Energy Calculations Worksheet - GCSE - Beginner

Energy Calculations worksheet for GCSE (Key Stage 4 / GCSE (Ages 14-16)). Beginner level science practice, aligned to the UK National Curriculum. Print-ready with answer key included.

Science•Key Stage 4 / GCSE (Ages 14-16)•Energy Calculationsbeginner

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GCSE Energy Calculations: Power Up Your Physics

Key Stage 4 • Ages 14–16 • Beginner

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Instructions: Use the equations and values given in each question, substitute carefully, and show your working and units. Take gravitational field strength as g = 10 N/kg unless a question gives another value. Round answers to an appropriate number of significant figures.

Choose and Rearrange the Equation

Match each physical quantity to the equation used to calculate it. Write the correct equation beside each quantity. Remember that ΔT means temperature change.

Equations: Ek = ½mv²; Ep = mgh; P = E/t; efficiency = useful energy output ÷ total energy input; Q = mcΔT.

1. Kinetic energy, Ek:

2. Gravitational potential energy, Ep:

3. Power, P:

4. Efficiency:

5. Energy transferred when heating, Q:

Kinetic Energy

Use Ek = ½mv², where mass m is in kilograms and speed v is in metres per second. Square the speed before multiplying by the mass and by one half. Include the unit joules (J) in each answer.

1. A 2.0 kg ball moves at 3.0 m/s. Calculate its kinetic energy.

2. A 4.0 kg trolley moves at 5.0 m/s. Calculate its kinetic energy.

3. A 1,000 kg car travels at 10 m/s. Calculate its kinetic energy.

4. A 0.50 kg football moves at 8.0 m/s. Calculate its kinetic energy.

Gravitational Potential Energy

Use Ep = mgh, where m is in kilograms, g is in newtons per kilogram and h is in metres. Use g = 10 N/kg. Multiply all three values and give your answer in joules (J).

1. A 3.0 kg bag is lifted 2.0 m. Calculate its gain in gravitational potential energy.

2. A 5.0 kg box is raised 1.5 m. Calculate its gain in gravitational potential energy.

3. A 60 kg climber reaches a height of 4.0 m above the starting point. Calculate the climber’s gain in gravitational potential energy.

4. A 0.80 kg book is lifted 2.5 m. Calculate its gain in gravitational potential energy.

Power and Efficiency

For power, use P = E/t and give the unit in watts (W). For efficiency, divide the useful energy output by the total energy input, then multiply by 100 to give a percentage. Show the calculation for each answer.

1. A motor transfers 600 J of energy in 20 s. Calculate its power.

2. A lift transfers 4,500 J in 15 s. Calculate its power.

3. A lamp receives 200 J of energy and transfers 50 J usefully as light. Calculate its efficiency as a percentage.

4. A motor receives 800 J of energy and transfers 600 J usefully. Calculate its efficiency as a percentage.

Specific Heat Capacity

Use Q = mcΔT, where Q is energy transferred in joules, m is mass in kilograms, c is specific heat capacity in J/(kg °C), and ΔT is the temperature change in °C. Calculate the temperature change by subtracting the starting temperature from the final temperature.

1. A 2.0 kg block has a specific heat capacity of 500 J/(kg °C). Its temperature rises from 20 °C to 30 °C. Calculate the energy transferred to it.

2. A 0.50 kg sample of water has a specific heat capacity of 4,200 J/(kg °C). Its temperature rises by 10 °C. Calculate the energy transferred to it.

3. A 1.5 kg metal block with a specific heat capacity of 400 J/(kg °C) receives 12,000 J of energy. Calculate its temperature change.

4. A 2.0 kg substance with a specific heat capacity of 500 J/(kg °C) receives 5,000 J. Calculate its temperature change.

Answer Key

Activity 1: ½mv² ; mgh ; E/t ; useful energy output ÷ total energy input ; mcΔT

Activity 2: 9 J ; 50 J ; 50,000 J ; 16 J

Activity 3: 60 J ; 75 J ; 2,400 J ; 20 J

Activity 4: 30 W ; 300 W ; 25% ; 75%

Activity 5: 10,000 J ; 21,000 J ; 20 °C ; 5 °C