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1600 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2000 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 34 m/s. moving with 720 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.39 J of energy when
1600 g = 1.6 kg 720 kJ = 720,000 J 41 N/m when it is stretched by 34 cm. stretched 18 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 34 cm = 0.34 m 18 cm = 0.18 m

KE = ½ x 1.6 x 342 720000 = ½ x 2000 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 920 J v2 = 2 x 720000 / 2000 EPE = ½ x 41 x 0.342 0.39 = ½ x k x 0.182

Always convert units before starting to v = 27 m/s EPE = 2.4 J k = 2 x 0.39 / 0.182
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 24 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 650 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 3.3 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.4 kg block of metal which absorbs 21 kJ of transfers 430 kJ of energy in 6 minutes.
5 m. 1700 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 430 kJ = 430000 J 6 min = 360 s
GPE = mgh 23°C to 52°C. 29°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 3.3 x 9.8 x 5 650 g = 0.65 kg 21 kJ = 21000 J
P = 430000 / 360
GPE = 160 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1200 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.65 x 1700 x (52 - 23) 21000 = 1.4 x c x 29
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 32000 J c = 21000 / (1.4 x 29) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 520 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 13 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 18 m. 6 kJ of energy to lift a 23 kg object 14 m. a 70 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6 kJ = 6000 J 500 N/m when it has been stretched 32 cm.

GPE = mgh = 13 x 9.8 x 18 = 2290 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 70 g = 0.07 kg 32 cm = 0.32 m

KE = ½ mv2 2290 = ½ x 13 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 2290 / 13 v = 19 m/s useful energy = mgh = 23 x 9.8 x 14 = 3200 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 500 x 0.322 = 25.6 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3200 / 6000 GPE = mgh 25.6 = 0.07 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 13 x 9.8 x 18 = ½ x 13 x v2 efficiency = 0.53 (53 %) h = 25.6 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 37 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 18 v = 19 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 26
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1800 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2000 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 23 m/s. moving with 1490 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.15 J of energy when
1800 g = 1.8 kg 1490 kJ = 1,490,000 J 52 N/m when it is stretched by 44 cm. stretched 11 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 44 cm = 0.44 m 11 cm = 0.11 m

KE = ½ x 1.8 x 232 1490000 = ½ x 2000 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 480 J v2 = 2 x 1490000 / 2000 EPE = ½ x 52 x 0.442 0.15 = ½ x k x 0.112

Always convert units before starting to v = 39 m/s EPE = 5 J k = 2 x 0.15 / 0.112

answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 25 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 860 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 7.6 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.5 kg block of metal which absorbs 50 kJ of transfers 380 kJ of energy in 4 minutes.
5 m. 3700 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 380 kJ = 380000 J 4 min = 240 s
GPE = mgh 10°C to 84°C. 28°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 7.6 x 9.8 x 5 860 g = 0.86 kg 50 kJ = 50000 J
P = 380000 / 240
GPE = 370 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1600 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.86 x 3700 x (84 - 10) 50000 = 2.5 x c x 28
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 240000 J c = 50000 / (2.5 x 28) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 710 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 133 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 37 m. 6.1 kJ of energy to lift a 35 kg object 15 m. a 76 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.1 kJ = 6100 J 490 N/m when it has been stretched 31 cm.

GPE = mgh = 133 x 9.8 x 37 = 48200 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 76 g = 0.076 kg 31 cm = 0.31 m

KE = ½ mv2 48200 = ½ x 133 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 48200 / 133 v = 27 m/s useful energy = mgh = 35 x 9.8 x 15 = 5100 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 490 x 0.312 = 23.5 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 5100 / 6100 GPE = mgh 23.5 = 0.076 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 133 x 9.8 x 37 = ½ x 133 x v2 efficiency = 0.84 (84 %) h = 23.5 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 32 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 37 v = 27 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 27
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1600 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1400 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 13 m/s. moving with 1190 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.38 J of energy when
1600 g = 1.6 kg 1190 kJ = 1,190,000 J 65 N/m when it is stretched by 13 cm. stretched 9 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 13 cm = 0.13 m 9 cm = 0.09 m

KE = ½ x 1.6 x 132 1190000 = ½ x 1400 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 140 J v2 = 2 x 1190000 / 1400 EPE = ½ x 65 x 0.132 0.38 = ½ x k x 0.092

Always convert units before starting to v = 41 m/s EPE = 0.55 J k = 2 x 0.38 / 0.092
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 94 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 380 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 8.6 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.2 kg block of metal which absorbs 32 kJ of transfers 870 kJ of energy in 3 minutes.
10 m. 2300 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 870 kJ = 870000 J 3 min = 180 s
GPE = mgh 24°C to 36°C. 13°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 8.6 x 9.8 x 10 380 g = 0.38 kg 32 kJ = 32000 J
P = 870000 / 180
GPE = 840 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 4800 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.38 x 2300 x (36 - 24) 32000 = 1.2 x c x 13
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 10000 J c = 32000 / (1.2 x 13) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 2100 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 92 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 34 m. 7.4 kJ of energy to lift a 30 kg object 11 m. a 76 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.4 kJ = 7400 J 270 N/m when it has been stretched 37 cm.

GPE = mgh = 92 x 9.8 x 34 = 30700 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 76 g = 0.076 kg 37 cm = 0.37 m

KE = ½ mv2 30700 = ½ x 92 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 30700 / 92 v = 26 m/s useful energy = mgh = 30 x 9.8 x 11 = 3200 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 270 x 0.372 = 18.5 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3200 / 7400 GPE = mgh 18.5 = 0.076 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 92 x 9.8 x 34 = ½ x 92 x v2 efficiency = 0.43 (43 %) h = 18.5 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 25 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 34 v = 26 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 28
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1000 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1000 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 21 m/s. moving with 950 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.11 J of energy when
1000 g = 1 kg 950 kJ = 950,000 J 69 N/m when it is stretched by 24 cm. stretched 6 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 24 cm = 0.24 m 6 cm = 0.06 m

KE = ½ x 1 x 212 950000 = ½ x 1000 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 220 J v2 = 2 x 950000 / 1000 EPE = ½ x 69 x 0.242 0.11 = ½ x k x 0.062

Always convert units before starting to v = 44 m/s EPE = 2 J k = 2 x 0.11 / 0.062

answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 61 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 420 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 2 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 7.2 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of kg block of metal which absorbs 20 kJ of transfers 730 kJ of energy in 5 minutes.
15 m. 2000 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 730 kJ = 730000 J 5 min = 300 s
GPE = mgh 21°C to 85°C. 31°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 7.2 x 9.8 x 15 420 g = 0.42 kg 20 kJ = 20000 J
P = 730000 / 300
GPE = 1100 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 2400 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.42 x 2000 x (85 - 21) 20000 = 2 x c x 31
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 54000 J c = 20000 / (2 x 31) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 320 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 61 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 44 m. 7 kJ of energy to lift a 39 kg object 12 m. a 64 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7 kJ = 7000 J 240 N/m when it has been stretched 36 cm.

GPE = mgh = 61 x 9.8 x 44 = 26300 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 64 g = 0.064 kg 36 cm = 0.36 m

KE = ½ mv2 26300 = ½ x 61 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 26300 / 61 v = 29 m/s useful energy = mgh = 39 x 9.8 x 12 = 4600 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 240 x 0.362 = 15.6 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4600 / 7000 GPE = mgh 15.6 = 0.064 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 61 x 9.8 x 44 = ½ x 61 x v2 efficiency = 0.66 (66 %) h = 15.6 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 25 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 44 v = 29 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 29
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2400 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1500 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 53 m/s. moving with 820 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.97 J of energy when
2400 g = 2.4 kg 820 kJ = 820,000 J 76 N/m when it is stretched by 32 cm. stretched 9 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 32 cm = 0.32 m 9 cm = 0.09 m

KE = ½ x 2.4 x 532 820000 = ½ x 1500 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 3400 J v2 = 2 x 820000 / 1500 EPE = ½ x 76 x 0.322 0.97 = ½ x k x 0.092

Always convert units before starting to v = 33 m/s EPE = 3.9 J k = 2 x 0.97 / 0.092
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 240 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 180 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 8.6 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.6 kg block of metal which absorbs 46 kJ of transfers 900 kJ of energy in 8 minutes.
14 m. 3900 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 900 kJ = 900000 J 8 min = 480 s
GPE = mgh 22°C to 84°C. 10°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 8.6 x 9.8 x 14 180 g = 0.18 kg 46 kJ = 46000 J
P = 900000 / 480
GPE = 1200 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1900 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.18 x 3900 x (84 - 22) 46000 = 1.6 x c x 10
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 44000 J c = 46000 / (1.6 x 10) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 2900 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 47 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 24 m. 7.3 kJ of energy to lift a 20 kg object 11 m. a 87 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.3 kJ = 7300 J 230 N/m when it has been stretched 24 cm.

GPE = mgh = 47 x 9.8 x 24 = 11100 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 87 g = 0.087 kg 24 cm = 0.24 m

KE = ½ mv2 11100 = ½ x 47 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 11100 / 47 v = 22 m/s useful energy = mgh = 20 x 9.8 x 11 = 2200 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 230 x 0.242 = 6.62 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 2200 / 7300 GPE = mgh 6.62 = 0.087 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 47 x 9.8 x 24 = ½ x 47 x v2 efficiency = 0.3 (30 %) h = 6.62 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 7.8 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 24 v = 22 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 30
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2600 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1200 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 66 m/s. moving with 1020 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.52 J of energy when
2600 g = 2.6 kg 1020 kJ = 1,020,000 J 87 N/m when it is stretched by 19 cm. stretched 17 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 19 cm = 0.19 m 17 cm = 0.17 m

KE = ½ x 2.6 x 662 1020000 = ½ x 1200 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 5700 J v2 = 2 x 1020000 / 1200 EPE = ½ x 87 x 0.192 0.52 = ½ x k x 0.172

Always convert units before starting to v = 41 m/s EPE = 1.6 J k = 2 x 0.52 / 0.172
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 36 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 230 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 9.5 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.8 kg block of metal which absorbs 37 kJ of transfers 610 kJ of energy in 3 minutes.
10 m. 1600 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 610 kJ = 610000 J 3 min = 180 s
GPE = mgh 20°C to 70°C. 25°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 9.5 x 9.8 x 10 230 g = 0.23 kg 37 kJ = 37000 J
P = 610000 / 180
GPE = 930 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 3400 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.23 x 1600 x (70 - 20) 37000 = 1.8 x c x 25
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 18000 J c = 37000 / (1.8 x 25) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 820 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 88 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 24 m. 6.7 kJ of energy to lift a 40 kg object 11 m. a 80 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.7 kJ = 6700 J 450 N/m when it has been stretched 29 cm.

GPE = mgh = 88 x 9.8 x 24 = 20700 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 80 g = 0.08 kg 29 cm = 0.29 m

KE = ½ mv2 20700 = ½ x 88 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 20700 / 88 v = 22 m/s useful energy = mgh = 40 x 9.8 x 11 = 4300 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 450 x 0.292 = 18.9 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4300 / 6700 GPE = mgh 18.9 = 0.08 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 88 x 9.8 x 24 = ½ x 88 x v2 efficiency = 0.64 (64 %) h = 18.9 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 24 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 24 v = 22 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 31
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1700 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1100 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 45 m/s. moving with 950 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.1 J of energy when
1700 g = 1.7 kg 950 kJ = 950,000 J 88 N/m when it is stretched by 18 cm. stretched 19 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 18 cm = 0.18 m 19 cm = 0.19 m

KE = ½ x 1.7 x 452 950000 = ½ x 1100 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 1700 J v2 = 2 x 950000 / 1100 EPE = ½ x 88 x 0.182 0.1 = ½ x k x 0.192

Always convert units before starting to v = 42 m/s EPE = 1.4 J k = 2 x 0.1 / 0.192
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 5.5 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 610 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 2.3 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.3 kg block of metal which absorbs 34 kJ of transfers 730 kJ of energy in 6 minutes.
16 m. 1000 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 730 kJ = 730000 J 6 min = 360 s
GPE = mgh 22°C to 64°C. 33°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 2.3 x 9.8 x 16 610 g = 0.61 kg 34 kJ = 34000 J
P = 730000 / 360
GPE = 360 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 2000 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.61 x 1000 x (64 - 22) 34000 = 2.3 x c x 33
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 26000 J c = 34000 / (2.3 x 33) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 450 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 118 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 21 m. 7 kJ of energy to lift a 31 kg object 10 m. a 91 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7 kJ = 7000 J 480 N/m when it has been stretched 32 cm.

GPE = mgh = 118 x 9.8 x 21 = 24300 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 91 g = 0.091 kg 32 cm = 0.32 m

KE = ½ mv2 24300 = ½ x 118 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 24300 / 118 v = 20 m/s useful energy = mgh = 31 x 9.8 x 10 = 3000 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 480 x 0.322 = 24.6 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3000 / 7000 GPE = mgh 24.6 = 0.091 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 118 x 9.8 x 21 = ½ x 118 x v2 efficiency = 0.43 (43 %) h = 24.6 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 28 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 21 v = 20 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 32
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 3000 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1500 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 20 m/s. moving with 860 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.67 J of energy when
3000 g = 3 kg 860 kJ = 860,000 J 74 N/m when it is stretched by 15 cm. stretched 17 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 15 cm = 0.15 m 17 cm = 0.17 m

KE = ½ x 3 x 202 860000 = ½ x 1500 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 600 J v2 = 2 x 860000 / 1500 EPE = ½ x 74 x 0.152 0.67 = ½ x k x 0.172

Always convert units before starting to v = 34 m/s EPE = 0.83 J k = 2 x 0.67 / 0.172
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 46 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 590 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 3.3 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.1 kg block of metal which absorbs 30 kJ of transfers 350 kJ of energy in 9 minutes.
9 m. 3500 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 350 kJ = 350000 J 9 min = 540 s
GPE = mgh 22°C to 82°C. 13°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 3.3 x 9.8 x 9 590 g = 0.59 kg 30 kJ = 30000 J
P = 350000 / 540
GPE = 290 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 650 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.59 x 3500 x (82 - 22) 30000 = 2.1 x c x 13
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 120000 J c = 30000 / (2.1 x 13) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 1100 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 178 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 46 m. 6.7 kJ of energy to lift a 26 kg object 10 m. a 86 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.7 kJ = 6700 J 350 N/m when it has been stretched 26 cm.

GPE = mgh = 178 x 9.8 x 46 = 80200 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 86 g = 0.086 kg 26 cm = 0.26 m

KE = ½ mv2 80200 = ½ x 178 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 80200 / 178 v = 30 m/s useful energy = mgh = 26 x 9.8 x 10 = 2500 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 350 x 0.262 = 11.8 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 2500 / 6700 GPE = mgh 11.8 = 0.086 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 178 x 9.8 x 46 = ½ x 178 x v2 efficiency = 0.37 (37 %) h = 11.8 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 14 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 46 v = 30 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 33
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2800 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1500 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 70 m/s. moving with 220 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.48 J of energy when
2800 g = 2.8 kg 220 kJ = 220,000 J 61 N/m when it is stretched by 34 cm. stretched 10 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 34 cm = 0.34 m 10 cm = 0.1 m

KE = ½ x 2.8 x 702 220000 = ½ x 1500 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 6900 J v2 = 2 x 220000 / 1500 EPE = ½ x 61 x 0.342 0.48 = ½ x k x 0.12

Always convert units before starting to v = 17 m/s EPE = 3.5 J k = 2 x 0.48 / 0.12
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 96 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 470 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 2 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 7.1 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of kg block of metal which absorbs 34 kJ of transfers 460 kJ of energy in 3 minutes.
5 m. 4100 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 460 kJ = 460000 J 3 min = 180 s
GPE = mgh 16°C to 47°C. 15°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 7.1 x 9.8 x 5 470 g = 0.47 kg 34 kJ = 34000 J
P = 460000 / 180
GPE = 350 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 2600 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.47 x 4100 x (47 - 16) 34000 = 2 x c x 15
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 60000 J c = 34000 / (2 x 15) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 1100 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 45 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 28 m. 7.2 kJ of energy to lift a 21 kg object 11 m. a 62 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.2 kJ = 7200 J 380 N/m when it has been stretched 39 cm.

GPE = mgh = 45 x 9.8 x 28 = 12300 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 62 g = 0.062 kg 39 cm = 0.39 m

KE = ½ mv2 12300 = ½ x 45 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 12300 / 45 v = 23 m/s useful energy = mgh = 21 x 9.8 x 11 = 2300 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 380 x 0.392 = 28.9 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 2300 / 7200 GPE = mgh 28.9 = 0.062 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 45 x 9.8 x 28 = ½ x 45 x v2 efficiency = 0.32 (32 %) h = 28.9 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 48 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 28 v = 23 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 34
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2900 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2200 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 53 m/s. moving with 960 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.67 J of energy when
2900 g = 2.9 kg 960 kJ = 960,000 J 58 N/m when it is stretched by 13 cm. stretched 10 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 13 cm = 0.13 m 10 cm = 0.1 m

KE = ½ x 2.9 x 532 960000 = ½ x 2200 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 4100 J v2 = 2 x 960000 / 2200 EPE = ½ x 58 x 0.132 0.67 = ½ x k x 0.12

Always convert units before starting to v = 30 m/s EPE = 0.49 J k = 2 x 0.67 / 0.12
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 130 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 590 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 1 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.5 kg block of metal which absorbs 27 kJ of transfers 490 kJ of energy in 4 minutes.
11 m. 1300 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 490 kJ = 490000 J 4 min = 240 s
GPE = mgh 17°C to 41°C. 27°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 1 x 9.8 x 11 590 g = 0.59 kg 27 kJ = 27000 J
P = 490000 / 240
GPE = 110 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 2000 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.59 x 1300 x (41 - 17) 27000 = 2.5 x c x 27
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 18000 J c = 27000 / (2.5 x 27) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 400 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 140 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 34 m. 7.1 kJ of energy to lift a 38 kg object 11 m. a 99 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.1 kJ = 7100 J 270 N/m when it has been stretched 29 cm.

