Energy Transfers in Circuits — GCSE Physics Revision
Revise Energy Transfers in Circuits for GCSE Physics. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP.
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Go to Current, Voltage & ResistanceWhat is Energy Transfers in Circuits?
When charge flows through a component with resistance, electrical work is done and energy is transferred. This energy transfer often results in the component heating up. The amount of energy transferred depends on the charge that flows and the potential difference across the component.
Board notes: Covered by all major boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR). The link between electrical work, energy, and heating is a key concept.
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
A charge of 50C passes through a resistor with a potential difference of 12V across it. How much energy is transferred? Solution: Energy Transferred = Charge x Potential Difference. E = 50C x 12V = 600J.
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Common mistakes
- 1Thinking that energy is 'lost' in a circuit. Energy is transferred from the electrical store of the battery to other forms, such as thermal energy in a resistor or light and thermal energy in a bulb.
- 2Confusing the energy transferred by the battery with the energy transferred in a component. The total energy supplied by the battery is shared between all the components in the circuit.
- 3Forgetting that all components, including wires, have some resistance. This means that even connecting wires will heat up slightly when current flows through them.
Energy Transfers in Circuits exam questions
Exam-style questions for Energy Transfers in Circuits with mark-scheme style solutions and timing practice. Aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP specifications.
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Energy Transfers in Circuits
Core concept
When charge flows through a component with resistance, electrical work is done and energy is transferred. This energy transfer often results in the component heating up. The amount of energy transferr…
Frequently asked questions
How is energy transferred in a resistor?
As electrons flow through the resistor, they collide with the ions in the lattice. These collisions transfer energy to the ions, causing them to vibrate more, which increases the thermal energy of the resistor, making it hot.
What is the relationship between energy, power, and time?
Energy transferred is equal to power multiplied by time (E = Pt). This means a high-power device left on for a long time will transfer a large amount of energy.