Force and Work

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Edexcel IGCSE Physics Your notes
4.2 Work, Power & Energy Resources

Contents
4.2.1 Work Done
4.2.2 Gravitational Potential Energy
4.2.3 Kinetic Energy
4.2.4 Work, GPE & KE
4.2.5 Power
4.2.6 Energy Resources
4.2.7 Comparing Energy Resources
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4.2.1 Work Done

Your notes
Work Done
Work is done when an object is moved over a distance by a force applied in the direction of its
displacement
It is said that the force does work on the object
If a force is applied to an object but doesn’t result in any movement, no work is done
When work is done on an object, energy is transferred
The amount of energy transferred (in joules) is equal to the work done (also in joules)
energy transferred (J) = work done (J)
Work is done when a force is used to move an object
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If a force acts in the direction that an object is moving, then the object will gain energy (usually to
its kinetic energy store)
If the force acts in the opposite direction to the movement then the object will lose Your notes
energy (dissipated to the surroundings usually by heating)
Examples of Work
Work is done on a ball when it is lifted to a height
The energy is transferred mechanically from the ball's kinetic energy store to its gravitational
potential energy store
The weight on the ball produced by the gravitational field does work on the ball over a distance
Work is done when a bird flies through the air

The bird must travel against air resistance, therefore energy is transferred from the
bird's kinetic store to its thermal store and dissipated to the thermal store of the
surroundings
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Your notes
Air resistance (drag) does work against the bird as it flies through the air
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Calculating Work Done

The amount of work that is done is related to the siz e of the force and the distance moved by the Your notes
object in the direction of the force
To calculate the amount of work done on an object by a force the following formula is used
W =f × d
Where:
W = work done in joules (J) or newton-metres (N m)
F = force in newtons (N)
d = distance in metres (m)
This equation can be rearranged with the help of a formula triangle:
Work, force, distance formula triangle
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Worked example
Your notes
A car moving at speed begins to apply the brakes. The brakes of the car apply a force of
500 N which brings it to a stop after 23 m.
Calculate the work done by the brakes in stopping the car.
Step 1: List the known quantities

Distance, d = 23 m
Force, F = 500 N
Step 2: Write out the equation relating work, force and distance
W=F×d
Step 3: Calculate the work done on the car by the brakes
W = 500 × 23
W = 11 500 J
Exam Tip
Remember to always convert the distance into metres and force into newtons so that the work
done is in joules or newton-metres
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4.2.2 Gravitational Potential Energy

Your notes
Gravitational Potential Energy
Energy in the gravitational potential store of an object is defined as:
The energy an object has due to its height in a gravitational field
This means:
If an object is lifted up, energy will be transferred to its gravitational store
If an object falls, energy will be transferred away from its gravitational store
The gravitational potential energy of an object can be calculated using the equation:
GPE = m × g × h
Where:
GPE = gravitational potential energy, in joules (J)
m = mass, in kilograms (kg)
g = gravitational field strength in newtons per kilogram (N/kg)
h = height in metres (m)
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Your notes
Energy is transferred to the mass's gravitational store as it is lifted above the ground
Gravitational Field Strength
The gravitational field strength (g) on the Earth is approximately 10 N/kg
The gravitational field strength on the surface of the Moon is less than on the Earth
This means it would be easier to lift a mass on the Moon than on the Earth
The gravitational field strength on the surface of the gas giants (eg. Jupiter and Saturn) is more
than on the Earth
This means it would be harder to lift a mass on the gas giants than on the Earth
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Your notes
Some values for g on the different objects in the Solar System

The two graphs below show how GPE changes with height for a ball being thrown up in the air and
when falling down
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Your notes
Graphs showing the linear relationship between GPE and height
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Worked example
Your notes
A man of mass 70 kg climbs a flight of stairs that is 3 m higher than the floor.
Gravitational field strength is approximately 10 N/kg.
Calculate the increase in energy transferred to his gravitational potential store.

Mass of the man, m = 70 kg
Gravitational field strength, g = 10 N/kg
Height, h = 3 m
Step 2: Write down the equation for gravitational potential energy
GPE = m × g × h
Step 3: Calculate the gravitational potential energy
GPE = 70 × 10 × 3
GPE = 2100 J
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Your notes
Exam Tip
When doing calculations involving gravitational field strength, g, don't panic, you will always be
told the value of g in your equation sheet in your exam paper!
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4.2.3 Kinetic Energy

Your notes
Kinetic Energy
Energy in an object's kinetic store is defined as:
The amount of energy an object has as a result of its mass and speed
This means that any object in motion has energy in its kinetic energy store
Kinetic energy can be calculated using the equation:
1
KE = × m × v2
2
Where:
KE = kinetic energy in joules (J)
m = mass of the object in kilograms (kg)
v = speed of the object in metres per second (m/s)
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Worked example
Your notes
Calculate the kinetic energy stored in a vehicle of mass 1200 kg moving at a speed of 27
m/s.