GPE = mgh = 140 x 9.8 x 34 = 46600 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 99 g = 0.099 kg 29 cm = 0.29 m

KE = ½ mv2 46600 = ½ x 140 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 46600 / 140 v = 26 m/s useful energy = mgh = 38 x 9.8 x 11 = 4100 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 270 x 0.292 = 11.4 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4100 / 7100 GPE = mgh 11.4 = 0.099 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 140 x 9.8 x 34 = ½ x 140 x v2 efficiency = 0.58 (58 %) h = 11.4 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 12 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 34 v = 26 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 35
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1900 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2200 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 30 m/s. moving with 790 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.9 J of energy when
1900 g = 1.9 kg 790 kJ = 790,000 J 32 N/m when it is stretched by 49 cm. stretched 16 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 49 cm = 0.49 m 16 cm = 0.16 m

KE = ½ x 1.9 x 302 790000 = ½ x 2200 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 860 J v2 = 2 x 790000 / 2200 EPE = ½ x 32 x 0.492 0.9 = ½ x k x 0.162

Always convert units before starting to v = 27 m/s EPE = 3.8 J k = 2 x 0.9 / 0.162
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 70 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 890 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 8.3 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.5 kg block of metal which absorbs 37 kJ of transfers 230 kJ of energy in 8 minutes.
8 m. 4100 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 230 kJ = 230000 J 8 min = 480 s
GPE = mgh 11°C to 42°C. 13°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 8.3 x 9.8 x 8 890 g = 0.89 kg 37 kJ = 37000 J
P = 230000 / 480
GPE = 650 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 480 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.89 x 4100 x (42 - 11) 37000 = 1.5 x c x 13
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 110000 J c = 37000 / (1.5 x 13) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 1900 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 89 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 34 m. 7.6 kJ of energy to lift a 24 kg object 15 m. a 83 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.6 kJ = 7600 J 410 N/m when it has been stretched 28 cm.

GPE = mgh = 89 x 9.8 x 34 = 29700 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 83 g = 0.083 kg 28 cm = 0.28 m

KE = ½ mv2 29700 = ½ x 89 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 29700 / 89 v = 26 m/s useful energy = mgh = 24 x 9.8 x 15 = 3500 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 410 x 0.282 = 16.1 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3500 / 7600 GPE = mgh 16.1 = 0.083 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 89 x 9.8 x 34 = ½ x 89 x v2 efficiency = 0.46 (46 %) h = 16.1 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 20 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 34 v = 26 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 36
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1000 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2300 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 69 m/s. moving with 860 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.56 J of energy when
1000 g = 1 kg 860 kJ = 860,000 J 13 N/m when it is stretched by 10 cm. stretched 17 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 10 cm = 0.1 m 17 cm = 0.17 m

KE = ½ x 1 x 692 860000 = ½ x 2300 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 2400 J v2 = 2 x 860000 / 2300 EPE = ½ x 13 x 0.12 0.56 = ½ x k x 0.172

Always convert units before starting to v = 27 m/s EPE = 0.065 J k = 2 x 0.56 / 0.172
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 39 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 450 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 9.4 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.3 kg block of metal which absorbs 32 kJ of transfers 390 kJ of energy in 4 minutes.
6 m. 1400 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 390 kJ = 390000 J 4 min = 240 s
GPE = mgh 16°C to 42°C. 19°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 9.4 x 9.8 x 6 450 g = 0.45 kg 32 kJ = 32000 J
P = 390000 / 240
GPE = 550 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1600 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.45 x 1400 x (42 - 16) 32000 = 2.3 x c x 19
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 16000 J c = 32000 / (2.3 x 19) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 730 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 44 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 29 m. 7.3 kJ of energy to lift a 32 kg object 12 m. a 70 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.3 kJ = 7300 J 450 N/m when it has been stretched 21 cm.

GPE = mgh = 44 x 9.8 x 29 = 12500 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 70 g = 0.07 kg 21 cm = 0.21 m

KE = ½ mv2 12500 = ½ x 44 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 12500 / 44 v = 24 m/s useful energy = mgh = 32 x 9.8 x 12 = 3800 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 450 x 0.212 = 9.92 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3800 / 7300 GPE = mgh 9.92 = 0.07 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 44 x 9.8 x 29 = ½ x 44 x v2 efficiency = 0.52 (52 %) h = 9.92 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 14 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 29 v = 24 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 37
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1700 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1100 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 59 m/s. moving with 370 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.93 J of energy when
1700 g = 1.7 kg 370 kJ = 370,000 J 52 N/m when it is stretched by 20 cm. stretched 17 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 20 cm = 0.2 m 17 cm = 0.17 m

KE = ½ x 1.7 x 592 370000 = ½ x 1100 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 3000 J v2 = 2 x 370000 / 1100 EPE = ½ x 52 x 0.22 0.93 = ½ x k x 0.172

Always convert units before starting to v = 26 m/s EPE = 1 J k = 2 x 0.93 / 0.172

answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 64 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 730 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 8.1 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.3 kg block of metal which absorbs 41 kJ of transfers 590 kJ of energy in 6 minutes.
14 m. 1700 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 590 kJ = 590000 J 6 min = 360 s
GPE = mgh 16°C to 71°C. 24°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 8.1 x 9.8 x 14 730 g = 0.73 kg 41 kJ = 41000 J
P = 590000 / 360
GPE = 1100 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1600 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.73 x 1700 x (71 - 16) 41000 = 2.3 x c x 24
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 68000 J c = 41000 / (2.3 x 24) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 740 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 159 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 18 m. 6.3 kJ of energy to lift a 20 kg object 14 m. a 74 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.3 kJ = 6300 J 330 N/m when it has been stretched 39 cm.

GPE = mgh = 159 x 9.8 x 18 = 28000 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 74 g = 0.074 kg 39 cm = 0.39 m

KE = ½ mv2 28000 = ½ x 159 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 28000 / 159 v = 19 m/s useful energy = mgh = 20 x 9.8 x 14 = 2700 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 330 x 0.392 = 25.1 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 2700 / 6300 GPE = mgh 25.1 = 0.074 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 159 x 9.8 x 18 = ½ x 159 x v2 efficiency = 0.43 (43 %) h = 25.1 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 35 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 18 v = 19 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 38
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1100 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1700 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 65 m/s. moving with 1000 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.39 J of energy when
1100 g = 1.1 kg 1000 kJ = 1,000,000 J 82 N/m when it is stretched by 17 cm. stretched 11 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 17 cm = 0.17 m 11 cm = 0.11 m

KE = ½ x 1.1 x 652 1000000 = ½ x 1700 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 2300 J v2 = 2 x 1000000 / 1700 EPE = ½ x 82 x 0.172 0.39 = ½ x k x 0.112

Always convert units before starting to v = 34 m/s EPE = 1.2 J k = 2 x 0.39 / 0.112
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 64 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 520 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 2 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 8.2 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of kg block of metal which absorbs 46 kJ of transfers 240 kJ of energy in 8 minutes.
13 m. 3500 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 240 kJ = 240000 J 8 min = 480 s
GPE = mgh 24°C to 66°C. 35°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 8.2 x 9.8 x 13 520 g = 0.52 kg 46 kJ = 46000 J
P = 240000 / 480
GPE = 1000 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 500 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.52 x 3500 x (66 - 24) 46000 = 2 x c x 35
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 76000 J c = 46000 / (2 x 35) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 660 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 154 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 42 m. 7.8 kJ of energy to lift a 20 kg object 14 m. a 84 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.8 kJ = 7800 J 300 N/m when it has been stretched 22 cm.

GPE = mgh = 154 x 9.8 x 42 = 63400 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 84 g = 0.084 kg 22 cm = 0.22 m

KE = ½ mv2 63400 = ½ x 154 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 63400 / 154 v = 29 m/s useful energy = mgh = 20 x 9.8 x 14 = 2700 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 300 x 0.222 = 7.26 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 2700 / 7800 GPE = mgh 7.26 = 0.084 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 154 x 9.8 x 42 = ½ x 154 x v2 efficiency = 0.35 (35 %) h = 7.26 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 8.8 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 42 v = 29 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 39
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 800 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2200 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 37 m/s. moving with 1260 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.26 J of energy when
800 g = 0.8 kg 1260 kJ = 1,260,000 J 22 N/m when it is stretched by 32 cm. stretched 7 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 32 cm = 0.32 m 7 cm = 0.07 m

KE = ½ x 0.8 x 372 1260000 = ½ x 2200 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 550 J v2 = 2 x 1260000 / 2200 EPE = ½ x 22 x 0.322 0.26 = ½ x k x 0.072

Always convert units before starting to v = 34 m/s EPE = 1.1 J k = 2 x 0.26 / 0.072
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 110 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 510 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 5.4 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.2 kg block of metal which absorbs 36 kJ of transfers 850 kJ of energy in 7 minutes.
14 m. 3600 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 850 kJ = 850000 J 7 min = 420 s
GPE = mgh 20°C to 87°C. 19°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 5.4 x 9.8 x 14 510 g = 0.51 kg 36 kJ = 36000 J
P = 850000 / 420
GPE = 740 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 2000 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.51 x 3600 x (87 - 20) 36000 = 2.2 x c x 19
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 120000 J c = 36000 / (2.2 x 19) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 860 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 116 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 13 m. 6.4 kJ of energy to lift a 29 kg object 12 m. a 71 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.4 kJ = 6400 J 430 N/m when it has been stretched 21 cm.

GPE = mgh = 116 x 9.8 x 13 = 14800 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 71 g = 0.071 kg 21 cm = 0.21 m

KE = ½ mv2 14800 = ½ x 116 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 14800 / 116 v = 16 m/s useful energy = mgh = 29 x 9.8 x 12 = 3400 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 430 x 0.212 = 9.48 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3400 / 6400 GPE = mgh 9.48 = 0.071 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 116 x 9.8 x 13 = ½ x 116 x v2 efficiency = 0.53 (53 %) h = 9.48 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 14 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 13 v = 16 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 40
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1700 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1600 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 29 m/s. moving with 1400 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.96 J of energy when
1700 g = 1.7 kg 1400 kJ = 1,400,000 J 35 N/m when it is stretched by 31 cm. stretched 5 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 31 cm = 0.31 m 5 cm = 0.05 m

KE = ½ x 1.7 x 292 1400000 = ½ x 1600 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 710 J v2 = 2 x 1400000 / 1600 EPE = ½ x 35 x 0.312 0.96 = ½ x k x 0.052

Always convert units before starting to v = 42 m/s EPE = 1.7 J k = 2 x 0.96 / 0.052
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 770 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 350 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 9.9 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.3 kg block of metal which absorbs 31 kJ of transfers 210 kJ of energy in 8 minutes.
2 m. 2500 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 210 kJ = 210000 J 8 min = 480 s
GPE = mgh 11°C to 63°C. 15°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 9.9 x 9.8 x 2 350 g = 0.35 kg 31 kJ = 31000 J
P = 210000 / 480
GPE = 190 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 440 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.35 x 2500 x (63 - 11) 31000 = 1.3 x c x 15
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 46000 J c = 31000 / (1.3 x 15) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 1600 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 92 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 34 m. 6.9 kJ of energy to lift a 32 kg object 12 m. a 67 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.9 kJ = 6900 J 450 N/m when it has been stretched 30 cm.

GPE = mgh = 92 x 9.8 x 34 = 30700 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 67 g = 0.067 kg 30 cm = 0.3 m

KE = ½ mv2 30700 = ½ x 92 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 30700 / 92 v = 26 m/s useful energy = mgh = 32 x 9.8 x 12 = 3800 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 450 x 0.32 = 20.3 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3800 / 6900 GPE = mgh 20.3 = 0.067 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 92 x 9.8 x 34 = ½ x 92 x v2 efficiency = 0.55 (55 %) h = 20.3 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 31 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 34 v = 26 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 41
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1800 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2200 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 15 m/s. moving with 540 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.5 J of energy when
1800 g = 1.8 kg 540 kJ = 540,000 J 10 N/m when it is stretched by 25 cm. stretched 5 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 25 cm = 0.25 m 5 cm = 0.05 m

KE = ½ x 1.8 x 152 540000 = ½ x 2200 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 200 J v2 = 2 x 540000 / 2200 EPE = ½ x 10 x 0.252 0.5 = ½ x k x 0.052

Always convert units before starting to v = 22 m/s EPE = 0.31 J k = 2 x 0.5 / 0.052
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 400 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 180 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 8.2 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.8 kg block of metal which absorbs 34 kJ of transfers 530 kJ of energy in 6 minutes.
6 m. 1800 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 530 kJ = 530000 J 6 min = 360 s
GPE = mgh 24°C to 63°C. 13°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 8.2 x 9.8 x 6 180 g = 0.18 kg 34 kJ = 34000 J
P = 530000 / 360
GPE = 480 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1500 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.18 x 1800 x (63 - 24) 34000 = 1.8 x c x 13
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 13000 J c = 34000 / (1.8 x 13) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 1500 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 72 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 42 m. 7.5 kJ of energy to lift a 28 kg object 11 m. a 89 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.5 kJ = 7500 J 380 N/m when it has been stretched 34 cm.

GPE = mgh = 72 x 9.8 x 42 = 29600 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 89 g = 0.089 kg 34 cm = 0.34 m

KE = ½ mv2 29600 = ½ x 72 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 29600 / 72 v = 29 m/s useful energy = mgh = 28 x 9.8 x 11 = 3000 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 380 x 0.342 = 22 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3000 / 7500 GPE = mgh 22 = 0.089 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 72 x 9.8 x 42 = ½ x 72 x v2 efficiency = 0.4 (40 %) h = 22 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 25 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 42 v = 29 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 42
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2000 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1100 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 64 m/s. moving with 210 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.89 J of energy when
2000 g = 2 kg 210 kJ = 210,000 J 90 N/m when it is stretched by 35 cm. stretched 16 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 35 cm = 0.35 m 16 cm = 0.16 m

KE = ½ x 2 x 642 210000 = ½ x 1100 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 4100 J v2 = 2 x 210000 / 1100 EPE = ½ x 90 x 0.352 0.89 = ½ x k x 0.162

Always convert units before starting to v = 20 m/s EPE = 5.5 J k = 2 x 0.89 / 0.162
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 70 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 320 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 6.8 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.5 kg block of metal which absorbs 48 kJ of transfers 450 kJ of energy in 5 minutes.
16 m. 2900 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 450 kJ = 450000 J 5 min = 300 s
GPE = mgh 16°C to 87°C. 17°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 6.8 x 9.8 x 16 320 g = 0.32 kg 48 kJ = 48000 J
P = 450000 / 300
GPE = 1100 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1500 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.32 x 2900 x (87 - 16) 48000 = 2.5 x c x 17
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 66000 J c = 48000 / (2.5 x 17) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 1100 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 124 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 47 m. 7.9 kJ of energy to lift a 28 kg object 11 m. a 53 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.9 kJ = 7900 J 470 N/m when it has been stretched 40 cm.

GPE = mgh = 124 x 9.8 x 47 = 57100 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 53 g = 0.053 kg 40 cm = 0.4 m

KE = ½ mv2 57100 = ½ x 124 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 57100 / 124 v = 30 m/s useful energy = mgh = 28 x 9.8 x 11 = 3000 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 470 x 0.42 = 37.6 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3000 / 7900 GPE = mgh 37.6 = 0.053 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 124 x 9.8 x 47 = ½ x 124 x v2 efficiency = 0.38 (38 %) h = 37.6 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 72 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 47 v = 30 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 43
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 3000 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1000 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 35 m/s. moving with 1290 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.35 J of energy when
3000 g = 3 kg 1290 kJ = 1,290,000 J 30 N/m when it is stretched by 32 cm. stretched 17 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 32 cm = 0.32 m 17 cm = 0.17 m

KE = ½ x 3 x 352 1290000 = ½ x 1000 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 1800 J v2 = 2 x 1290000 / 1000 EPE = ½ x 30 x 0.322 0.35 = ½ x k x 0.172

Always convert units before starting to v = 51 m/s EPE = 1.5 J k = 2 x 0.35 / 0.172
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 24 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 310 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 7.2 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.3 kg block of metal which absorbs 20 kJ of transfers 710 kJ of energy in 4 minutes.
9 m. 2700 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 710 kJ = 710000 J 4 min = 240 s
GPE = mgh 21°C to 39°C. 18°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 7.2 x 9.8 x 9 310 g = 0.31 kg 20 kJ = 20000 J
P = 710000 / 240
GPE = 640 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 3000 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.31 x 2700 x (39 - 21) 20000 = 1.3 x c x 18
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 15000 J c = 20000 / (1.3 x 18) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 850 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 70 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 15 m. 7 kJ of energy to lift a 32 kg object 12 m. a 79 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7 kJ = 7000 J 430 N/m when it has been stretched 31 cm.

GPE = mgh = 70 x 9.8 x 15 = 10300 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 79 g = 0.079 kg 31 cm = 0.31 m

KE = ½ mv2 10300 = ½ x 70 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 10300 / 70 v = 17 m/s useful energy = mgh = 32 x 9.8 x 12 = 3800 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 430 x 0.312 = 20.7 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3800 / 7000 GPE = mgh 20.7 = 0.079 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 70 x 9.8 x 15 = ½ x 70 x v2 efficiency = 0.54 (54 %) h = 20.7 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 27 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 15 v = 17 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 44
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 600 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1400 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 66 m/s. moving with 1370 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.23 J of energy when
600 g = 0.6 kg 1370 kJ = 1,370,000 J 47 N/m when it is stretched by 15 cm. stretched 14 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 15 cm = 0.15 m 14 cm = 0.14 m

KE = ½ x 0.6 x 662 1370000 = ½ x 1400 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 1300 J v2 = 2 x 1370000 / 1400 EPE = ½ x 47 x 0.152 0.23 = ½ x k x 0.142

Always convert units before starting to v = 44 m/s EPE = 0.53 J k = 2 x 0.23 / 0.142
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 23 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 630 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 9.8 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.4 kg block of metal which absorbs 30 kJ of transfers 420 kJ of energy in 4 minutes.
8 m. 3000 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 420 kJ = 420000 J 4 min = 240 s
GPE = mgh 14°C to 66°C. 12°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 9.8 x 9.8 x 8 630 g = 0.63 kg 30 kJ = 30000 J
P = 420000 / 240
GPE = 770 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1800 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.63 x 3000 x (66 - 14) 30000 = 2.4 x c x 12
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 98000 J c = 30000 / (2.4 x 12) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 1000 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 97 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 46 m. 6.8 kJ of energy to lift a 28 kg object 10 m. a 67 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.8 kJ = 6800 J 480 N/m when it has been stretched 30 cm.

