ForcesTopic Summary
Topic Summary: Work Done and Energy Transfer
Part of Work Done & Energy Transfer — GCSE Physics
This topic summary covers Topic Summary: Work Done and Energy Transfer within Work Done & Energy Transfer for GCSE Physics. Revise Work Done & Energy Transfer in Forces for GCSE Physics with 13 exam-style questions and 6 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 13 of 13 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 13 of 13
Practice
13 questions
Recall
6 flashcards
Topic Summary: Work Done and Energy Transfer
Key Terms
- Work done: Energy transferred by a force (J)
- Power: Rate of doing work (W = J/s)
- Joule: 1 J = 1 N × 1 m
- Elastic PE: Energy stored in stretched/compressed material
Key Facts
- Work done = energy transferred
- No movement = no work done
- Force perpendicular to motion = no work done
- Work done against friction → thermal energy
Key Equations
- W = Fs (work done)
- P = W/t (power)
- Ep = ½ke² (elastic PE — higher)
- 1 W = 1 J/s; 1 J = 1 Nm
Exam Tips
- Distance must be in direction of force
- Use weight (N) not mass (kg) for lifting
- Convert time to seconds for power
- Work = energy transfer (mention this in 3+ mark answers)