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Kinetic elastic and gravitational potential energy - Teacher Slides.pptx
The lesson slides with the teacher's notes on each slide, and every question and mark scheme built in. Built from the lesson script on 30 September 2026.
AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Kinetic, elastic and gravitational potential energy
Energy
Lesson 2 of 7
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Warm-up
Energy
Lesson 2 of 7
Answer each one, then check.
1
Write the unit for mass.
2
Convert 6.0 cm to metres.
3
Work out 4².
4
What does g stand for in E_p = mgh?
5
What is the unit of speed?
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Warm-up - Answers
Energy
Lesson 2 of 7
1
Write the unit for mass.
Kilograms (kg)
2
Convert 6.0 cm to metres.
0.060 m
3
Work out 4².
16
4
What does g stand for in E_p = mgh?
Gravitational field strength
5
What is the unit of speed?
Metres per second (m/s)
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Learning Objectives
Energy
Lesson 2 of 7
1
Recall and apply the equation for kinetic energy.
2
Recall and apply the equation for elastic potential energy.
3
Apply the equation for gravitational potential energy.
4
Use energy conservation to find speeds and heights.
5
Convert units and give answers to an appropriate number of significant figures.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Energy
Lesson 2 of 7
THREE ENERGY EQUATIONS
E_k = ½mv² E_e = ½ke² E_p = mgh
Learn the first two. E_p = mgh is on the equation sheet, and the value of g (9.8 N/kg) is always given in the question.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Three Stores, Three Equations
Energy
Lesson 2 of 7

Check the units before you substitute.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Quantities and Units
Energy
Lesson 2 of 7
Always use these units.
Quantity
Symbol
Unit
Kinetic energy
E_k
joules (J)
Elastic potential energy
E_e
joules (J)
Gravitational potential energy
E_p
joules (J)
Mass
m
kilograms (kg)
Speed
v
metres per second (m/s)
Spring constant
k
newtons per metre (N/m)
Extension
e
metres (m)
Gravitational field strength
g
newtons per kilogram (N/kg)
Height
h
metres (m)
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Kinetic Energy
Energy
Lesson 2 of 7
A car of mass 1200 kg travels at 15 m/s. Calculate its kinetic energy.
1
Write the equation
E_k = ½mv²
2
Substitute
E_k = 0.5 × 1200 × 15²
3
Square first
15² = 225
4
Answer
E_k = 135 000 J
ANSWER
Kinetic energy = 135 000 J (or 135 kJ).
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Elastic Potential Energy
Energy
Lesson 2 of 7
A spring has a spring constant of 40 N/m. It is stretched by 25 cm. Calculate the elastic potential energy stored.
1
Convert the extension
25 cm = 0.25 m
2
Substitute
E_e = 0.5 × 40 × 0.25²
3
Answer
E_e = 1.25 J
ANSWER
1.25 J
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Gravitational Potential Energy
Energy
Lesson 2 of 7
A 2.0 kg book is lifted 3.0 m onto a shelf. g = 9.8 N/kg. Calculate the gain in gravitational potential energy.
1
Write the equation
E_p = mgh
2
Substitute
E_p = 2.0 × 9.8 × 3.0
3
Answer
E_p = 58.8 J
ANSWER
58.8 J (about 59 J)
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Using Energy Conservation
Energy
Lesson 2 of 7
A roller coaster car starts from rest at a height of 20 m. Ignoring friction, find its speed at the bottom. g = 9.8 N/kg.
1
Gravitational potential lost equals kinetic gained
mgh = ½mv²
2
The mass cancels
v² = 2gh = 2 × 9.8 × 20 = 392
3
Square root
v = 19.8 m/s
ANSWER
19.8 m/s
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Common Mistakes
Energy
Lesson 2 of 7
Marks are often lost here.
Squaring
Square only the speed or extension, not the whole of ½mv.
Units
Convert cm to m and g to kg before substituting.
Halving
Do not forget the 0.5 in the kinetic and elastic equations.
Significant figures
Give the answer to the same number of s.f. as the least accurate data, usually 2 or 3.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Key Terms
Energy
Lesson 2 of 7
Kinetic energy
Energy stored in the movement of an object.
Elastic potential energy
Energy stored in a stretched or compressed object.
Gravitational potential energy
Energy stored in an object raised above the ground.
Spring constant
How stiff a spring is; force needed per metre of extension.
Extension
The increase in length of a spring.
Gravitational field strength
The force on each kilogram; 9.8 N/kg on Earth.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Energy
Lesson 2 of 7
YOUR TASK
Energy Race
12 minutes
Calculate each. (a) A 0.50 kg ball moving at 8.0 m/s. (b) A spring with k = 100 N/m stretched by 0.10 m. (c) A 60 kg climber 15 m up a cliff (g = 9.8 N/kg).
1
Write the equation.
2
Substitute and calculate.
3
Add the unit.