GPE = mgh = 97 x 9.8 x 46 = 43700 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 67 g = 0.067 kg 30 cm = 0.3 m

KE = ½ mv2 43700 = ½ x 97 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 43700 / 97 v = 30 m/s useful energy = mgh = 28 x 9.8 x 10 = 2700 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 480 x 0.32 = 21.6 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 2700 / 6800 GPE = mgh 21.6 = 0.067 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 97 x 9.8 x 46 = ½ x 97 x v2 efficiency = 0.4 (40 %) h = 21.6 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 33 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 46 v = 30 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 45
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1600 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1500 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 56 m/s. moving with 1230 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.98 J of energy when
1600 g = 1.6 kg 1230 kJ = 1,230,000 J 60 N/m when it is stretched by 21 cm. stretched 5 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 21 cm = 0.21 m 5 cm = 0.05 m

KE = ½ x 1.6 x 562 1230000 = ½ x 1500 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 2500 J v2 = 2 x 1230000 / 1500 EPE = ½ x 60 x 0.212 0.98 = ½ x k x 0.052

Always convert units before starting to v = 40 m/s EPE = 1.3 J k = 2 x 0.98 / 0.052
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 780 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 780 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 8.4 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.3 kg block of metal which absorbs 49 kJ of transfers 740 kJ of energy in 9 minutes.
17 m. 1600 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 740 kJ = 740000 J 9 min = 540 s
GPE = mgh 11°C to 43°C. 30°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 8.4 x 9.8 x 17 780 g = 0.78 kg 49 kJ = 49000 J
P = 740000 / 540
GPE = 1400 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1400 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.78 x 1600 x (43 - 11) 49000 = 1.3 x c x 30
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 40000 J c = 49000 / (1.3 x 30) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 1300 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 100 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 36 m. 6.5 kJ of energy to lift a 37 kg object 13 m. a 93 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.5 kJ = 6500 J 410 N/m when it has been stretched 39 cm.

GPE = mgh = 100 x 9.8 x 36 = 35300 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 93 g = 0.093 kg 39 cm = 0.39 m

KE = ½ mv2 35300 = ½ x 100 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 35300 / 100 v = 27 m/s useful energy = mgh = 37 x 9.8 x 13 = 4700 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 410 x 0.392 = 31.2 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4700 / 6500 GPE = mgh 31.2 = 0.093 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 100 x 9.8 x 36 = ½ x 100 x v2 efficiency = 0.72 (72 %) h = 31.2 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 34 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 36 v = 27 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 46
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1200 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2300 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 65 m/s. moving with 1010 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.57 J of energy when
1200 g = 1.2 kg 1010 kJ = 1,010,000 J 96 N/m when it is stretched by 26 cm. stretched 9 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 26 cm = 0.26 m 9 cm = 0.09 m

KE = ½ x 1.2 x 652 1010000 = ½ x 2300 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 2500 J v2 = 2 x 1010000 / 2300 EPE = ½ x 96 x 0.262 0.57 = ½ x k x 0.092

Always convert units before starting to v = 30 m/s EPE = 3.2 J k = 2 x 0.57 / 0.092
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 140 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 730 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 7.1 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.1 kg block of metal which absorbs 42 kJ of transfers 790 kJ of energy in 5 minutes.
3 m. 4300 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 790 kJ = 790000 J 5 min = 300 s
GPE = mgh 21°C to 61°C. 12°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 7.1 x 9.8 x 3 730 g = 0.73 kg 42 kJ = 42000 J
P = 790000 / 300
GPE = 210 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 2600 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.73 x 4300 x (61 - 21) 42000 = 2.1 x c x 12
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 130000 J c = 42000 / (2.1 x 12) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 1700 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 172 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 42 m. 6.8 kJ of energy to lift a 40 kg object 11 m. a 98 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.8 kJ = 6800 J 330 N/m when it has been stretched 28 cm.

GPE = mgh = 172 x 9.8 x 42 = 70800 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 98 g = 0.098 kg 28 cm = 0.28 m

KE = ½ mv2 70800 = ½ x 172 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 70800 / 172 v = 29 m/s useful energy = mgh = 40 x 9.8 x 11 = 4300 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 330 x 0.282 = 12.9 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4300 / 6800 GPE = mgh 12.9 = 0.098 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 172 x 9.8 x 42 = ½ x 172 x v2 efficiency = 0.63 (63 %) h = 12.9 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 13 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 42 v = 29 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 47
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2700 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2100 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 75 m/s. moving with 750 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.74 J of energy when
2700 g = 2.7 kg 750 kJ = 750,000 J 82 N/m when it is stretched by 18 cm. stretched 18 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 18 cm = 0.18 m 18 cm = 0.18 m

KE = ½ x 2.7 x 752 750000 = ½ x 2100 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 7600 J v2 = 2 x 750000 / 2100 EPE = ½ x 82 x 0.182 0.74 = ½ x k x 0.182

Always convert units before starting to v = 27 m/s EPE = 1.3 J k = 2 x 0.74 / 0.182
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 46 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 440 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 6.5 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.4 kg block of metal which absorbs 35 kJ of transfers 390 kJ of energy in 7 minutes.
9 m. 3700 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 390 kJ = 390000 J 7 min = 420 s
GPE = mgh 18°C to 58°C. 20°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 6.5 x 9.8 x 9 440 g = 0.44 kg 35 kJ = 35000 J
P = 390000 / 420
GPE = 570 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 930 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.44 x 3700 x (58 - 18) 35000 = 2.4 x c x 20
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 65000 J c = 35000 / (2.4 x 20) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 730 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 95 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 14 m. 7 kJ of energy to lift a 32 kg object 14 m. a 86 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7 kJ = 7000 J 280 N/m when it has been stretched 31 cm.

GPE = mgh = 95 x 9.8 x 14 = 13000 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 86 g = 0.086 kg 31 cm = 0.31 m

KE = ½ mv2 13000 = ½ x 95 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 13000 / 95 v = 17 m/s useful energy = mgh = 32 x 9.8 x 14 = 4400 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 280 x 0.312 = 13.5 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4400 / 7000 GPE = mgh 13.5 = 0.086 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 95 x 9.8 x 14 = ½ x 95 x v2 efficiency = 0.63 (63 %) h = 13.5 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 16 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 14 v = 17 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 48
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 500 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1700 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 12 m/s. moving with 610 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.61 J of energy when
500 g = 0.5 kg 610 kJ = 610,000 J 13 N/m when it is stretched by 40 cm. stretched 15 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 40 cm = 0.4 m 15 cm = 0.15 m

KE = ½ x 0.5 x 122 610000 = ½ x 1700 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 36 J v2 = 2 x 610000 / 1700 EPE = ½ x 13 x 0.42 0.61 = ½ x k x 0.152

Always convert units before starting to v = 27 m/s EPE = 1 J k = 2 x 0.61 / 0.152

answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 54 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 320 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 9.1 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.3 kg block of metal which absorbs 23 kJ of transfers 520 kJ of energy in 8 minutes.
3 m. 3900 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 520 kJ = 520000 J 8 min = 480 s
GPE = mgh 12°C to 38°C. 16°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 9.1 x 9.8 x 3 320 g = 0.32 kg 23 kJ = 23000 J
P = 520000 / 480
GPE = 270 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1100 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.32 x 3900 x (38 - 12) 23000 = 2.3 x c x 16
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 32000 J c = 23000 / (2.3 x 16) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 630 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 14 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 32 m. 6.6 kJ of energy to lift a 23 kg object 15 m. a 80 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.6 kJ = 6600 J 320 N/m when it has been stretched 21 cm.

GPE = mgh = 14 x 9.8 x 32 = 4390 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 80 g = 0.08 kg 21 cm = 0.21 m

KE = ½ mv2 4390 = ½ x 14 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 4390 / 14 v = 25 m/s useful energy = mgh = 23 x 9.8 x 15 = 3400 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 320 x 0.212 = 7.06 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3400 / 6600 GPE = mgh 7.06 = 0.08 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 14 x 9.8 x 32 = ½ x 14 x v2 efficiency = 0.52 (52 %) h = 7.06 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 9 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 32 v = 25 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 49
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1200 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 900 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 20 m/s. moving with 590 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.62 J of energy when
1200 g = 1.2 kg 590 kJ = 590,000 J 53 N/m when it is stretched by 14 cm. stretched 17 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 14 cm = 0.14 m 17 cm = 0.17 m

KE = ½ x 1.2 x 202 590000 = ½ x 900 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 240 J v2 = 2 x 590000 / 900 EPE = ½ x 53 x 0.142 0.62 = ½ x k x 0.172

Always convert units before starting to v = 36 m/s EPE = 0.52 J k = 2 x 0.62 / 0.172
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 43 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 500 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 5 kg object moves upwards 7 g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.2 kg block of metal which absorbs 50 kJ of transfers 580 kJ of energy in 8 minutes.
m. 3200 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 580 kJ = 580000 J 8 min = 480 s
GPE = mgh 15°C to 80°C. 21°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 5 x 9.8 x 7 500 g = 0.5 kg 50 kJ = 50000 J
P = 580000 / 480
GPE = 340 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1200 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.5 x 3200 x (80 - 15) 50000 = 1.2 x c x 21
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 100000 J c = 50000 / (1.2 x 21) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 2000 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 46 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 46 m. 7.8 kJ of energy to lift a 23 kg object 10 m. a 76 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.8 kJ = 7800 J 380 N/m when it has been stretched 26 cm.

GPE = mgh = 46 x 9.8 x 46 = 20700 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 76 g = 0.076 kg 26 cm = 0.26 m

KE = ½ mv2 20700 = ½ x 46 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 20700 / 46 v = 30 m/s useful energy = mgh = 23 x 9.8 x 10 = 2300 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 380 x 0.262 = 12.8 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 2300 / 7800 GPE = mgh 12.8 = 0.076 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 46 x 9.8 x 46 = ½ x 46 x v2 efficiency = 0.29 (29 %) h = 12.8 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 17 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 46 v = 30 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 50
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2400 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1500 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 51 m/s. moving with 470 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.28 J of energy when
2400 g = 2.4 kg 470 kJ = 470,000 J 25 N/m when it is stretched by 30 cm. stretched 15 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 30 cm = 0.3 m 15 cm = 0.15 m

KE = ½ x 2.4 x 512 470000 = ½ x 1500 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 3100 J v2 = 2 x 470000 / 1500 EPE = ½ x 25 x 0.32 0.28 = ½ x k x 0.152

Always convert units before starting to v = 25 m/s EPE = 1.1 J k = 2 x 0.28 / 0.152
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 25 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 110 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 5.7 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.5 kg block of metal which absorbs 50 kJ of transfers 860 kJ of energy in 6 minutes.
14 m. 3000 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 860 kJ = 860000 J 6 min = 360 s
GPE = mgh 25°C to 80°C. 30°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 5.7 x 9.8 x 14 110 g = 0.11 kg 50 kJ = 50000 J
P = 860000 / 360
GPE = 780 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 2400 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.11 x 3000 x (80 - 25) 50000 = 1.5 x c x 30
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 18000 J c = 50000 / (1.5 x 30) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 1100 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 134 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 16 m. 6.9 kJ of energy to lift a 40 kg object 12 m. a 82 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.9 kJ = 6900 J 490 N/m when it has been stretched 38 cm.

GPE = mgh = 134 x 9.8 x 16 = 21000 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 82 g = 0.082 kg 38 cm = 0.38 m

KE = ½ mv2 21000 = ½ x 134 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 21000 / 134 v = 18 m/s useful energy = mgh = 40 x 9.8 x 12 = 4700 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 490 x 0.382 = 35.4 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4700 / 6900 GPE = mgh 35.4 = 0.082 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 134 x 9.8 x 16 = ½ x 134 x v2 efficiency = 0.68 (68 %) h = 35.4 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 44 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 16 v = 18 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 51
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2000 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1700 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 37 m/s. moving with 1270 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.96 J of energy when
2000 g = 2 kg 1270 kJ = 1,270,000 J 74 N/m when it is stretched by 12 cm. stretched 19 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 12 cm = 0.12 m 19 cm = 0.19 m

KE = ½ x 2 x 372 1270000 = ½ x 1700 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 1400 J v2 = 2 x 1270000 / 1700 EPE = ½ x 74 x 0.122 0.96 = ½ x k x 0.192

Always convert units before starting to v = 39 m/s EPE = 0.53 J k = 2 x 0.96 / 0.192
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 53 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 700 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 3.9 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.2 kg block of metal which absorbs 28 kJ of transfers 530 kJ of energy in 6 minutes.
14 m. 4100 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 530 kJ = 530000 J 6 min = 360 s
GPE = mgh 20°C to 65°C. 19°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 3.9 x 9.8 x 14 700 g = 0.7 kg 28 kJ = 28000 J
P = 530000 / 360
GPE = 540 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1500 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.7 x 4100 x (65 - 20) 28000 = 1.2 x c x 19
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 130000 J c = 28000 / (1.2 x 19) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 1200 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 83 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 46 m. 6.7 kJ of energy to lift a 24 kg object 13 m. a 89 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.7 kJ = 6700 J 480 N/m when it has been stretched 21 cm.

GPE = mgh = 83 x 9.8 x 46 = 37400 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 89 g = 0.089 kg 21 cm = 0.21 m

KE = ½ mv2 37400 = ½ x 83 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 37400 / 83 v = 30 m/s useful energy = mgh = 24 x 9.8 x 13 = 3100 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 480 x 0.212 = 10.6 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3100 / 6700 GPE = mgh 10.6 = 0.089 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 83 x 9.8 x 46 = ½ x 83 x v2 efficiency = 0.46 (46 %) h = 10.6 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 12 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 46 v = 30 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 52
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2000 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2500 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 45 m/s. moving with 450 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.78 J of energy when
2000 g = 2 kg 450 kJ = 450,000 J 17 N/m when it is stretched by 17 cm. stretched 12 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 17 cm = 0.17 m 12 cm = 0.12 m

KE = ½ x 2 x 452 450000 = ½ x 2500 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 2000 J v2 = 2 x 450000 / 2500 EPE = ½ x 17 x 0.172 0.78 = ½ x k x 0.122

Always convert units before starting to v = 19 m/s EPE = 0.25 J k = 2 x 0.78 / 0.122
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 110 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 790 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 5.3 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.1 kg block of metal which absorbs 36 kJ of transfers 500 kJ of energy in 9 minutes.
12 m. 4000 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 500 kJ = 500000 J 9 min = 540 s
GPE = mgh 13°C to 33°C. 35°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 5.3 x 9.8 x 12 790 g = 0.79 kg 36 kJ = 36000 J
P = 500000 / 540
GPE = 620 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 930 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.79 x 4000 x (33 - 13) 36000 = 2.1 x c x 35
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 63000 J c = 36000 / (2.1 x 35) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 490 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 124 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 23 m. 7.6 kJ of energy to lift a 26 kg object 10 m. a 55 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.6 kJ = 7600 J 220 N/m when it has been stretched 27 cm.

GPE = mgh = 124 x 9.8 x 23 = 27900 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 55 g = 0.055 kg 27 cm = 0.27 m

KE = ½ mv2 27900 = ½ x 124 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 27900 / 124 v = 21 m/s useful energy = mgh = 26 x 9.8 x 10 = 2500 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 220 x 0.272 = 8.02 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 2500 / 7600 GPE = mgh 8.02 = 0.055 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 124 x 9.8 x 23 = ½ x 124 x v2 efficiency = 0.33 (33 %) h = 8.02 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 15 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 23 v = 21 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 53
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1500 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1200 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 37 m/s. moving with 290 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.97 J of energy when
1500 g = 1.5 kg 290 kJ = 290,000 J 78 N/m when it is stretched by 31 cm. stretched 12 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 31 cm = 0.31 m 12 cm = 0.12 m

KE = ½ x 1.5 x 372 290000 = ½ x 1200 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 1000 J v2 = 2 x 290000 / 1200 EPE = ½ x 78 x 0.312 0.97 = ½ x k x 0.122

Always convert units before starting to v = 22 m/s EPE = 3.7 J k = 2 x 0.97 / 0.122
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 130 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 660 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 6.4 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.6 kg block of metal which absorbs 25 kJ of transfers 870 kJ of energy in 4 minutes.
1 m. 2200 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 870 kJ = 870000 J 4 min = 240 s
GPE = mgh 15°C to 34°C. 19°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 6.4 x 9.8 x 1 660 g = 0.66 kg 25 kJ = 25000 J
P = 870000 / 240
GPE = 63 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 3600 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.66 x 2200 x (34 - 15) 25000 = 1.6 x c x 19
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 28000 J c = 25000 / (1.6 x 19) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 820 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 149 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 12 m. 7 kJ of energy to lift a 37 kg object 12 m. a 61 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7 kJ = 7000 J 270 N/m when it has been stretched 28 cm.

