Energy Changes in a System (GCSE Physics)
Energy Changes in a System
Energy Changes in a System
We have already mentioned that when a system changes, energy is transferred. When this energy gets transferred, it will go from one energy store into another.
Examples of Energy Changes
- Flying – an object projected upwards.
When an object is projected upwards, such as a ball, it will initially have kinetic energy (KE). As the object rises higher into the air, the kinetic energy will be transferred into gravitational potential energy (GPE). Once the object reaches its highest point, the gravitational potential energy will all be converted into kinetic energy as the object falls back to the ground.
A moving object will start off with kinetic energy. Once it hits an obstacle, the kinetic energy can be transferred into many different types of energy. It can be transferred to the surroundings as thermal energy and sound waves. Some of the kinetic energy of the moving object can even be transferred to the obstacle, causing it to move.
When an object is accelerated by a force, there is a transfer of energy. Firstly, energy is required to accelerate the object; this could be chemical, thermal or electrical (the situation will determine the specific type of energy). This energy will then be converted into kinetic energy (used to accelerate the object).
This scenario is the opposite of the last one; we are now decelerating. Therefore we will work backwards from the previous example. To slow down the vehicle, the kinetic energy of the movement will be transferred into another store of energy. This energy could be sound waves and thermal energy.
When we are heating up water in an electric kettle, we are transferring electrical energy into thermal energy, which is used to heat up the water.
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