WHAT A GOOD ANSWER SHOWS
(a) 16 J (b) 0.50 J (c) 8820 J (about 8800 J).
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Can I...?
Energy
Lesson 2 of 7
Recall the kinetic energy equation.
Recall the elastic potential energy equation.
Use the gravitational potential energy equation.
Convert cm to m.
Square the correct quantity.
Use conservation of energy to find a speed.
Give units and sensible significant figures.
Rearrange an equation.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Summary & Exam Focus
E_k = ½mv².
E_e = ½ke², with e in metres.
E_p = mgh, with g given.
Energy lost from one store is gained by another if no energy is dissipated.
EXAM FOCUS
A 0.40 kg ball moves at 12 m/s. Calculate its kinetic energy. (2 marks)
Write the equation, substitute, then give the unit.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Exam Practice: Kinetic, elastic and gravitational potential energy
Energy
Lesson 2 of 7
Answer all questions. Use the mark allocation as a guide to how much to write. · 17 minutes
Question 1 · 2 marks · Calculate
A ball of mass 0.40 kg moves at 12 m/s. Calculate the kinetic energy of the ball. Use the equation: kinetic energy = 0.5 × mass × (speed)²
Question 2 · 3 marks · Calculate
A person of mass 55 kg climbs a ladder to a height of 4.0 m. Calculate the increase in gravitational potential energy. Gravitational field…
Question 3 · 3 marks · Calculate
A spring has a spring constant of 25 N/m. It is stretched by 6.0 cm. Calculate the elastic potential energy stored in the spring. Assume…
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Exam Practice: Kinetic, elastic and gravitational potential energy (cont.)
Energy
Lesson 2 of 7
Question 4 · 4 marks · Calculate
The diagram shows a roller coaster car of mass 400 kg. It is released from rest at A. Gravitational field strength = 9.8 N/kg. (a)…
Question 5 · 4 marks · Calculate
A ball of mass 0.050 kg is thrown vertically upwards at 20 m/s. Assume there is no air resistance. Calculate the maximum height reached by…
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 1 · 2 marks · Calculate
Energy
Lesson 2 of 7
“
A ball of mass 0.40 kg moves at 12 m/s. Calculate the kinetic energy of the ball. Use the equation: kinetic energy = 0.5 × mass × (speed)²
HOW TO ANSWER IT
Command word: Calculate. Worth 2 marks, so plan before writing.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 1 · mark scheme
Energy
Lesson 2 of 7
2 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
Correct substitution
1 mark
28.8 J
1 mark
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 2 · 3 marks · Calculate
Energy
Lesson 2 of 7
“
A person of mass 55 kg climbs a ladder to a height of 4.0 m. Calculate the increase in gravitational potential energy. Gravitational field strength = 9.8 N/kg. Give your answer to 2 significant figures.
HOW TO ANSWER IT
Command word: Calculate. Worth 3 marks, so plan before writing.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 2 · mark scheme
Energy
Lesson 2 of 7
3 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
Correct substitution
1 mark
2156 J
1 mark
2200 J
1 mark
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 3 · 3 marks · Calculate
Energy
Lesson 2 of 7
“
A spring has a spring constant of 25 N/m. It is stretched by 6.0 cm. Calculate the elastic potential energy stored in the spring. Assume the limit of proportionality has not been exceeded.
HOW TO ANSWER IT
Command word: Calculate. Worth 3 marks, so plan before writing.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 3 · mark scheme
Energy
Lesson 2 of 7
3 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
Converts 6.0 cm to 0.060 m
1 mark
Correct substitution
1 mark
0.045 J
1 mark
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 4 · 4 marks · Calculate
Energy
Lesson 2 of 7

The diagram shows a roller coaster car of mass 400 kg. It is released from rest at A. Gravitational field strength = 9.8 N/kg. (a) Calculate the gravitational potential energy stored when the car is at A. (b) Assume no energy is dissipated. Calculate the speed of the car at B. (4 marks)
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 4 · mark scheme
Energy
Lesson 2 of 7
4 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
98 000 J
1 mark
Kinetic energy gained = 78 400 J
1 mark
v² = 2E_k ÷ m
1 mark
19.8 m/s (accept 20 m/s)
1 mark
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 5 · 4 marks · Calculate
Energy
Lesson 2 of 7
“
A ball of mass 0.050 kg is thrown vertically upwards at 20 m/s. Assume there is no air resistance. Calculate the maximum height reached by the ball. Gravitational field strength = 9.8 N/kg.
HOW TO ANSWER IT
Command word: Calculate. Worth 4 marks, so plan before writing.
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AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Question 5 · mark scheme
Energy
Lesson 2 of 7
4 marks available. Award a mark for each point made.
Kinetic energy = 10 J
1 mark
Kinetic energy equals gravitational potential energy at the top
1 mark
h = E_p ÷ (mg)
1 mark
20 m (accept 20.4 m)
1 mark
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