GPE = mgh = 149 x 9.8 x 12 = 17500 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 61 g = 0.061 kg 28 cm = 0.28 m

KE = ½ mv2 17500 = ½ x 149 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 17500 / 149 v = 15 m/s useful energy = mgh = 37 x 9.8 x 12 = 4400 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 270 x 0.282 = 10.6 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4400 / 7000 GPE = mgh 10.6 = 0.061 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 149 x 9.8 x 12 = ½ x 149 x v2 efficiency = 0.63 (63 %) h = 10.6 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 18 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 12 v = 15 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 54
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1900 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2200 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 68 m/s. moving with 1290 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.64 J of energy when
1900 g = 1.9 kg 1290 kJ = 1,290,000 J 90 N/m when it is stretched by 26 cm. stretched 13 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 26 cm = 0.26 m 13 cm = 0.13 m

KE = ½ x 1.9 x 682 1290000 = ½ x 2200 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 4400 J v2 = 2 x 1290000 / 2200 EPE = ½ x 90 x 0.262 0.64 = ½ x k x 0.132

Always convert units before starting to v = 34 m/s EPE = 3 J k = 2 x 0.64 / 0.132

answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 76 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 820 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 2 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 4.9 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of kg block of metal which absorbs 26 kJ of transfers 640 kJ of energy in 5 minutes.
1 m. 4200 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 640 kJ = 640000 J 5 min = 300 s
GPE = mgh 16°C to 36°C. 16°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 4.9 x 9.8 x 1 820 g = 0.82 kg 26 kJ = 26000 J
P = 640000 / 300
GPE = 48 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 2100 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.82 x 4200 x (36 - 16) 26000 = 2 x c x 16
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 69000 J c = 26000 / (2 x 16) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 810 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 174 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 33 m. 7 kJ of energy to lift a 22 kg object 14 m. a 75 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7 kJ = 7000 J 320 N/m when it has been stretched 28 cm.

GPE = mgh = 174 x 9.8 x 33 = 56300 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 75 g = 0.075 kg 28 cm = 0.28 m

KE = ½ mv2 56300 = ½ x 174 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 56300 / 174 v = 25 m/s useful energy = mgh = 22 x 9.8 x 14 = 3000 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 320 x 0.282 = 12.5 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3000 / 7000 GPE = mgh 12.5 = 0.075 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 174 x 9.8 x 33 = ½ x 174 x v2 efficiency = 0.43 (43 %) h = 12.5 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 17 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 33 v = 25 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 55
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1100 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1200 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 69 m/s. moving with 1190 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.85 J of energy when
1100 g = 1.1 kg 1190 kJ = 1,190,000 J 48 N/m when it is stretched by 26 cm. stretched 6 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 26 cm = 0.26 m 6 cm = 0.06 m

KE = ½ x 1.1 x 692 1190000 = ½ x 1200 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 2600 J v2 = 2 x 1190000 / 1200 EPE = ½ x 48 x 0.262 0.85 = ½ x k x 0.062

Always convert units before starting to v = 45 m/s EPE = 1.6 J k = 2 x 0.85 / 0.062
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 470 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 830 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 7.9 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.5 kg block of metal which absorbs 25 kJ of transfers 780 kJ of energy in 3 minutes.
15 m. 3200 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 780 kJ = 780000 J 3 min = 180 s
GPE = mgh 20°C to 52°C. 34°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 7.9 x 9.8 x 15 830 g = 0.83 kg 25 kJ = 25000 J
P = 780000 / 180
GPE = 1200 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 4300 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.83 x 3200 x (52 - 20) 25000 = 1.5 x c x 34
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 85000 J c = 25000 / (1.5 x 34) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 490 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 179 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 26 m. 7.2 kJ of energy to lift a 35 kg object 14 m. a 90 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.2 kJ = 7200 J 290 N/m when it has been stretched 24 cm.

GPE = mgh = 179 x 9.8 x 26 = 45600 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 90 g = 0.09 kg 24 cm = 0.24 m

KE = ½ mv2 45600 = ½ x 179 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 45600 / 179 v = 23 m/s useful energy = mgh = 35 x 9.8 x 14 = 4800 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 290 x 0.242 = 8.35 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4800 / 7200 GPE = mgh 8.35 = 0.09 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 179 x 9.8 x 26 = ½ x 179 x v2 efficiency = 0.67 (67 %) h = 8.35 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 9.5 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 26 v = 23 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 56
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1000 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1600 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 45 m/s. moving with 1080 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.32 J of energy when
1000 g = 1 kg 1080 kJ = 1,080,000 J 58 N/m when it is stretched by 10 cm. stretched 6 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 10 cm = 0.1 m 6 cm = 0.06 m

KE = ½ x 1 x 452 1080000 = ½ x 1600 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 1000 J v2 = 2 x 1080000 / 1600 EPE = ½ x 58 x 0.12 0.32 = ½ x k x 0.062

Always convert units before starting to v = 37 m/s EPE = 0.29 J k = 2 x 0.32 / 0.062
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 180 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 210 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 2 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 1.6 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of kg block of metal which absorbs 45 kJ of transfers 330 kJ of energy in 4 minutes.
5 m. 3700 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 330 kJ = 330000 J 4 min = 240 s
GPE = mgh 22°C to 39°C. 27°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 1.6 x 9.8 x 5 210 g = 0.21 kg 45 kJ = 45000 J
P = 330000 / 240
GPE = 78 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1400 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.21 x 3700 x (39 - 22) 45000 = 2 x c x 27
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 13000 J c = 45000 / (2 x 27) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 830 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 16 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 37 m. 7.6 kJ of energy to lift a 26 kg object 12 m. a 95 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.6 kJ = 7600 J 500 N/m when it has been stretched 33 cm.

GPE = mgh = 16 x 9.8 x 37 = 5800 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 95 g = 0.095 kg 33 cm = 0.33 m

KE = ½ mv2 5800 = ½ x 16 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 5800 / 16 v = 27 m/s useful energy = mgh = 26 x 9.8 x 12 = 3100 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 500 x 0.332 = 27.2 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3100 / 7600 GPE = mgh 27.2 = 0.095 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 16 x 9.8 x 37 = ½ x 16 x v2 efficiency = 0.41 (41 %) h = 27.2 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 29 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 37 v = 27 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 57
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2200 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1300 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 57 m/s. moving with 1200 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.6 J of energy when
2200 g = 2.2 kg 1200 kJ = 1,200,000 J 69 N/m when it is stretched by 31 cm. stretched 3 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 31 cm = 0.31 m 3 cm = 0.03 m

KE = ½ x 2.2 x 572 1200000 = ½ x 1300 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 3600 J v2 = 2 x 1200000 / 1300 EPE = ½ x 69 x 0.312 0.6 = ½ x k x 0.032

Always convert units before starting to v = 43 m/s EPE = 3.3 J k = 2 x 0.6 / 0.032
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 1300 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 100 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 9.6 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.4 kg block of metal which absorbs 32 kJ of transfers 280 kJ of energy in 8 minutes.
4 m. 4100 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 280 kJ = 280000 J 8 min = 480 s
GPE = mgh 12°C to 82°C. 33°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 9.6 x 9.8 x 4 100 g = 0.1 kg 32 kJ = 32000 J
P = 280000 / 480
GPE = 380 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 580 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.1 x 4100 x (82 - 12) 32000 = 1.4 x c x 33
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 29000 J c = 32000 / (1.4 x 33) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 690 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 192 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 27 m. 6.9 kJ of energy to lift a 34 kg object 15 m. a 64 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.9 kJ = 6900 J 270 N/m when it has been stretched 24 cm.

GPE = mgh = 192 x 9.8 x 27 = 50800 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 64 g = 0.064 kg 24 cm = 0.24 m

KE = ½ mv2 50800 = ½ x 192 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 50800 / 192 v = 23 m/s useful energy = mgh = 34 x 9.8 x 15 = 5000 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 270 x 0.242 = 7.78 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 5000 / 6900 GPE = mgh 7.78 = 0.064 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 192 x 9.8 x 27 = ½ x 192 x v2 efficiency = 0.72 (72 %) h = 7.78 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 12 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 27 v = 23 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 58
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2000 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1700 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 26 m/s. moving with 1190 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.22 J of energy when
2000 g = 2 kg 1190 kJ = 1,190,000 J 15 N/m when it is stretched by 21 cm. stretched 9 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 21 cm = 0.21 m 9 cm = 0.09 m

KE = ½ x 2 x 262 1190000 = ½ x 1700 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 680 J v2 = 2 x 1190000 / 1700 EPE = ½ x 15 x 0.212 0.22 = ½ x k x 0.092

Always convert units before starting to v = 37 m/s EPE = 0.33 J k = 2 x 0.22 / 0.092
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 54 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 230 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 1.5 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.2 kg block of metal which absorbs 22 kJ of transfers 480 kJ of energy in 6 minutes.
10 m. 1400 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 480 kJ = 480000 J 6 min = 360 s
GPE = mgh 21°C to 42°C. 30°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 1.5 x 9.8 x 10 230 g = 0.23 kg 22 kJ = 22000 J
P = 480000 / 360
GPE = 150 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1300 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.23 x 1400 x (42 - 21) 22000 = 2.2 x c x 30
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 6800 J c = 22000 / (2.2 x 30) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 330 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 90 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 18 m. 7.9 kJ of energy to lift a 26 kg object 10 m. a 79 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.9 kJ = 7900 J 370 N/m when it has been stretched 32 cm.

GPE = mgh = 90 x 9.8 x 18 = 15900 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 79 g = 0.079 kg 32 cm = 0.32 m

KE = ½ mv2 15900 = ½ x 90 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 15900 / 90 v = 19 m/s useful energy = mgh = 26 x 9.8 x 10 = 2500 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 370 x 0.322 = 18.9 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 2500 / 7900 GPE = mgh 18.9 = 0.079 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 90 x 9.8 x 18 = ½ x 90 x v2 efficiency = 0.32 (32 %) h = 18.9 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 24 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 18 v = 19 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 59
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1300 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2000 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 46 m/s. moving with 360 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.69 J of energy when
1300 g = 1.3 kg 360 kJ = 360,000 J 99 N/m when it is stretched by 26 cm. stretched 2 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 26 cm = 0.26 m 2 cm = 0.02 m

KE = ½ x 1.3 x 462 360000 = ½ x 2000 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 1400 J v2 = 2 x 360000 / 2000 EPE = ½ x 99 x 0.262 0.69 = ½ x k x 0.022

Always convert units before starting to v = 19 m/s EPE = 3.3 J k = 2 x 0.69 / 0.022
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 3500 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 510 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 1.7 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.2 kg block of metal which absorbs 40 kJ of transfers 300 kJ of energy in 3 minutes.
4 m. 4200 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 300 kJ = 300000 J 3 min = 180 s
GPE = mgh 16°C to 77°C. 23°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 1.7 x 9.8 x 4 510 g = 0.51 kg 40 kJ = 40000 J
P = 300000 / 180
GPE = 67 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1700 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.51 x 4200 x (77 - 16) 40000 = 1.2 x c x 23
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 130000 J c = 40000 / (1.2 x 23) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 1400 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 108 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 17 m. 7.1 kJ of energy to lift a 22 kg object 11 m. a 80 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.1 kJ = 7100 J 240 N/m when it has been stretched 32 cm.

GPE = mgh = 108 x 9.8 x 17 = 18000 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 80 g = 0.08 kg 32 cm = 0.32 m

KE = ½ mv2 18000 = ½ x 108 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 18000 / 108 v = 18 m/s useful energy = mgh = 22 x 9.8 x 11 = 2400 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 240 x 0.322 = 12.3 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 2400 / 7100 GPE = mgh 12.3 = 0.08 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 108 x 9.8 x 17 = ½ x 108 x v2 efficiency = 0.34 (34 %) h = 12.3 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 16 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 17 v = 18 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 60
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2800 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 900 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 70 m/s. moving with 1500 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.5 J of energy when
2800 g = 2.8 kg 1500 kJ = 1,500,000 J 14 N/m when it is stretched by 42 cm. stretched 3 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 42 cm = 0.42 m 3 cm = 0.03 m

KE = ½ x 2.8 x 702 1500000 = ½ x 900 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 6900 J v2 = 2 x 1500000 / 900 EPE = ½ x 14 x 0.422 0.5 = ½ x k x 0.032

Always convert units before starting to v = 58 m/s EPE = 1.2 J k = 2 x 0.5 / 0.032
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 1100 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 120 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 8.6 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.1 kg block of metal which absorbs 22 kJ of transfers 250 kJ of energy in 9 minutes.
11 m. 3000 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 250 kJ = 250000 J 9 min = 540 s
GPE = mgh 24°C to 71°C. 32°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 8.6 x 9.8 x 11 120 g = 0.12 kg 22 kJ = 22000 J
P = 250000 / 540
GPE = 930 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 460 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.12 x 3000 x (71 - 24) 22000 = 2.1 x c x 32
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 17000 J c = 22000 / (2.1 x 32) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 330 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 106 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 47 m. 6.4 kJ of energy to lift a 34 kg object 12 m. a 90 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.4 kJ = 6400 J 480 N/m when it has been stretched 33 cm.

GPE = mgh = 106 x 9.8 x 47 = 48800 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 90 g = 0.09 kg 33 cm = 0.33 m

KE = ½ mv2 48800 = ½ x 106 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 48800 / 106 v = 30 m/s useful energy = mgh = 34 x 9.8 x 12 = 4000 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 480 x 0.332 = 26.1 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4000 / 6400 GPE = mgh 26.1 = 0.09 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 106 x 9.8 x 47 = ½ x 106 x v2 efficiency = 0.63 (63 %) h = 26.1 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 30 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 47 v = 30 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 61
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2400 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1700 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 21 m/s. moving with 240 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.87 J of energy when
2400 g = 2.4 kg 240 kJ = 240,000 J 17 N/m when it is stretched by 38 cm. stretched 17 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 38 cm = 0.38 m 17 cm = 0.17 m

KE = ½ x 2.4 x 212 240000 = ½ x 1700 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 530 J v2 = 2 x 240000 / 1700 EPE = ½ x 17 x 0.382 0.87 = ½ x k x 0.172

Always convert units before starting to v = 17 m/s EPE = 1.2 J k = 2 x 0.87 / 0.172
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 60 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 600 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 9.9 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.7 kg block of metal which absorbs 22 kJ of transfers 850 kJ of energy in 5 minutes.
14 m. 1600 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 850 kJ = 850000 J 5 min = 300 s
GPE = mgh 10°C to 66°C. 15°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 9.9 x 9.8 x 14 600 g = 0.6 kg 22 kJ = 22000 J
P = 850000 / 300
GPE = 1400 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 2800 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.6 x 1600 x (66 - 10) 22000 = 1.7 x c x 15
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 54000 J c = 22000 / (1.7 x 15) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 860 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 100 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 35 m. 7.1 kJ of energy to lift a 28 kg object 10 m. a 80 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.1 kJ = 7100 J 370 N/m when it has been stretched 20 cm.

GPE = mgh = 100 x 9.8 x 35 = 34300 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 80 g = 0.08 kg 20 cm = 0.2 m

KE = ½ mv2 34300 = ½ x 100 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 34300 / 100 v = 26 m/s useful energy = mgh = 28 x 9.8 x 10 = 2700 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 370 x 0.22 = 7.4 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 2700 / 7100 GPE = mgh 7.4 = 0.08 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 100 x 9.8 x 35 = ½ x 100 x v2 efficiency = 0.38 (38 %) h = 7.4 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 9.4 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 35 v = 26 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 62
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2600 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1900 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 28 m/s. moving with 1360 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.39 J of energy when
2600 g = 2.6 kg 1360 kJ = 1,360,000 J 37 N/m when it is stretched by 13 cm. stretched 9 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 13 cm = 0.13 m 9 cm = 0.09 m

KE = ½ x 2.6 x 282 1360000 = ½ x 1900 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 1000 J v2 = 2 x 1360000 / 1900 EPE = ½ x 37 x 0.132 0.39 = ½ x k x 0.092

Always convert units before starting to v = 38 m/s EPE = 0.31 J k = 2 x 0.39 / 0.092
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 96 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 830 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 9.9 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.5 kg block of metal which absorbs 46 kJ of transfers 630 kJ of energy in 9 minutes.
5 m. 2900 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 630 kJ = 630000 J 9 min = 540 s
GPE = mgh 13°C to 43°C. 13°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 9.9 x 9.8 x 5 830 g = 0.83 kg 46 kJ = 46000 J
P = 630000 / 540
GPE = 490 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1200 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.83 x 2900 x (43 - 13) 46000 = 1.5 x c x 13
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 72000 J c = 46000 / (1.5 x 13) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 2400 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 119 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 47 m. 6 kJ of energy to lift a 20 kg object 13 m. a 71 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6 kJ = 6000 J 490 N/m when it has been stretched 32 cm.

GPE = mgh = 119 x 9.8 x 47 = 54800 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 71 g = 0.071 kg 32 cm = 0.32 m

KE = ½ mv2 54800 = ½ x 119 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 54800 / 119 v = 30 m/s useful energy = mgh = 20 x 9.8 x 13 = 2500 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 490 x 0.322 = 25.1 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 2500 / 6000 GPE = mgh 25.1 = 0.071 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 119 x 9.8 x 47 = ½ x 119 x v2 efficiency = 0.42 (42 %) h = 25.1 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 36 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 47 v = 30 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 63
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1100 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2000 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 75 m/s. moving with 1130 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.31 J of energy when
1100 g = 1.1 kg 1130 kJ = 1,130,000 J 11 N/m when it is stretched by 22 cm. stretched 9 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 22 cm = 0.22 m 9 cm = 0.09 m

KE = ½ x 1.1 x 752 1130000 = ½ x 2000 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 3100 J v2 = 2 x 1130000 / 2000 EPE = ½ x 11 x 0.222 0.31 = ½ x k x 0.092

Always convert units before starting to v = 34 m/s EPE = 0.27 J k = 2 x 0.31 / 0.092
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 77 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 770 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 9.9 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.2 kg block of metal which absorbs 42 kJ of transfers 770 kJ of energy in 8 minutes.
19 m. 4800 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 770 kJ = 770000 J 8 min = 480 s
GPE = mgh 17°C to 43°C. 11°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 9.9 x 9.8 x 19 770 g = 0.77 kg 42 kJ = 42000 J
P = 770000 / 480
GPE = 1800 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1600 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.77 x 4800 x (43 - 17) 42000 = 2.2 x c x 11
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 96000 J c = 42000 / (2.2 x 11) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 1700 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 136 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 34 m. 7.9 kJ of energy to lift a 22 kg object 11 m. a 98 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.9 kJ = 7900 J 240 N/m when it has been stretched 27 cm.