Mass of the vehicle, m = 1200 kg
Speed of the vehicle, v = 27 m/s
Step 2: Write down the equation for kinetic energy
1
KE = × m × v2
2
Step 3: Calculate the kinetic energy
1
KE = × 1200 × ( 27) 2
2
KE = 437 400 J
Step 4: Round the final answer to 2 significant figures
KE = 440 000 J
Exam Tip
When performing calculations using the kinetic energy equation, always double-check that you
have squared the speed. Forgetting to do this is the most common mistake that students make.
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4.2.4 Work, GPE & KE

Your notes
Work, GPE & KE
Whenever mechancial work is done (when a force acts over a distance), energy is transferred
mechanically
This is a consequence of conservation of energy
The amount of energy transferred (in joules) is equal to the work done (in joules or newton-
metres)
energy transferred (J) = work done (J or N m)
In a perfect energy transfer, there is no wasted energy
Energy transfers can be assumed to be perfect if the wasted energy transfer is negligible
Some exam questions will state to ignore air resistance for example
In reality, there is no such thing as a perfect energy transfer
Ignoring wasted energy transfers is helpful in calculations because it allows energy values to be
equated
Pendulums are often used as examples of perfect energy transfers

All of the energy in the kinetic store of the pendulum is transferred mechanically into its
gravitational potential store
And then all of the energy in the gravitational potential store of the pendulum is transferred
mechanically into its kinetic store
Energy is transferred back and forth between these two stores as the pendulum swings
Therefore, it can be said that:
KE total
= GPE
total
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Worked example
Your notes
The diagram shows a rollercoaster going down a track.
The rollercoaster takes the path A → B → C → D.
The rollercoaster begins at a height of 15 m above the ground and ends at ground level.
Breaking to stop the ride begins after it passes position D.
The mass of the rollercoaster is 100 kg.
Calculate the maximum speed of the rollercoaster at position D. Ignore any frictional
effects before passing point D.

Height, h = 15 m
Mass, m = 100 kg
Gravitational field strength, g = 10 N/kg
Step 2: Write out the equation for gravitational potential energy
∆ GPE = m × g × ∆ h
Step 3: Calculate the gravitational potential energy
∆ GPE = 100 × 10 × 15
∆ GPE = 15 000 J
Step 4: Use energy equivalency to equate the gravitational potential and kinetic
energy
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Frictional effects are to be ignored therefore a perfect energy transfer can be assumed
∆ GPE = KE
Your notes
Step 5: Write out the equation for kinetic energy
1
KE = × m × v2
2
Step 6: Rearrange to make speed the subject:
2 × KE
v=
m
Step 7: Calculate the maximum possible speed of the rollercoaster at position D
At position D the rollercoaster is at ground level
Therefore all the energy has been transferred from the gravitational potential to the
kinetic store
The maximum possible speed is using the assumption of a perfect energy transfer
2 × 15 000
v=
100
v = 17 m/s
Exam Tip
When the question tells you to ignore the effects of resistance (ie wasted energy transfers) this
is a clue that may need to use energy equivalency to find the missing quantity needed for your
calculation.
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4.2.5 Power
Your notes
Power
Machines, such as car engines, transfer energy from one energy store to another constantly over
a period of time
The rate of this energy transfer, or the rate of work done, is called power
Time is an important consideration when it comes to power
Two cars transfer the same amount of energy, or do the same amount of work to accelerate
over a distance
If one car has more power, it will transfer that energy, or do that work, in a shorter amount of time
Two cars accelerate to the same final speed, but the one with the most power will reach that speed
sooner.
Two electric motors:

lift the same weight
by the same height
but one motor lifts it faster than the other
The motor that lifts the weight faster has more power
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Your notes
Two motors with different powers
Power ratings are given to appliances to show the amount of energy transferred per unit time
Common power ratings are shown in the table below:
Power Ratings Table
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Your notes
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Calculating Power
Since power is defined as Your notes
The rate of doing work
And work is
Work done = energy transferred
Then, power can be expressed in equation form as

W
P=
t
Where:
W = The work done, measured in joules (J) or newton-metres (Nm)
t = time measured in seconds (s)
P = power measured in watts (W)
Note that these two equations may be written slightly differently, but are representing the same
thing - a transfer of energy over time
This equation can be rearranged with the help of a formula triangle:
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Your notes
Work, power, time formula triangle
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Worked example
Your notes
Calculate the work done if an iron of power 2000 W is used for 5 minutes.
Step 1: List the known values
Power, P = 2000 W
Time, t = 5 minutes = 5 × 60 = 300 s
Step 2: Write down the relevant equation
W
P=
t
Step 3: Rearrange for energy transferred, ΔE
W = Pt
Step 4: Substitute in the known values
W = 2000 × 300
W = 600 000 J
Exam Tip
Think of power as “energy per second”. Thinking of it this way will help you to remember the
relationship between power and energy.
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4.2.6 Energy Resources

