GCSE Physics Revision — Energy Changes in Systems
Revise Energy Changes in Systems for GCSE Physics with a topic explanation, worked example and common mistakes. Check the board notes for specification differences.
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Go to Energy Stores & TransfersTopic explanation
What is Energy Changes in Systems?
Energy changes in a system describe how energy is transferred and transformed. A system is an object or group of objects. When a system changes, energy is transferred into or out of the system, between different objects in the system, or between different types of energy stores.
Board notes: Covered by all major boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR) at both Foundation and Higher tiers.
Step-by-step explanationWorked examples
Worked example
A car of mass 1000kg accelerates from rest to 20m/s. Calculate the work done to accelerate the car. Solution: The work done on the car is equal to the gain in its kinetic energy. KE = 1/2 x mass x velocity^2. KE = 0.5 x 1000kg x (20m/s)^2 = 200,000J or 200kJ.
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Common mistakes
- 1Forgetting to define the system at the start of a problem. This can lead to confusion about which energy transfers are internal and which are external.
- 2Ignoring wasted energy. In most real-world systems, some energy is dissipated to the surroundings, usually as heat. This must be accounted for when applying the principle of conservation of energy.
- 3Confusing an open system with a closed system. A closed system does not exchange energy with its surroundings, while an open system does.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a closed energy system?
A closed system is one where no energy can enter or leave. The total energy within a closed system is always constant, though it can change from one form to another.
How is energy wasted in a system?
Energy is often wasted as thermal energy due to friction between moving parts or air resistance. Sound is another common way for energy to be dissipated.