GPE = mgh = 136 x 9.8 x 34 = 45300 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 98 g = 0.098 kg 27 cm = 0.27 m

KE = ½ mv2 45300 = ½ x 136 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 45300 / 136 v = 26 m/s useful energy = mgh = 22 x 9.8 x 11 = 2400 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 240 x 0.272 = 8.75 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 2400 / 7900 GPE = mgh 8.75 = 0.098 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 136 x 9.8 x 34 = ½ x 136 x v2 efficiency = 0.3 (30 %) h = 8.75 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 9.1 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 34 v = 26 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 64
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2600 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1900 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 41 m/s. moving with 680 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.86 J of energy when
2600 g = 2.6 kg 680 kJ = 680,000 J 18 N/m when it is stretched by 11 cm. stretched 14 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 11 cm = 0.11 m 14 cm = 0.14 m

KE = ½ x 2.6 x 412 680000 = ½ x 1900 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 2200 J v2 = 2 x 680000 / 1900 EPE = ½ x 18 x 0.112 0.86 = ½ x k x 0.142

Always convert units before starting to v = 27 m/s EPE = 0.11 J k = 2 x 0.86 / 0.142
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 88 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 810 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 6.4 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.4 kg block of metal which absorbs 49 kJ of transfers 790 kJ of energy in 9 minutes.
7 m. 2600 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 790 kJ = 790000 J 9 min = 540 s
GPE = mgh 22°C to 31°C. 11°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 6.4 x 9.8 x 7 810 g = 0.81 kg 49 kJ = 49000 J
P = 790000 / 540
GPE = 440 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1500 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.81 x 2600 x (31 - 22) 49000 = 1.4 x c x 11
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 19000 J c = 49000 / (1.4 x 11) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 3200 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 65 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 30 m. 6.2 kJ of energy to lift a 33 kg object 12 m. a 57 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.2 kJ = 6200 J 270 N/m when it has been stretched 31 cm.

GPE = mgh = 65 x 9.8 x 30 = 19100 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 57 g = 0.057 kg 31 cm = 0.31 m

KE = ½ mv2 19100 = ½ x 65 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 19100 / 65 v = 24 m/s useful energy = mgh = 33 x 9.8 x 12 = 3900 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 270 x 0.312 = 13 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3900 / 6200 GPE = mgh 13 = 0.057 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 65 x 9.8 x 30 = ½ x 65 x v2 efficiency = 0.63 (63 %) h = 13 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 23 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 30 v = 24 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 65
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1200 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2200 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 31 m/s. moving with 580 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.55 J of energy when
1200 g = 1.2 kg 580 kJ = 580,000 J 85 N/m when it is stretched by 36 cm. stretched 10 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 36 cm = 0.36 m 10 cm = 0.1 m

KE = ½ x 1.2 x 312 580000 = ½ x 2200 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 580 J v2 = 2 x 580000 / 2200 EPE = ½ x 85 x 0.362 0.55 = ½ x k x 0.12

Always convert units before starting to v = 23 m/s EPE = 5.5 J k = 2 x 0.55 / 0.12
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 110 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 440 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 8.6 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.4 kg block of metal which absorbs 38 kJ of transfers 650 kJ of energy in 7 minutes.
4 m. 2100 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 650 kJ = 650000 J 7 min = 420 s
GPE = mgh 10°C to 80°C. 30°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 8.6 x 9.8 x 4 440 g = 0.44 kg 38 kJ = 38000 J
P = 650000 / 420
GPE = 340 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1500 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.44 x 2100 x (80 - 10) 38000 = 1.4 x c x 30
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 65000 J c = 38000 / (1.4 x 30) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 900 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 135 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 12 m. 7 kJ of energy to lift a 38 kg object 12 m. a 79 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7 kJ = 7000 J 430 N/m when it has been stretched 24 cm.

GPE = mgh = 135 x 9.8 x 12 = 15900 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 79 g = 0.079 kg 24 cm = 0.24 m

KE = ½ mv2 15900 = ½ x 135 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 15900 / 135 v = 15 m/s useful energy = mgh = 38 x 9.8 x 12 = 4500 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 430 x 0.242 = 12.4 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4500 / 7000 GPE = mgh 12.4 = 0.079 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 135 x 9.8 x 12 = ½ x 135 x v2 efficiency = 0.64 (64 %) h = 12.4 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 16 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 12 v = 15 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 66
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1900 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2100 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 67 m/s. moving with 1200 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.24 J of energy when
1900 g = 1.9 kg 1200 kJ = 1,200,000 J 19 N/m when it is stretched by 33 cm. stretched 8 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 33 cm = 0.33 m 8 cm = 0.08 m

KE = ½ x 1.9 x 672 1200000 = ½ x 2100 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 4300 J v2 = 2 x 1200000 / 2100 EPE = ½ x 19 x 0.332 0.24 = ½ x k x 0.082

Always convert units before starting to v = 34 m/s EPE = 1 J k = 2 x 0.24 / 0.082

answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 75 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 760 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 9.1 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.4 kg block of metal which absorbs 26 kJ of transfers 500 kJ of energy in 6 minutes.
13 m. 3500 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 500 kJ = 500000 J 6 min = 360 s
GPE = mgh 14°C to 59°C. 35°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 9.1 x 9.8 x 13 760 g = 0.76 kg 26 kJ = 26000 J
P = 500000 / 360
GPE = 1200 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1400 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.76 x 3500 x (59 - 14) 26000 = 2.4 x c x 35
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 120000 J c = 26000 / (2.4 x 35) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 310 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 123 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 26 m. 6.3 kJ of energy to lift a 22 kg object 13 m. a 73 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.3 kJ = 6300 J 310 N/m when it has been stretched 30 cm.

GPE = mgh = 123 x 9.8 x 26 = 31300 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 73 g = 0.073 kg 30 cm = 0.3 m

KE = ½ mv2 31300 = ½ x 123 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 31300 / 123 v = 23 m/s useful energy = mgh = 22 x 9.8 x 13 = 2800 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 310 x 0.32 = 14 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 2800 / 6300 GPE = mgh 14 = 0.073 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 123 x 9.8 x 26 = ½ x 123 x v2 efficiency = 0.44 (44 %) h = 14 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 20 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 26 v = 23 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 67
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 900 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2300 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 61 m/s. moving with 740 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.88 J of energy when
900 g = 0.9 kg 740 kJ = 740,000 J 78 N/m when it is stretched by 22 cm. stretched 7 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 22 cm = 0.22 m 7 cm = 0.07 m

KE = ½ x 0.9 x 612 740000 = ½ x 2300 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 1700 J v2 = 2 x 740000 / 2300 EPE = ½ x 78 x 0.222 0.88 = ½ x k x 0.072

Always convert units before starting to v = 25 m/s EPE = 1.9 J k = 2 x 0.88 / 0.072
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 360 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 490 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 3.5 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.9 kg block of metal which absorbs 42 kJ of transfers 480 kJ of energy in 6 minutes.
2 m. 3000 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 480 kJ = 480000 J 6 min = 360 s
GPE = mgh 21°C to 59°C. 31°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 3.5 x 9.8 x 2 490 g = 0.49 kg 42 kJ = 42000 J
P = 480000 / 360
GPE = 69 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1300 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.49 x 3000 x (59 - 21) 42000 = 1.9 x c x 31
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 56000 J c = 42000 / (1.9 x 31) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 710 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 75 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 11 m. 7.5 kJ of energy to lift a 30 kg object 13 m. a 76 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.5 kJ = 7500 J 400 N/m when it has been stretched 40 cm.

GPE = mgh = 75 x 9.8 x 11 = 8090 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 76 g = 0.076 kg 40 cm = 0.4 m

KE = ½ mv2 8090 = ½ x 75 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 8090 / 75 v = 15 m/s useful energy = mgh = 30 x 9.8 x 13 = 3800 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 400 x 0.42 = 32 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3800 / 7500 GPE = mgh 32 = 0.076 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 75 x 9.8 x 11 = ½ x 75 x v2 efficiency = 0.51 (51 %) h = 32 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 43 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 11 v = 15 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 68
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2300 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1600 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 35 m/s. moving with 1190 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.54 J of energy when
2300 g = 2.3 kg 1190 kJ = 1,190,000 J 33 N/m when it is stretched by 12 cm. stretched 6 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 12 cm = 0.12 m 6 cm = 0.06 m

KE = ½ x 2.3 x 352 1190000 = ½ x 1600 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 1400 J v2 = 2 x 1190000 / 1600 EPE = ½ x 33 x 0.122 0.54 = ½ x k x 0.062

Always convert units before starting to v = 39 m/s EPE = 0.24 J k = 2 x 0.54 / 0.062
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 300 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 290 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 4.8 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.3 kg block of metal which absorbs 27 kJ of transfers 410 kJ of energy in 5 minutes.
19 m. 2800 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 410 kJ = 410000 J 5 min = 300 s
GPE = mgh 18°C to 64°C. 11°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 4.8 x 9.8 x 19 290 g = 0.29 kg 27 kJ = 27000 J
P = 410000 / 300
GPE = 890 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1400 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.29 x 2800 x (64 - 18) 27000 = 2.3 x c x 11
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 37000 J c = 27000 / (2.3 x 11) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 1100 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 188 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 50 m. 7.2 kJ of energy to lift a 36 kg object 15 m. a 57 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.2 kJ = 7200 J 240 N/m when it has been stretched 24 cm.

GPE = mgh = 188 x 9.8 x 50 = 92100 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 57 g = 0.057 kg 24 cm = 0.24 m

KE = ½ mv2 92100 = ½ x 188 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 92100 / 188 v = 31 m/s useful energy = mgh = 36 x 9.8 x 15 = 5300 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 240 x 0.242 = 6.91 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 5300 / 7200 GPE = mgh 6.91 = 0.057 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 188 x 9.8 x 50 = ½ x 188 x v2 efficiency = 0.74 (74 %) h = 6.91 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 12 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 50 v = 31 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 69
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1900 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1900 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 66 m/s. moving with 300 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.65 J of energy when
1900 g = 1.9 kg 300 kJ = 300,000 J 12 N/m when it is stretched by 34 cm. stretched 3 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 34 cm = 0.34 m 3 cm = 0.03 m

KE = ½ x 1.9 x 662 300000 = ½ x 1900 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 4100 J v2 = 2 x 300000 / 1900 EPE = ½ x 12 x 0.342 0.65 = ½ x k x 0.032

Always convert units before starting to v = 18 m/s EPE = 0.69 J k = 2 x 0.65 / 0.032
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 1400 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 130 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 2 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 5.7 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of kg block of metal which absorbs 48 kJ of transfers 800 kJ of energy in 6 minutes.
7 m. 3700 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 800 kJ = 800000 J 6 min = 360 s
GPE = mgh 15°C to 78°C. 28°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 5.7 x 9.8 x 7 130 g = 0.13 kg 48 kJ = 48000 J
P = 800000 / 360
GPE = 390 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 2200 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.13 x 3700 x (78 - 15) 48000 = 2 x c x 28
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 30000 J c = 48000 / (2 x 28) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 860 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 4 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 18 m. 7.3 kJ of energy to lift a 20 kg object 10 m. a 88 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.3 kJ = 7300 J 220 N/m when it has been stretched 21 cm.

GPE = mgh = 4 x 9.8 x 18 = 706 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 88 g = 0.088 kg 21 cm = 0.21 m

KE = ½ mv2 706 = ½ x 4 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 706 / 4 v = 19 m/s useful energy = mgh = 20 x 9.8 x 10 = 2000 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 220 x 0.212 = 4.85 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 2000 / 7300 GPE = mgh 4.85 = 0.088 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 4 x 9.8 x 18 = ½ x 4 x v2 efficiency = 0.27 (27 %) h = 4.85 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 5.6 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 18 v = 19 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 70
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1300 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 900 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 46 m/s. moving with 1190 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.19 J of energy when
1300 g = 1.3 kg 1190 kJ = 1,190,000 J 67 N/m when it is stretched by 39 cm. stretched 16 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 39 cm = 0.39 m 16 cm = 0.16 m

KE = ½ x 1.3 x 462 1190000 = ½ x 900 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 1400 J v2 = 2 x 1190000 / 900 EPE = ½ x 67 x 0.392 0.19 = ½ x k x 0.162

Always convert units before starting to v = 51 m/s EPE = 5.1 J k = 2 x 0.19 / 0.162
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 15 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 170 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 5.7 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.3 kg block of metal which absorbs 49 kJ of transfers 210 kJ of energy in 6 minutes.
12 m. 2100 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 210 kJ = 210000 J 6 min = 360 s
GPE = mgh 14°C to 71°C. 31°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 5.7 x 9.8 x 12 170 g = 0.17 kg 49 kJ = 49000 J
P = 210000 / 360
GPE = 670 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 580 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.17 x 2100 x (71 - 14) 49000 = 2.3 x c x 31
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 20000 J c = 49000 / (2.3 x 31) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 690 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 108 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 33 m. 6.6 kJ of energy to lift a 24 kg object 15 m. a 64 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.6 kJ = 6600 J 420 N/m when it has been stretched 33 cm.

GPE = mgh = 108 x 9.8 x 33 = 34900 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 64 g = 0.064 kg 33 cm = 0.33 m

KE = ½ mv2 34900 = ½ x 108 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 34900 / 108 v = 25 m/s useful energy = mgh = 24 x 9.8 x 15 = 3500 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 420 x 0.332 = 22.9 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3500 / 6600 GPE = mgh 22.9 = 0.064 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 108 x 9.8 x 33 = ½ x 108 x v2 efficiency = 0.53 (53 %) h = 22.9 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 37 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 33 v = 25 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 71
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1100 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1500 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 67 m/s. moving with 600 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.73 J of energy when
1100 g = 1.1 kg 600 kJ = 600,000 J 15 N/m when it is stretched by 30 cm. stretched 7 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 30 cm = 0.3 m 7 cm = 0.07 m

KE = ½ x 1.1 x 672 600000 = ½ x 1500 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 2500 J v2 = 2 x 600000 / 1500 EPE = ½ x 15 x 0.32 0.73 = ½ x k x 0.072

Always convert units before starting to v = 28 m/s EPE = 0.68 J k = 2 x 0.73 / 0.072
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 300 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 700 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 7 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.8 kg block of metal which absorbs 43 kJ of transfers 300 kJ of energy in 6 minutes.
12 m. 4800 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 300 kJ = 300000 J 6 min = 360 s
GPE = mgh 24°C to 32°C. 16°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 7 x 9.8 x 12 700 g = 0.7 kg 43 kJ = 43000 J
P = 300000 / 360
GPE = 820 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 830 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.7 x 4800 x (32 - 24) 43000 = 1.8 x c x 16
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 27000 J c = 43000 / (1.8 x 16) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 1500 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 102 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 19 m. 7.4 kJ of energy to lift a 34 kg object 15 m. a 52 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.4 kJ = 7400 J 290 N/m when it has been stretched 29 cm.

GPE = mgh = 102 x 9.8 x 19 = 19000 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 52 g = 0.052 kg 29 cm = 0.29 m

KE = ½ mv2 19000 = ½ x 102 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 19000 / 102 v = 19 m/s useful energy = mgh = 34 x 9.8 x 15 = 5000 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 290 x 0.292 = 12.2 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 5000 / 7400 GPE = mgh 12.2 = 0.052 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 102 x 9.8 x 19 = ½ x 102 x v2 efficiency = 0.68 (68 %) h = 12.2 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 24 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 19 v = 19 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 72
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1500 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1000 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 70 m/s. moving with 790 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.28 J of energy when
1500 g = 1.5 kg 790 kJ = 790,000 J 45 N/m when it is stretched by 44 cm. stretched 13 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 44 cm = 0.44 m 13 cm = 0.13 m

KE = ½ x 1.5 x 702 790000 = ½ x 1000 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 3700 J v2 = 2 x 790000 / 1000 EPE = ½ x 45 x 0.442 0.28 = ½ x k x 0.132

Always convert units before starting to v = 40 m/s EPE = 4.4 J k = 2 x 0.28 / 0.132
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 33 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 850 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 5.3 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.3 kg block of metal which absorbs 47 kJ of transfers 610 kJ of energy in 8 minutes.
19 m. 4300 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 610 kJ = 610000 J 8 min = 480 s
GPE = mgh 13°C to 66°C. 17°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 5.3 x 9.8 x 19 850 g = 0.85 kg 47 kJ = 47000 J
P = 610000 / 480
GPE = 990 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1300 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.85 x 4300 x (66 - 13) 47000 = 1.3 x c x 17
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 190000 J c = 47000 / (1.3 x 17) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 2100 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 115 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 22 m. 6.5 kJ of energy to lift a 28 kg object 11 m. a 79 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.5 kJ = 6500 J 430 N/m when it has been stretched 40 cm.

