Work, Energy and Power

What this page covers

This unit page sits in the Energy strand of Physics. It collects material from over 300 contributors on how force, distance, energy and power connect. Many resources follow school courses, and some titles mention GCSE, IGCSE, A-level and Leaving Certificate Physics.

Core ideas in the mind maps

The mind map Chapter 5 - Work, Energy and Power sets out work done as force multiplied by distance moved in the direction of the force, and links work done to energy transferred. Work Done- Physics goes through the same calculation with units: joules, newtons and metres. Forces and Energy lists the forms of energy, such as kinetic, gravitational potential, elastic potential, heat, sound, light and chemical, beside different kinds of force.

Where to start

1. Open Work Done- Physics or Chapter 5 - Work, Energy and Power to learn the basic formula and units.
2. Read the notes Work, Energy & Power: Energy Conversions, which explain how chemical energy in muscle cells becomes movement.
3. Run through the flashcards Non-Contact Forces to fix the key terms, including the law of conservation of energy.
4. Take a quiz to test what stuck.

Using quizzes and maps together

Study a map first, then take a quiz straight after. AQA GCSE Physics Unit 2.3 asks true or false questions, such as whether work uses a different unit from energy. The Princeton Review Chapter 7 Work, Energy, and Power uses calculations, for example a 20 N force acting on a 3 kg object over 4 m. Note each question you miss, go back to the matching map branch, then try the quiz again.

Making it your own

Every resource here was made by GoConqr users, and all are free to open. Teachers can use a map or quiz as a ready-made starter for a lesson. Pick one resource today, work through it, and see which part of the topic needs another look.