Your notes
Energy Resources
Energy resources are large stores of energy that can be used to generate electricity and heat
homes and businesses
Some electricity drawn from the National Grid is generated from non-renewable resources, and
some is generated from renewable resources
A renewable energy resource is defined as
An energy source that is replenished at a faster rate than the rate at which it is being
used
As a result of this, a renewable energy resource is one that will not run out
Renewable resources include:
Solar energy
Wind
Bio-fuel
Hydroelectricity
Geothermal
Tidal
Non-renewable energy resources include:
Fossil Fuels (coal, oil and natural gas)
Nuclear fuel
Electricity is generated in very similar ways, no matter what energy resource is used
A turbine is turned, which turns a generator, which generates electricity
The element that differs is how the turbine is made to turn
Water can be used to turn turbines in the case of hydroelectric dams, tidal barrages and tidal
turbines
Energy in the kinetic store of the flowing water is transferred to the kinetic store of the turbine
and then to the kinetic store of the generator and transferred electrically to the National Grid
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Your notes
A hydroelectric dam transfers energy from the gravitational potential energy store of the water to its
kinetic energy store mechanically to turn a turbine
Fossil fuels can be combusted to heat water, and the steam produced can be used to turn
turbines
Energy from the chemical store of the fuel is transferred to the thermal store of the water, which
is then transferred to the kinetic store of the turbine, and then transferred to the kinetic store of
the generator and then transferred electrically to the National Grid
The energy transfers involved in the production of electricity from fossil fuels
Nuclear fuel can also be used to heat water to produce steam to turn turbines
The energy transfers involved in electricity generation from a nuclear power plant are:
Nuclear store of fuel → thermal store of water → kinetic store of turbine → kinetic store of generator
Geothermal energy is another way to produce the steam that turns the turbines
Water is pumped down to the hot rocks and returns through a fissure as steam
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Cold water is heated by the rocks and returned as hot water or steam which can be used to turn turbines
to generate electricity
Your notes
Generating energy reliably requires the use of a range of different energy resources, as listed in
the table below:
Energy Resources Table
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Worked example
Your notes
Electricity can be generated by wind power. Describe the energy transfers which occur
when a wind turbine is used to generate electricity for the National Grid.
Step 1: Determine where the energy is transferred from

Energy is transferred from the kinetic store of the moving wind...
Step 2: Determine the energy transfer involved as energy is transferred from the wind
to the turbine
...to the kinetic store of the turbine as the wind makes it turn.
Step 3: Name the other energy transfers that occur in the process of generating
electricity
Energy is transferred from the kinetic store of the turbine to the kinetic store of the
generator and is transferred electrically to the National Grid.
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4.2.7 Comparing Energy Resources

Your notes
Comparing Energy Resources
Each energy resource has various advantages and disadvantages associated with it
A renewable energy resource is one that is replenished at a faster rate than the rate at which it is
being used
As a result of this, renewable energy resources will not run out
A reliable energy resource is one that can produce energy at any time
Non-reliable resources can only produce energy some of the time (e.g. when it’s windy)
The table below shows a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of the different
energy resources:
Comparison of Different Energy Resources Table
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Your notes
Exam Tip
Make sure you're familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of large scale electricity
production from renewable and non-renewable energy sources, as this is a common exam
question!
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Edexcel IGCSE Physics Your notes

4.2 Work, Power & Energy Resources

4.2.1 Work Done

Work is done when a force is used to move an object

Work is done when a bird flies through the air

Calculating Work Done

Work, force, distance formula triangle

Calculate the work done by the brakes in stopping the car.

Step 1: List the known quantities

4.2.2 Gravitational Potential Energy

Some values for g on the different objects in the Solar System

Graphs showing the linear relationship between GPE and height

Step 1: List the known quantities

Step 2: Write down the equation for gravitational potential energy

Step 3: Calculate the gravitational potential energy

4.2.3 Kinetic Energy

Kinetic energy can be calculated using the equation:

Step 1: List the known quantities

4.2.4 Work, GPE & KE

Pendulums are often used as examples of perfect energy transfers

Step 1: List the known quantities

Two electric motors:

Two motors with different powers

Then, power can be expressed in equation form as

Work, power, time formula triangle

4.2.6 Energy Resources

Step 1: Determine where the energy is transferred from

4.2.7 Comparing Energy Resources

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