GPE = mgh = 115 x 9.8 x 22 = 24800 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 79 g = 0.079 kg 40 cm = 0.4 m

KE = ½ mv2 24800 = ½ x 115 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 24800 / 115 v = 21 m/s useful energy = mgh = 28 x 9.8 x 11 = 3000 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 430 x 0.42 = 34.4 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3000 / 6500 GPE = mgh 34.4 = 0.079 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 115 x 9.8 x 22 = ½ x 115 x v2 efficiency = 0.46 (46 %) h = 34.4 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 44 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 22 v = 21 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 73
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1200 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2500 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 47 m/s. moving with 1330 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.76 J of energy when
1200 g = 1.2 kg 1330 kJ = 1,330,000 J 36 N/m when it is stretched by 19 cm. stretched 10 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 19 cm = 0.19 m 10 cm = 0.1 m

KE = ½ x 1.2 x 472 1330000 = ½ x 2500 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 1300 J v2 = 2 x 1330000 / 2500 EPE = ½ x 36 x 0.192 0.76 = ½ x k x 0.12

Always convert units before starting to v = 33 m/s EPE = 0.65 J k = 2 x 0.76 / 0.12
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 150 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 790 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 6.9 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.5 kg block of metal which absorbs 44 kJ of transfers 590 kJ of energy in 8 minutes.
2 m. 2100 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 590 kJ = 590000 J 8 min = 480 s
GPE = mgh 13°C to 38°C. 13°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 6.9 x 9.8 x 2 790 g = 0.79 kg 44 kJ = 44000 J
P = 590000 / 480
GPE = 140 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1200 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.79 x 2100 x (38 - 13) 44000 = 1.5 x c x 13
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 41000 J c = 44000 / (1.5 x 13) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 2300 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 53 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 46 m. 6.8 kJ of energy to lift a 26 kg object 13 m. a 58 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.8 kJ = 6800 J 240 N/m when it has been stretched 40 cm.

GPE = mgh = 53 x 9.8 x 46 = 23900 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 58 g = 0.058 kg 40 cm = 0.4 m

KE = ½ mv2 23900 = ½ x 53 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 23900 / 53 v = 30 m/s useful energy = mgh = 26 x 9.8 x 13 = 3300 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 240 x 0.42 = 19.2 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3300 / 6800 GPE = mgh 19.2 = 0.058 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 53 x 9.8 x 46 = ½ x 53 x v2 efficiency = 0.49 (49 %) h = 19.2 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 34 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 46 v = 30 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 74
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2800 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2200 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 11 m/s. moving with 150 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.61 J of energy when
2800 g = 2.8 kg 150 kJ = 150,000 J 30 N/m when it is stretched by 39 cm. stretched 7 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 39 cm = 0.39 m 7 cm = 0.07 m

KE = ½ x 2.8 x 112 150000 = ½ x 2200 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 170 J v2 = 2 x 150000 / 2200 EPE = ½ x 30 x 0.392 0.61 = ½ x k x 0.072

Always convert units before starting to v = 12 m/s EPE = 2.3 J k = 2 x 0.61 / 0.072
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 250 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 580 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 1.3 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.5 kg block of metal which absorbs 20 kJ of transfers 250 kJ of energy in 3 minutes.
10 m. 3100 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 250 kJ = 250000 J 3 min = 180 s
GPE = mgh 16°C to 75°C. 23°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 1.3 x 9.8 x 10 580 g = 0.58 kg 20 kJ = 20000 J
P = 250000 / 180
GPE = 130 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1400 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.58 x 3100 x (75 - 16) 20000 = 2.5 x c x 23
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 110000 J c = 20000 / (2.5 x 23) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 350 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 45 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 43 m. 8 kJ of energy to lift a 35 kg object 14 m. a 80 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 8 kJ = 8000 J 440 N/m when it has been stretched 38 cm.

GPE = mgh = 45 x 9.8 x 43 = 19000 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 80 g = 0.08 kg 38 cm = 0.38 m

KE = ½ mv2 19000 = ½ x 45 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 19000 / 45 v = 29 m/s useful energy = mgh = 35 x 9.8 x 14 = 4800 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 440 x 0.382 = 31.8 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4800 / 8000 GPE = mgh 31.8 = 0.08 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 45 x 9.8 x 43 = ½ x 45 x v2 efficiency = 0.6 (60 %) h = 31.8 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 41 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 43 v = 29 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 75
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2200 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1700 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 33 m/s. moving with 340 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.15 J of energy when
2200 g = 2.2 kg 340 kJ = 340,000 J 93 N/m when it is stretched by 36 cm. stretched 8 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 36 cm = 0.36 m 8 cm = 0.08 m

KE = ½ x 2.2 x 332 340000 = ½ x 1700 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 1200 J v2 = 2 x 340000 / 1700 EPE = ½ x 93 x 0.362 0.15 = ½ x k x 0.082

Always convert units before starting to v = 20 m/s EPE = 6 J k = 2 x 0.15 / 0.082

answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 47 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 390 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 3.4 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.8 kg block of metal which absorbs 34 kJ of transfers 840 kJ of energy in 3 minutes.
8 m. 3100 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 840 kJ = 840000 J 3 min = 180 s
GPE = mgh 25°C to 33°C. 33°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 3.4 x 9.8 x 8 390 g = 0.39 kg 34 kJ = 34000 J
P = 840000 / 180
GPE = 270 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 4700 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.39 x 3100 x (33 - 25) 34000 = 1.8 x c x 33
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 9700 J c = 34000 / (1.8 x 33) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 570 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 102 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 31 m. 6.8 kJ of energy to lift a 25 kg object 10 m. a 53 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.8 kJ = 6800 J 330 N/m when it has been stretched 27 cm.

GPE = mgh = 102 x 9.8 x 31 = 31000 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 53 g = 0.053 kg 27 cm = 0.27 m

KE = ½ mv2 31000 = ½ x 102 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 31000 / 102 v = 25 m/s useful energy = mgh = 25 x 9.8 x 10 = 2500 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 330 x 0.272 = 12 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 2500 / 6800 GPE = mgh 12 = 0.053 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 102 x 9.8 x 31 = ½ x 102 x v2 efficiency = 0.37 (37 %) h = 12 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 23 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 31 v = 25 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 76
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2600 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2300 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 13 m/s. moving with 130 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.45 J of energy when
2600 g = 2.6 kg 130 kJ = 130,000 J 59 N/m when it is stretched by 14 cm. stretched 16 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 14 cm = 0.14 m 16 cm = 0.16 m

KE = ½ x 2.6 x 132 130000 = ½ x 2300 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 220 J v2 = 2 x 130000 / 2300 EPE = ½ x 59 x 0.142 0.45 = ½ x k x 0.162

Always convert units before starting to v = 11 m/s EPE = 0.58 J k = 2 x 0.45 / 0.162
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 35 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 710 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 8 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.8 kg block of metal which absorbs 49 kJ of transfers 670 kJ of energy in 6 minutes.
15 m. 1600 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 670 kJ = 670000 J 6 min = 360 s
GPE = mgh 11°C to 84°C. 32°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 8 x 9.8 x 15 710 g = 0.71 kg 49 kJ = 49000 J
P = 670000 / 360
GPE = 1200 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1900 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.71 x 1600 x (84 - 11) 49000 = 1.8 x c x 32
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 83000 J c = 49000 / (1.8 x 32) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 850 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 66 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 31 m. 6.8 kJ of energy to lift a 24 kg object 12 m. a 89 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.8 kJ = 6800 J 480 N/m when it has been stretched 23 cm.

GPE = mgh = 66 x 9.8 x 31 = 20100 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 89 g = 0.089 kg 23 cm = 0.23 m

KE = ½ mv2 20100 = ½ x 66 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 20100 / 66 v = 25 m/s useful energy = mgh = 24 x 9.8 x 12 = 2800 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 480 x 0.232 = 12.7 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 2800 / 6800 GPE = mgh 12.7 = 0.089 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 66 x 9.8 x 31 = ½ x 66 x v2 efficiency = 0.41 (41 %) h = 12.7 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 15 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 31 v = 25 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 77
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2000 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1300 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 27 m/s. moving with 450 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.66 J of energy when
2000 g = 2 kg 450 kJ = 450,000 J 16 N/m when it is stretched by 12 cm. stretched 16 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 12 cm = 0.12 m 16 cm = 0.16 m

KE = ½ x 2 x 272 450000 = ½ x 1300 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 730 J v2 = 2 x 450000 / 1300 EPE = ½ x 16 x 0.122 0.66 = ½ x k x 0.162

Always convert units before starting to v = 26 m/s EPE = 0.12 J k = 2 x 0.66 / 0.162
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 52 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 740 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 1.3 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.4 kg block of metal which absorbs 40 kJ of transfers 360 kJ of energy in 8 minutes.
17 m. 2400 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 360 kJ = 360000 J 8 min = 480 s
GPE = mgh 17°C to 47°C. 24°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 1.3 x 9.8 x 17 740 g = 0.74 kg 40 kJ = 40000 J
P = 360000 / 480
GPE = 220 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 750 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.74 x 2400 x (47 - 17) 40000 = 1.4 x c x 24
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 53000 J c = 40000 / (1.4 x 24) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 1200 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 146 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 38 m. 8 kJ of energy to lift a 39 kg object 12 m. a 82 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 8 kJ = 8000 J 460 N/m when it has been stretched 26 cm.

GPE = mgh = 146 x 9.8 x 38 = 54400 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 82 g = 0.082 kg 26 cm = 0.26 m

KE = ½ mv2 54400 = ½ x 146 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 54400 / 146 v = 27 m/s useful energy = mgh = 39 x 9.8 x 12 = 4600 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 460 x 0.262 = 15.5 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4600 / 8000 GPE = mgh 15.5 = 0.082 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 146 x 9.8 x 38 = ½ x 146 x v2 efficiency = 0.58 (58 %) h = 15.5 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 19 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 38 v = 27 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 78
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2200 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1300 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 74 m/s. moving with 1210 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.71 J of energy when
2200 g = 2.2 kg 1210 kJ = 1,210,000 J 47 N/m when it is stretched by 17 cm. stretched 17 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 17 cm = 0.17 m 17 cm = 0.17 m

KE = ½ x 2.2 x 742 1210000 = ½ x 1300 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 6000 J v2 = 2 x 1210000 / 1300 EPE = ½ x 47 x 0.172 0.71 = ½ x k x 0.172

Always convert units before starting to v = 43 m/s EPE = 0.68 J k = 2 x 0.71 / 0.172
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 49 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 300 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 3.3 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.3 kg block of metal which absorbs 37 kJ of transfers 390 kJ of energy in 8 minutes.
17 m. 2200 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 390 kJ = 390000 J 8 min = 480 s
GPE = mgh 16°C to 32°C. 30°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 3.3 x 9.8 x 17 300 g = 0.3 kg 37 kJ = 37000 J
P = 390000 / 480
GPE = 550 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 810 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.3 x 2200 x (32 - 16) 37000 = 2.3 x c x 30
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 11000 J c = 37000 / (2.3 x 30) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 540 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 94 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 24 m. 6.3 kJ of energy to lift a 38 kg object 12 m. a 90 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.3 kJ = 6300 J 400 N/m when it has been stretched 27 cm.

GPE = mgh = 94 x 9.8 x 24 = 22100 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 90 g = 0.09 kg 27 cm = 0.27 m

KE = ½ mv2 22100 = ½ x 94 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 22100 / 94 v = 22 m/s useful energy = mgh = 38 x 9.8 x 12 = 4500 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 400 x 0.272 = 14.6 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4500 / 6300 GPE = mgh 14.6 = 0.09 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 94 x 9.8 x 24 = ½ x 94 x v2 efficiency = 0.71 (71 %) h = 14.6 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 17 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 24 v = 22 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 79
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2000 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1300 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 27 m/s. moving with 1390 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.96 J of energy when
2000 g = 2 kg 1390 kJ = 1,390,000 J 50 N/m when it is stretched by 49 cm. stretched 5 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 49 cm = 0.49 m 5 cm = 0.05 m

KE = ½ x 2 x 272 1390000 = ½ x 1300 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 730 J v2 = 2 x 1390000 / 1300 EPE = ½ x 50 x 0.492 0.96 = ½ x k x 0.052

Always convert units before starting to v = 46 m/s EPE = 6 J k = 2 x 0.96 / 0.052

answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 770 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 460 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 3.5 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.9 kg block of metal which absorbs 34 kJ of transfers 420 kJ of energy in 3 minutes.
14 m. 4500 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 420 kJ = 420000 J 3 min = 180 s
GPE = mgh 24°C to 33°C. 16°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 3.5 x 9.8 x 14 460 g = 0.46 kg 34 kJ = 34000 J
P = 420000 / 180
GPE = 480 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 2300 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.46 x 4500 x (33 - 24) 34000 = 1.9 x c x 16
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 19000 J c = 34000 / (1.9 x 16) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 1100 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 122 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 31 m. 6.6 kJ of energy to lift a 28 kg object 10 m. a 83 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.6 kJ = 6600 J 360 N/m when it has been stretched 21 cm.

GPE = mgh = 122 x 9.8 x 31 = 37100 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 83 g = 0.083 kg 21 cm = 0.21 m

KE = ½ mv2 37100 = ½ x 122 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 37100 / 122 v = 25 m/s useful energy = mgh = 28 x 9.8 x 10 = 2700 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 360 x 0.212 = 7.94 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 2700 / 6600 GPE = mgh 7.94 = 0.083 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 122 x 9.8 x 31 = ½ x 122 x v2 efficiency = 0.41 (41 %) h = 7.94 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 9.8 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 31 v = 25 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 80
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2400 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1100 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 12 m/s. moving with 120 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.84 J of energy when
2400 g = 2.4 kg 120 kJ = 120,000 J 89 N/m when it is stretched by 39 cm. stretched 16 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 39 cm = 0.39 m 16 cm = 0.16 m

KE = ½ x 2.4 x 122 120000 = ½ x 1100 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 170 J v2 = 2 x 120000 / 1100 EPE = ½ x 89 x 0.392 0.84 = ½ x k x 0.162

Always convert units before starting to v = 15 m/s EPE = 6.8 J k = 2 x 0.84 / 0.162
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 66 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 770 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 1.8 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.3 kg block of metal which absorbs 39 kJ of transfers 410 kJ of energy in 6 minutes.
13 m. 3700 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 410 kJ = 410000 J 6 min = 360 s
GPE = mgh 25°C to 58°C. 13°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 1.8 x 9.8 x 13 770 g = 0.77 kg 39 kJ = 39000 J
P = 410000 / 360
GPE = 230 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1100 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.77 x 3700 x (58 - 25) 39000 = 1.3 x c x 13
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 94000 J c = 39000 / (1.3 x 13) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 2300 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 101 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 49 m. 6.4 kJ of energy to lift a 38 kg object 13 m. a 80 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.4 kJ = 6400 J 350 N/m when it has been stretched 28 cm.

GPE = mgh = 101 x 9.8 x 49 = 48500 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 80 g = 0.08 kg 28 cm = 0.28 m

KE = ½ mv2 48500 = ½ x 101 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 48500 / 101 v = 31 m/s useful energy = mgh = 38 x 9.8 x 13 = 4800 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 350 x 0.282 = 13.7 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4800 / 6400 GPE = mgh 13.7 = 0.08 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 101 x 9.8 x 49 = ½ x 101 x v2 efficiency = 0.75 (75 %) h = 13.7 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 17 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 49 v = 31 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 81
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1100 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1100 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 21 m/s. moving with 420 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.44 J of energy when
1100 g = 1.1 kg 420 kJ = 420,000 J 18 N/m when it is stretched by 19 cm. stretched 3 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 19 cm = 0.19 m 3 cm = 0.03 m

KE = ½ x 1.1 x 212 420000 = ½ x 1100 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 240 J v2 = 2 x 420000 / 1100 EPE = ½ x 18 x 0.192 0.44 = ½ x k x 0.032

Always convert units before starting to v = 28 m/s EPE = 0.32 J k = 2 x 0.44 / 0.032
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 980 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 850 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 5 kg object moves upwards 2 g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.3 kg block of metal which absorbs 49 kJ of transfers 740 kJ of energy in 6 minutes.
m. 2500 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 740 kJ = 740000 J 6 min = 360 s
GPE = mgh 18°C to 81°C. 19°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 5 x 9.8 x 2 850 g = 0.85 kg 49 kJ = 49000 J
P = 740000 / 360
GPE = 98 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 2100 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.85 x 2500 x (81 - 18) 49000 = 2.3 x c x 19
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 130000 J c = 49000 / (2.3 x 19) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 1100 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 146 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 16 m. 6.2 kJ of energy to lift a 24 kg object 10 m. a 95 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.2 kJ = 6200 J 500 N/m when it has been stretched 38 cm.

GPE = mgh = 146 x 9.8 x 16 = 22900 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 95 g = 0.095 kg 38 cm = 0.38 m

KE = ½ mv2 22900 = ½ x 146 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 22900 / 146 v = 18 m/s useful energy = mgh = 24 x 9.8 x 10 = 2400 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 500 x 0.382 = 36.1 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 2400 / 6200 GPE = mgh 36.1 = 0.095 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 146 x 9.8 x 16 = ½ x 146 x v2 efficiency = 0.39 (39 %) h = 36.1 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 39 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 16 v = 18 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 82
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2300 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1300 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 12 m/s. moving with 900 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.88 J of energy when
2300 g = 2.3 kg 900 kJ = 900,000 J 72 N/m when it is stretched by 14 cm. stretched 7 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 14 cm = 0.14 m 7 cm = 0.07 m

KE = ½ x 2.3 x 122 900000 = ½ x 1300 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 170 J v2 = 2 x 900000 / 1300 EPE = ½ x 72 x 0.142 0.88 = ½ x k x 0.072

Always convert units before starting to v = 37 m/s EPE = 0.71 J k = 2 x 0.88 / 0.072
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 360 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 620 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 2 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 1.7 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of kg block of metal which absorbs 44 kJ of transfers 510 kJ of energy in 7 minutes.
3 m. 3900 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 510 kJ = 510000 J 7 min = 420 s
GPE = mgh 16°C to 58°C. 27°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 1.7 x 9.8 x 3 620 g = 0.62 kg 44 kJ = 44000 J
P = 510000 / 420
GPE = 50 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1200 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.62 x 3900 x (58 - 16) 44000 = 2 x c x 27
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 100000 J c = 44000 / (2 x 27) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 810 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 155 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 36 m. 7.1 kJ of energy to lift a 29 kg object 15 m. a 76 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.1 kJ = 7100 J 210 N/m when it has been stretched 31 cm.

