This key facts covers ELECTROSTATIC ENERGY STORE — Energy in Electric Fields within Energy Stores & Systems for GCSE Physics. Revise Energy Stores & Systems in Energy for GCSE Physics with 14 exam-style questions and 30 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 10 of 20 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
⚡ ELECTROSTATIC ENERGY STORE — Energy in Electric Fields
What it is: Energy stored when electrically charged objects interact within an electric field — either attracting (opposite charges) or repelling (like charges).
Real-world examples:
- Thunder clouds before lightning — massive charge separation stores enormous energy; released as lightning bolt
- Static shock from door handle — charge built up on your body suddenly discharged
- Capacitors — store electrical energy as separated charges; used in camera flashes, defibrillators
Practice questions for Energy Stores & Systems
Which energy store is associated with an object that is moving?
Explain what is meant by a 'closed system' in terms of energy.