Skip to content

1. Energy

Energy stores and transfers

8 lessons
1.1 SI units, prefixes and converting units The SI units used in GCSE Physics, the prefixes from nano to giga, standard form and significant figures, and how to convert units before a calculation. AQA Edexcel OCR 1.2 Energy stores and systems The eight energy stores, the four ways energy is transferred, and how to describe energy changes in a system. AQA Edexcel OCR 1.3 Kinetic and gravitational potential energy Calculating kinetic energy (Ek = ½mv²) and gravitational potential energy (Ep = mgh), rearranging the equations, and energy changes for falling objects and rollercoasters. AQA Edexcel OCR 1.4 Work done and power Work done as force times distance, power as the rate of transferring energy, and how to calculate both with the correct units. AQA Edexcel OCR 1.5 Conservation and dissipation of energy The law of conservation of energy, useful and wasted energy, dissipation to the surroundings and how lubrication and insulation reduce wasted energy. AQA Edexcel OCR 1.6 Efficiency How to calculate efficiency from energy or power as a decimal or percentage, and ways to make machines more efficient. AQA Edexcel OCR 1.7 Thermal conductivity and insulation How thermal conductivity and thickness affect the rate of energy transfer through a material, and how loft insulation, cavity walls and double glazing reduce heat loss from a house. AQA Edexcel OCR 1.8 Required practical: thermal insulation How to compare the insulating properties of different materials by measuring cooling curves, with variables, safety, results and evaluation (AQA required practical 2, OCR PAG P5). AQA OCR

Energy resources

2 lessons
1.9 Non-renewable energy resources How coal, oil, gas and nuclear fuel are used to generate electricity, and their reliability, costs and effects on the environment. AQA Edexcel OCR 1.10 Renewable energy resources and trends Wind, hydroelectric, tidal, wave, solar, geothermal and bio-fuel resources, their reliability and environmental effects, and trends in UK energy use. AQA Edexcel OCR