GPE = mgh = 155 x 9.8 x 36 = 54700 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 76 g = 0.076 kg 31 cm = 0.31 m

KE = ½ mv2 54700 = ½ x 155 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 54700 / 155 v = 27 m/s useful energy = mgh = 29 x 9.8 x 15 = 4300 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 210 x 0.312 = 10.1 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4300 / 7100 GPE = mgh 10.1 = 0.076 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 155 x 9.8 x 36 = ½ x 155 x v2 efficiency = 0.61 (61 %) h = 10.1 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 14 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 36 v = 27 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 83
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1600 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 900 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 51 m/s. moving with 1440 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.45 J of energy when
1600 g = 1.6 kg 1440 kJ = 1,440,000 J 95 N/m when it is stretched by 34 cm. stretched 4 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 34 cm = 0.34 m 4 cm = 0.04 m

KE = ½ x 1.6 x 512 1440000 = ½ x 900 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 2100 J v2 = 2 x 1440000 / 900 EPE = ½ x 95 x 0.342 0.45 = ½ x k x 0.042

Always convert units before starting to v = 57 m/s EPE = 5.5 J k = 2 x 0.45 / 0.042
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 560 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 140 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 9.9 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.2 kg block of metal which absorbs 23 kJ of transfers 780 kJ of energy in 7 minutes.
13 m. 3800 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 780 kJ = 780000 J 7 min = 420 s
GPE = mgh 20°C to 31°C. 26°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 9.9 x 9.8 x 13 140 g = 0.14 kg 23 kJ = 23000 J
P = 780000 / 420
GPE = 1300 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1900 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.14 x 3800 x (31 - 20) 23000 = 1.2 x c x 26
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 5900 J c = 23000 / (1.2 x 26) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 740 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 68 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 10 m. 7.3 kJ of energy to lift a 33 kg object 15 m. a 58 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.3 kJ = 7300 J 230 N/m when it has been stretched 40 cm.

GPE = mgh = 68 x 9.8 x 10 = 6660 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 58 g = 0.058 kg 40 cm = 0.4 m

KE = ½ mv2 6660 = ½ x 68 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 6660 / 68 v = 14 m/s useful energy = mgh = 33 x 9.8 x 15 = 4900 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 230 x 0.42 = 18.4 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4900 / 7300 GPE = mgh 18.4 = 0.058 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 68 x 9.8 x 10 = ½ x 68 x v2 efficiency = 0.67 (67 %) h = 18.4 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 32 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 10 v = 14 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 84
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2000 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1300 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 58 m/s. moving with 340 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.36 J of energy when
2000 g = 2 kg 340 kJ = 340,000 J 78 N/m when it is stretched by 38 cm. stretched 17 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 38 cm = 0.38 m 17 cm = 0.17 m

KE = ½ x 2 x 582 340000 = ½ x 1300 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 3400 J v2 = 2 x 340000 / 1300 EPE = ½ x 78 x 0.382 0.36 = ½ x k x 0.172

Always convert units before starting to v = 23 m/s EPE = 5.6 J k = 2 x 0.36 / 0.172
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 25 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 580 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 4.4 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.5 kg block of metal which absorbs 26 kJ of transfers 700 kJ of energy in 7 minutes.
5 m. 2300 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 700 kJ = 700000 J 7 min = 420 s
GPE = mgh 22°C to 72°C. 32°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 4.4 x 9.8 x 5 580 g = 0.58 kg 26 kJ = 26000 J
P = 700000 / 420
GPE = 220 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1700 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.58 x 2300 x (72 - 22) 26000 = 2.5 x c x 32
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 67000 J c = 26000 / (2.5 x 32) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 330 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 10 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 16 m. 7.9 kJ of energy to lift a 28 kg object 15 m. a 51 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.9 kJ = 7900 J 450 N/m when it has been stretched 35 cm.

GPE = mgh = 10 x 9.8 x 16 = 1570 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 51 g = 0.051 kg 35 cm = 0.35 m

KE = ½ mv2 1570 = ½ x 10 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 1570 / 10 v = 18 m/s useful energy = mgh = 28 x 9.8 x 15 = 4100 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 450 x 0.352 = 27.6 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4100 / 7900 GPE = mgh 27.6 = 0.051 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 10 x 9.8 x 16 = ½ x 10 x v2 efficiency = 0.52 (52 %) h = 27.6 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 55 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 16 v = 18 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 85
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1900 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1300 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 43 m/s. moving with 1370 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.43 J of energy when
1900 g = 1.9 kg 1370 kJ = 1,370,000 J 98 N/m when it is stretched by 19 cm. stretched 3 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 19 cm = 0.19 m 3 cm = 0.03 m

KE = ½ x 1.9 x 432 1370000 = ½ x 1300 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 1800 J v2 = 2 x 1370000 / 1300 EPE = ½ x 98 x 0.192 0.43 = ½ x k x 0.032

Always convert units before starting to v = 46 m/s EPE = 1.8 J k = 2 x 0.43 / 0.032
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 960 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 460 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 9.5 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.3 kg block of metal which absorbs 37 kJ of transfers 390 kJ of energy in 8 minutes.
9 m. 3200 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 390 kJ = 390000 J 8 min = 480 s
GPE = mgh 24°C to 53°C. 35°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 9.5 x 9.8 x 9 460 g = 0.46 kg 37 kJ = 37000 J
P = 390000 / 480
GPE = 840 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 810 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.46 x 3200 x (53 - 24) 37000 = 1.3 x c x 35
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 43000 J c = 37000 / (1.3 x 35) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 810 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 71 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 47 m. 6 kJ of energy to lift a 33 kg object 13 m. a 65 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6 kJ = 6000 J 490 N/m when it has been stretched 33 cm.

GPE = mgh = 71 x 9.8 x 47 = 32700 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 65 g = 0.065 kg 33 cm = 0.33 m

KE = ½ mv2 32700 = ½ x 71 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 32700 / 71 v = 30 m/s useful energy = mgh = 33 x 9.8 x 13 = 4200 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 490 x 0.332 = 26.7 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4200 / 6000 GPE = mgh 26.7 = 0.065 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 71 x 9.8 x 47 = ½ x 71 x v2 efficiency = 0.7 (70 %) h = 26.7 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 42 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 47 v = 30 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 86
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1600 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1000 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 31 m/s. moving with 310 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.98 J of energy when
1600 g = 1.6 kg 310 kJ = 310,000 J 97 N/m when it is stretched by 19 cm. stretched 2 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 19 cm = 0.19 m 2 cm = 0.02 m

KE = ½ x 1.6 x 312 310000 = ½ x 1000 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 770 J v2 = 2 x 310000 / 1000 EPE = ½ x 97 x 0.192 0.98 = ½ x k x 0.022

Always convert units before starting to v = 25 m/s EPE = 1.8 J k = 2 x 0.98 / 0.022
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 4900 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 490 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 7.1 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.4 kg block of metal which absorbs 35 kJ of transfers 460 kJ of energy in 5 minutes.
5 m. 4400 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 460 kJ = 460000 J 5 min = 300 s
GPE = mgh 14°C to 82°C. 27°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 7.1 x 9.8 x 5 490 g = 0.49 kg 35 kJ = 35000 J
P = 460000 / 300
GPE = 350 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1500 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.49 x 4400 x (82 - 14) 35000 = 2.4 x c x 27
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 150000 J c = 35000 / (2.4 x 27) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 540 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 86 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 38 m. 7 kJ of energy to lift a 30 kg object 13 m. a 85 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7 kJ = 7000 J 480 N/m when it has been stretched 36 cm.

GPE = mgh = 86 x 9.8 x 38 = 32000 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 85 g = 0.085 kg 36 cm = 0.36 m

KE = ½ mv2 32000 = ½ x 86 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 32000 / 86 v = 27 m/s useful energy = mgh = 30 x 9.8 x 13 = 3800 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 480 x 0.362 = 31.1 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3800 / 7000 GPE = mgh 31.1 = 0.085 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 86 x 9.8 x 38 = ½ x 86 x v2 efficiency = 0.54 (54 %) h = 31.1 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 37 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 38 v = 27 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 87
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 700 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1300 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 56 m/s. moving with 330 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.51 J of energy when
700 g = 0.7 kg 330 kJ = 330,000 J 27 N/m when it is stretched by 49 cm. stretched 10 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 49 cm = 0.49 m 10 cm = 0.1 m

KE = ½ x 0.7 x 562 330000 = ½ x 1300 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 1100 J v2 = 2 x 330000 / 1300 EPE = ½ x 27 x 0.492 0.51 = ½ x k x 0.12

Always convert units before starting to v = 23 m/s EPE = 3.2 J k = 2 x 0.51 / 0.12
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 100 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 500 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 4.9 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.5 kg block of metal which absorbs 37 kJ of transfers 230 kJ of energy in 4 minutes.
17 m. 2700 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 230 kJ = 230000 J 4 min = 240 s
GPE = mgh 19°C to 38°C. 33°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 4.9 x 9.8 x 17 500 g = 0.5 kg 37 kJ = 37000 J
P = 230000 / 240
GPE = 820 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 960 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.5 x 2700 x (38 - 19) 37000 = 2.5 x c x 33
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 26000 J c = 37000 / (2.5 x 33) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 450 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 70 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 41 m. 6.9 kJ of energy to lift a 37 kg object 11 m. a 85 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.9 kJ = 6900 J 410 N/m when it has been stretched 28 cm.

GPE = mgh = 70 x 9.8 x 41 = 28100 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 85 g = 0.085 kg 28 cm = 0.28 m

KE = ½ mv2 28100 = ½ x 70 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 28100 / 70 v = 28 m/s useful energy = mgh = 37 x 9.8 x 11 = 4000 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 410 x 0.282 = 16.1 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4000 / 6900 GPE = mgh 16.1 = 0.085 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 70 x 9.8 x 41 = ½ x 70 x v2 efficiency = 0.58 (58 %) h = 16.1 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 19 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 41 v = 28 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 88
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1600 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 900 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 69 m/s. moving with 760 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.19 J of energy when
1600 g = 1.6 kg 760 kJ = 760,000 J 15 N/m when it is stretched by 45 cm. stretched 14 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 45 cm = 0.45 m 14 cm = 0.14 m

KE = ½ x 1.6 x 692 760000 = ½ x 900 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 3800 J v2 = 2 x 760000 / 900 EPE = ½ x 15 x 0.452 0.19 = ½ x k x 0.142

Always convert units before starting to v = 41 m/s EPE = 1.5 J k = 2 x 0.19 / 0.142
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 19 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 500 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 8.4 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.6 kg block of metal which absorbs 40 kJ of transfers 840 kJ of energy in 4 minutes.
2 m. 3000 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 840 kJ = 840000 J 4 min = 240 s
GPE = mgh 18°C to 33°C. 27°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 8.4 x 9.8 x 2 500 g = 0.5 kg 40 kJ = 40000 J
P = 840000 / 240
GPE = 160 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 3500 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.5 x 3000 x (33 - 18) 40000 = 1.6 x c x 27
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 23000 J c = 40000 / (1.6 x 27) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 930 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 148 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 32 m. 7.3 kJ of energy to lift a 29 kg object 14 m. a 86 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.3 kJ = 7300 J 430 N/m when it has been stretched 21 cm.

GPE = mgh = 148 x 9.8 x 32 = 46400 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 86 g = 0.086 kg 21 cm = 0.21 m

KE = ½ mv2 46400 = ½ x 148 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 46400 / 148 v = 25 m/s useful energy = mgh = 29 x 9.8 x 14 = 4000 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 430 x 0.212 = 9.48 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4000 / 7300 GPE = mgh 9.48 = 0.086 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 148 x 9.8 x 32 = ½ x 148 x v2 efficiency = 0.55 (55 %) h = 9.48 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 11 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 32 v = 25 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 89
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1300 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2300 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 65 m/s. moving with 230 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.14 J of energy when
1300 g = 1.3 kg 230 kJ = 230,000 J 98 N/m when it is stretched by 32 cm. stretched 5 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 32 cm = 0.32 m 5 cm = 0.05 m

KE = ½ x 1.3 x 652 230000 = ½ x 2300 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 2700 J v2 = 2 x 230000 / 2300 EPE = ½ x 98 x 0.322 0.14 = ½ x k x 0.052

Always convert units before starting to v = 14 m/s EPE = 5 J k = 2 x 0.14 / 0.052

answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 110 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 860 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 9.8 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.1 kg block of metal which absorbs 28 kJ of transfers 700 kJ of energy in 5 minutes.
3 m. 4300 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 700 kJ = 700000 J 5 min = 300 s
GPE = mgh 12°C to 87°C. 23°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 9.8 x 9.8 x 3 860 g = 0.86 kg 28 kJ = 28000 J
P = 700000 / 300
GPE = 290 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 2300 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.86 x 4300 x (87 - 12) 28000 = 2.1 x c x 23
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 280000 J c = 28000 / (2.1 x 23) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 580 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 37 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 38 m. 7 kJ of energy to lift a 25 kg object 13 m. a 83 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7 kJ = 7000 J 350 N/m when it has been stretched 26 cm.

GPE = mgh = 37 x 9.8 x 38 = 13800 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 83 g = 0.083 kg 26 cm = 0.26 m

KE = ½ mv2 13800 = ½ x 37 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 13800 / 37 v = 27 m/s useful energy = mgh = 25 x 9.8 x 13 = 3200 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 350 x 0.262 = 11.8 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3200 / 7000 GPE = mgh 11.8 = 0.083 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 37 x 9.8 x 38 = ½ x 37 x v2 efficiency = 0.46 (46 %) h = 11.8 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 15 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 38 v = 27 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 90
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1200 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2300 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 49 m/s. moving with 300 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.87 J of energy when
1200 g = 1.2 kg 300 kJ = 300,000 J 77 N/m when it is stretched by 11 cm. stretched 2 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 11 cm = 0.11 m 2 cm = 0.02 m

KE = ½ x 1.2 x 492 300000 = ½ x 2300 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 1400 J v2 = 2 x 300000 / 2300 EPE = ½ x 77 x 0.112 0.87 = ½ x k x 0.022

Always convert units before starting to v = 16 m/s EPE = 0.47 J k = 2 x 0.87 / 0.022
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 4400 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 210 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 4.5 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.3 kg block of metal which absorbs 45 kJ of transfers 890 kJ of energy in 8 minutes.
2 m. 1800 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 890 kJ = 890000 J 8 min = 480 s
GPE = mgh 25°C to 55°C. 29°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 4.5 x 9.8 x 2 210 g = 0.21 kg 45 kJ = 45000 J
P = 890000 / 480
GPE = 88 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1900 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.21 x 1800 x (55 - 25) 45000 = 2.3 x c x 29
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 11000 J c = 45000 / (2.3 x 29) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 670 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 148 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 34 m. 7.1 kJ of energy to lift a 23 kg object 15 m. a 88 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.1 kJ = 7100 J 330 N/m when it has been stretched 40 cm.

GPE = mgh = 148 x 9.8 x 34 = 49300 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 88 g = 0.088 kg 40 cm = 0.4 m

KE = ½ mv2 49300 = ½ x 148 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 49300 / 148 v = 26 m/s useful energy = mgh = 23 x 9.8 x 15 = 3400 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 330 x 0.42 = 26.4 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3400 / 7100 GPE = mgh 26.4 = 0.088 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 148 x 9.8 x 34 = ½ x 148 x v2 efficiency = 0.48 (48 %) h = 26.4 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 31 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 34 v = 26 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 91
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1100 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2500 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 15 m/s. moving with 1280 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.71 J of energy when
1100 g = 1.1 kg 1280 kJ = 1,280,000 J 89 N/m when it is stretched by 41 cm. stretched 16 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 41 cm = 0.41 m 16 cm = 0.16 m

KE = ½ x 1.1 x 152 1280000 = ½ x 2500 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 120 J v2 = 2 x 1280000 / 2500 EPE = ½ x 89 x 0.412 0.71 = ½ x k x 0.162

Always convert units before starting to v = 32 m/s EPE = 7.5 J k = 2 x 0.71 / 0.162
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 55 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 300 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 3.2 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.3 kg block of metal which absorbs 27 kJ of transfers 870 kJ of energy in 6 minutes.
16 m. 2500 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 870 kJ = 870000 J 6 min = 360 s
GPE = mgh 13°C to 81°C. 33°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 3.2 x 9.8 x 16 300 g = 0.3 kg 27 kJ = 27000 J
P = 870000 / 360
GPE = 500 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 2400 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.3 x 2500 x (81 - 13) 27000 = 2.3 x c x 33
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 51000 J c = 27000 / (2.3 x 33) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 360 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 152 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 15 m. 6.5 kJ of energy to lift a 26 kg object 14 m. a 92 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.5 kJ = 6500 J 300 N/m when it has been stretched 22 cm.

GPE = mgh = 152 x 9.8 x 15 = 22300 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 92 g = 0.092 kg 22 cm = 0.22 m

KE = ½ mv2 22300 = ½ x 152 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 22300 / 152 v = 17 m/s useful energy = mgh = 26 x 9.8 x 14 = 3600 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 300 x 0.222 = 7.26 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3600 / 6500 GPE = mgh 7.26 = 0.092 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 152 x 9.8 x 15 = ½ x 152 x v2 efficiency = 0.55 (55 %) h = 7.26 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 8.1 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 15 v = 17 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 92
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2400 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1100 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 59 m/s. moving with 1140 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.73 J of energy when
2400 g = 2.4 kg 1140 kJ = 1,140,000 J 49 N/m when it is stretched by 49 cm. stretched 8 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 49 cm = 0.49 m 8 cm = 0.08 m

KE = ½ x 2.4 x 592 1140000 = ½ x 1100 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 4200 J v2 = 2 x 1140000 / 1100 EPE = ½ x 49 x 0.492 0.73 = ½ x k x 0.082

Always convert units before starting to v = 46 m/s EPE = 5.9 J k = 2 x 0.73 / 0.082
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 230 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 330 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 1.9 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.8 kg block of metal which absorbs 32 kJ of transfers 520 kJ of energy in 8 minutes.
18 m. 4400 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 520 kJ = 520000 J 8 min = 480 s
GPE = mgh 22°C to 86°C. 16°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 1.9 x 9.8 x 18 330 g = 0.33 kg 32 kJ = 32000 J
P = 520000 / 480
GPE = 340 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1100 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.33 x 4400 x (86 - 22) 32000 = 1.8 x c x 16
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 93000 J c = 32000 / (1.8 x 16) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 1100 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 72 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 35 m. 7.2 kJ of energy to lift a 39 kg object 15 m. a 69 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.2 kJ = 7200 J 310 N/m when it has been stretched 26 cm.

GPE = mgh = 72 x 9.8 x 35 = 24700 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 69 g = 0.069 kg 26 cm = 0.26 m

KE = ½ mv2 24700 = ½ x 72 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 24700 / 72 v = 26 m/s useful energy = mgh = 39 x 9.8 x 15 = 5700 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 310 x 0.262 = 10.5 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 5700 / 7200 GPE = mgh 10.5 = 0.069 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 72 x 9.8 x 35 = ½ x 72 x v2 efficiency = 0.79 (79 %) h = 10.5 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 16 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 35 v = 26 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 93
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 900 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 900 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 25 m/s. moving with 150 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.15 J of energy when
900 g = 0.9 kg 150 kJ = 150,000 J 37 N/m when it is stretched by 29 cm. stretched 2 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 29 cm = 0.29 m 2 cm = 0.02 m

KE = ½ x 0.9 x 252 150000 = ½ x 900 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 280 J v2 = 2 x 150000 / 900 EPE = ½ x 37 x 0.292 0.15 = ½ x k x 0.022

Always convert units before starting to v = 18 m/s EPE = 1.6 J k = 2 x 0.15 / 0.022
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 750 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 510 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 9.2 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.3 kg block of metal which absorbs 23 kJ of transfers 770 kJ of energy in 6 minutes.
13 m. 3800 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 770 kJ = 770000 J 6 min = 360 s
GPE = mgh 18°C to 73°C. 13°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 9.2 x 9.8 x 13 510 g = 0.51 kg 23 kJ = 23000 J
P = 770000 / 360
GPE = 1200 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 2100 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.51 x 3800 x (73 - 18) 23000 = 2.3 x c x 13
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 110000 J c = 23000 / (2.3 x 13) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 770 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 184 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 49 m. 7.5 kJ of energy to lift a 24 kg object 10 m. a 87 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.5 kJ = 7500 J 470 N/m when it has been stretched 31 cm.

GPE = mgh = 184 x 9.8 x 49 = 88400 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 87 g = 0.087 kg 31 cm = 0.31 m

KE = ½ mv2 88400 = ½ x 184 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 88400 / 184 v = 31 m/s useful energy = mgh = 24 x 9.8 x 10 = 2400 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 470 x 0.312 = 22.6 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 2400 / 7500 GPE = mgh 22.6 = 0.087 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 184 x 9.8 x 49 = ½ x 184 x v2 efficiency = 0.32 (32 %) h = 22.6 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 27 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 49 v = 31 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 94
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1600 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1700 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 11 m/s. moving with 440 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.91 J of energy when
1600 g = 1.6 kg 440 kJ = 440,000 J 35 N/m when it is stretched by 11 cm. stretched 4 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 11 cm = 0.11 m 4 cm = 0.04 m

KE = ½ x 1.6 x 112 440000 = ½ x 1700 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 97 J v2 = 2 x 440000 / 1700 EPE = ½ x 35 x 0.112 0.91 = ½ x k x 0.042

Always convert units before starting to v = 23 m/s EPE = 0.21 J k = 2 x 0.91 / 0.042
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 1100 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 580 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 5.2 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.6 kg block of metal which absorbs 37 kJ of transfers 390 kJ of energy in 8 minutes.
9 m. 2000 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 390 kJ = 390000 J 8 min = 480 s
GPE = mgh 17°C to 49°C. 31°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 5.2 x 9.8 x 9 580 g = 0.58 kg 37 kJ = 37000 J
P = 390000 / 480
GPE = 460 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 810 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.58 x 2000 x (49 - 17) 37000 = 1.6 x c x 31
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 37000 J c = 37000 / (1.6 x 31) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 750 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 142 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 33 m. 7.9 kJ of energy to lift a 23 kg object 10 m. a 64 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.9 kJ = 7900 J 370 N/m when it has been stretched 31 cm.

GPE = mgh = 142 x 9.8 x 33 = 45900 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 64 g = 0.064 kg 31 cm = 0.31 m

KE = ½ mv2 45900 = ½ x 142 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 45900 / 142 v = 25 m/s useful energy = mgh = 23 x 9.8 x 10 = 2300 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 370 x 0.312 = 17.8 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 2300 / 7900 GPE = mgh 17.8 = 0.064 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 142 x 9.8 x 33 = ½ x 142 x v2 efficiency = 0.29 (29 %) h = 17.8 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 28 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 33 v = 25 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 95
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2500 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2200 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 65 m/s. moving with 1010 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.1 J of energy when
2500 g = 2.5 kg 1010 kJ = 1,010,000 J 66 N/m when it is stretched by 36 cm. stretched 10 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 36 cm = 0.36 m 10 cm = 0.1 m

KE = ½ x 2.5 x 652 1010000 = ½ x 2200 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 5300 J v2 = 2 x 1010000 / 2200 EPE = ½ x 66 x 0.362 0.1 = ½ x k x 0.12

Always convert units before starting to v = 30 m/s EPE = 4.3 J k = 2 x 0.1 / 0.12
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 20 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 840 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 1 kg object moves upwards 2 g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.9 kg block of metal which absorbs 20 kJ of transfers 820 kJ of energy in 6 minutes.
m. 2000 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 820 kJ = 820000 J 6 min = 360 s
GPE = mgh 13°C to 52°C. 12°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 1 x 9.8 x 2 840 g = 0.84 kg 20 kJ = 20000 J
P = 820000 / 360
GPE = 20 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 2300 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.84 x 2000 x (52 - 13) 20000 = 1.9 x c x 12
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 66000 J c = 20000 / (1.9 x 12) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 880 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 198 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 42 m. 6.8 kJ of energy to lift a 40 kg object 10 m. a 62 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 6.8 kJ = 6800 J 460 N/m when it has been stretched 30 cm.

GPE = mgh = 198 x 9.8 x 42 = 81500 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 62 g = 0.062 kg 30 cm = 0.3 m

KE = ½ mv2 81500 = ½ x 198 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 81500 / 198 v = 29 m/s useful energy = mgh = 40 x 9.8 x 10 = 3900 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 460 x 0.32 = 20.7 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3900 / 6800 GPE = mgh 20.7 = 0.062 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 198 x 9.8 x 42 = ½ x 198 x v2 efficiency = 0.57 (57 %) h = 20.7 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 34 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 42 v = 29 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 96
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 700 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1900 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 55 m/s. moving with 550 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.9 J of energy when
700 g = 0.7 kg 550 kJ = 550,000 J 23 N/m when it is stretched by 13 cm. stretched 11 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 13 cm = 0.13 m 11 cm = 0.11 m

KE = ½ x 0.7 x 552 550000 = ½ x 1900 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 1100 J v2 = 2 x 550000 / 1900 EPE = ½ x 23 x 0.132 0.9 = ½ x k x 0.112

Always convert units before starting to v = 24 m/s EPE = 0.19 J k = 2 x 0.9 / 0.112
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 150 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 140 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 5.5 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.5 kg block of metal which absorbs 47 kJ of transfers 310 kJ of energy in 9 minutes.
15 m. 3500 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 310 kJ = 310000 J 9 min = 540 s
GPE = mgh 13°C to 65°C. 23°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 5.5 x 9.8 x 15 140 g = 0.14 kg 47 kJ = 47000 J
P = 310000 / 540
GPE = 810 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 570 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.14 x 3500 x (65 - 13) 47000 = 1.5 x c x 23
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 25000 J c = 47000 / (1.5 x 23) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 1400 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 200 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 45 m. 7.8 kJ of energy to lift a 38 kg object 11 m. a 70 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.8 kJ = 7800 J 500 N/m when it has been stretched 26 cm.

GPE = mgh = 200 x 9.8 x 45 = 88200 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 70 g = 0.07 kg 26 cm = 0.26 m

KE = ½ mv2 88200 = ½ x 200 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 88200 / 200 v = 30 m/s useful energy = mgh = 38 x 9.8 x 11 = 4100 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 500 x 0.262 = 16.9 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4100 / 7800 GPE = mgh 16.9 = 0.07 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 200 x 9.8 x 45 = ½ x 200 x v2 efficiency = 0.53 (53 %) h = 16.9 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 25 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 45 v = 30 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 97
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 1600 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 900 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 67 m/s. moving with 1070 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.42 J of energy when
1600 g = 1.6 kg 1070 kJ = 1,070,000 J 12 N/m when it is stretched by 44 cm. stretched 10 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 44 cm = 0.44 m 10 cm = 0.1 m

KE = ½ x 1.6 x 672 1070000 = ½ x 900 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 3600 J v2 = 2 x 1070000 / 900 EPE = ½ x 12 x 0.442 0.42 = ½ x k x 0.12

Always convert units before starting to v = 49 m/s EPE = 1.2 J k = 2 x 0.42 / 0.12
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 84 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 550 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 2 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 7.4 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of kg block of metal which absorbs 48 kJ of transfers 450 kJ of energy in 8 minutes.
8 m. 4600 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 450 kJ = 450000 J 8 min = 480 s
GPE = mgh 14°C to 86°C. 35°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 7.4 x 9.8 x 8 550 g = 0.55 kg 48 kJ = 48000 J
P = 450000 / 480
GPE = 580 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 940 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.55 x 4600 x (86 - 14) 48000 = 2 x c x 35
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 180000 J c = 48000 / (2 x 35) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 690 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 165 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 27 m. 7.3 kJ of energy to lift a 26 kg object 15 m. a 90 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.3 kJ = 7300 J 270 N/m when it has been stretched 35 cm.

GPE = mgh = 165 x 9.8 x 27 = 43700 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 90 g = 0.09 kg 35 cm = 0.35 m

KE = ½ mv2 43700 = ½ x 165 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 43700 / 165 v = 23 m/s useful energy = mgh = 26 x 9.8 x 15 = 3800 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 270 x 0.352 = 16.5 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 3800 / 7300 GPE = mgh 16.5 = 0.09 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 165 x 9.8 x 27 = ½ x 165 x v2 efficiency = 0.52 (52 %) h = 16.5 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 19 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 27 v = 23 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 98
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2300 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1300 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 18 m/s. moving with 1280 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.76 J of energy when
2300 g = 2.3 kg 1280 kJ = 1,280,000 J 13 N/m when it is stretched by 48 cm. stretched 11 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 48 cm = 0.48 m 11 cm = 0.11 m

KE = ½ x 2.3 x 182 1280000 = ½ x 1300 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 370 J v2 = 2 x 1280000 / 1300 EPE = ½ x 13 x 0.482 0.76 = ½ x k x 0.112

Always convert units before starting to v = 44 m/s EPE = 1.5 J k = 2 x 0.76 / 0.112
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 130 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 240 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 6.1 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 2.1 kg block of metal which absorbs 27 kJ of transfers 570 kJ of energy in 5 minutes.
12 m. 2200 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 570 kJ = 570000 J 5 min = 300 s
GPE = mgh 10°C to 81°C. 20°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 6.1 x 9.8 x 12 240 g = 0.24 kg 27 kJ = 27000 J
P = 570000 / 300
GPE = 720 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1900 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.24 x 2200 x (81 - 10) 27000 = 2.1 x c x 20
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 37000 J c = 27000 / (2.1 x 20) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 640 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 148 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 14 m. 7 kJ of energy to lift a 20 kg object 13 m. a 90 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7 kJ = 7000 J 420 N/m when it has been stretched 24 cm.

GPE = mgh = 148 x 9.8 x 14 = 20300 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 90 g = 0.09 kg 24 cm = 0.24 m

KE = ½ mv2 20300 = ½ x 148 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 20300 / 148 v = 17 m/s useful energy = mgh = 20 x 9.8 x 13 = 2500 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 420 x 0.242 = 12.1 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 2500 / 7000 GPE = mgh 12.1 = 0.09 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 148 x 9.8 x 14 = ½ x 148 x v2 efficiency = 0.36 (36 %) h = 12.1 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 14 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 14 v = 17 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 99
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 2300 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 1800 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 39 m/s. moving with 920 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.35 J of energy when
2300 g = 2.3 kg 920 kJ = 920,000 J 78 N/m when it is stretched by 44 cm. stretched 7 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 44 cm = 0.44 m 7 cm = 0.07 m

KE = ½ x 2.3 x 392 920000 = ½ x 1800 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 1700 J v2 = 2 x 920000 / 1800 EPE = ½ x 78 x 0.442 0.35 = ½ x k x 0.072

Always convert units before starting to v = 32 m/s EPE = 7.6 J k = 2 x 0.35 / 0.072
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 140 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 880 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 1.2 kg object moves upwards g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.4 kg block of metal which absorbs 22 kJ of transfers 360 kJ of energy in 5 minutes.
16 m. 3800 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 360 kJ = 360000 J 5 min = 300 s
GPE = mgh 22°C to 85°C. 24°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 1.2 x 9.8 x 16 880 g = 0.88 kg 22 kJ = 22000 J
P = 360000 / 300
GPE = 190 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 1200 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.88 x 3800 x (85 - 22) 22000 = 1.4 x c x 24
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 210000 J c = 22000 / (1.4 x 24) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 650 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 37 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 47 m. 7.7 kJ of energy to lift a 30 kg object 14 m. a 79 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.7 kJ = 7700 J 350 N/m when it has been stretched 32 cm.

GPE = mgh = 37 x 9.8 x 47 = 17000 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 79 g = 0.079 kg 32 cm = 0.32 m

KE = ½ mv2 17000 = ½ x 37 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 17000 / 37 v = 30 m/s useful energy = mgh = 30 x 9.8 x 14 = 4100 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 350 x 0.322 = 17.9 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 4100 / 7700 GPE = mgh 17.9 = 0.079 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 37 x 9.8 x 47 = ½ x 37 x v2 efficiency = 0.53 (53 %) h = 17.9 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 23 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 47 v = 30 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.
GCSE Physics Energy Calculations “students should be able to…” Sheet 100
1. Calculate the kinetic energy of a 600 g 2. Calculate the velocity of a 2000 kg car 3. Calculate the elastic potential energy 4. Calculate the spring constant of a spring
object travelling at 24 m/s. moving with 200 kJ of kinetic energy. stored in a spring with a spring constant of that is storing 0.67 J of energy when
600 g = 0.6 kg 200 kJ = 200,000 J 51 N/m when it is stretched by 12 cm. stretched 6 cm.

KE = ½ mv2 KE = ½ mv2 12 cm = 0.12 m 6 cm = 0.06 m

KE = ½ x 0.6 x 242 200000 = ½ x 2000 x v2 EPE = ½ ke2 EPE = ½ ke2

KE = 170 J v2 = 2 x 200000 / 2000 EPE = ½ x 51 x 0.122 0.67 = ½ x k x 0.062

Always convert units before starting to v = 14 m/s EPE = 0.37 J k = 2 x 0.67 / 0.062
answer the question, and show your It’s easy to forget to square root here, so Remember that your answer isn’t correct if it k = 370 N/m
conversion clearly. think about whether your answer seems like doesn’t have units after it. Always write the formula out, and substitute
a realistic value. values before re-arranging.

5. Calculate the change in gravitational 6. Calculate the increase in energy when 170 7. Calculate the specific heat capacity of a 8. Calculate the power of a machine that
energy when a 3 kg object moves upwards 7 g of a liquid with a specific heat capacity of 1.2 kg block of metal which absorbs 22 kJ of transfers 520 kJ of energy in 9 minutes.
m. 4200 J/kg°C increases in temperature from energy and increases in temperature by 520 kJ = 520000 J 9 min = 540 s
GPE = mgh 21°C to 57°C. 14°C.
P=E/t
GPE = 3 x 9.8 x 7 170 g = 0.17 kg 22 kJ = 22000 J
P = 520000 / 540
GPE = 210 J ΔE = mcΔθ ΔE = mcΔθ
P = 960 W
The value for the gravitational field ΔE = 0.17 x 4200 x (57 - 21) 22000 = 1.2 x c x 14
Another way that power is sometimes
strength, g, will be given to you in an exam, ΔE = 26000 J c = 22000 / (1.2 x 14) describe is the ‘rate of energy transfer’.
but it’s used so often that you should The delta symbol, Δ, means a change in a c = 1300 J/kg°C Make sure you know this definition, and the
remember it anyway. quantity, and θ is used here to represent alternative units of joules per second, J/s.
temperature.
9. Calculate the speed of a 33 kg object that has fallen 10. Calculate the efficiency of an electric motor which uses 11. Calculate the maximum height that could be reached by
through a height of 11 m. 7.4 kJ of energy to lift a 23 kg object 12 m. a 67 g object fired from a catapult with a spring constant of
Method 1 loss in GPE is equal to gain in KE 7.4 kJ = 7400 J 470 N/m when it has been stretched 38 cm.

GPE = mgh = 33 x 9.8 x 11 = 3560 J efficiency = useful energy / total energy input 67 g = 0.067 kg 38 cm = 0.38 m

KE = ½ mv2 3560 = ½ x 33 x v2 useful energy = increase in GPE elastic potential energy is transferred to GPE

v2 = 2 x 3560 / 33 v = 15 m/s useful energy = mgh = 23 x 9.8 x 12 = 2700 J EPE = ½ ke2 = ½ x 470 x 0.382 = 33.9 J

Method 2 start with GPE = KE efficiency = 2700 / 7400 GPE = mgh 33.9 = 0.067 x 9.8 x h

mgh = ½ mv2 33 x 9.8 x 11 = ½ x 33 x v2 efficiency = 0.36 (36 %) h = 33.9 / (0.087 x 9.8) = 52 m

v2 = 2 x 9.8 x 11 v = 15 m/s In efficiency calculations, you may have to figure out what It’s useful to write down the energy transfer as the starting
the useful energy transfer is and work that out separately. point for calculations like this.