Edexcel IGCSE Physics · Section 4
Energy Resources and Energy Transfers
Energy stores, energy transfers, work done, power, efficiency, renewable and non-renewable resources.
What this section covers
This section covers how energy is transferred, calculated and used in real contexts.
- Apply work done, power and efficiency equations.
- Compare renewable and non-renewable energy resources.
- Explain useful and wasted energy transfers.
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1
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Energy Stores & Transfers
Spec 4.1-4.3
The different energy stores and how energy is transferred between them.
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2
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Energy Stores and Transfer Pathways
Spec 4.2
Covers recall all required energy stores, Identify transfer pathways and Describe complete energy changes.
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3
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Work & Power: Using the Equations
Spec 4.4-4.5
Worked examples using the work done and power equations.
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5
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KE & GPE: Using the Equations
Spec 4.6-4.7
Worked examples using the kinetic and gravitational potential energy equations.
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6
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Kinetic & Gravitational Potential Energy
Spec 4.6-4.7
Kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy.
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7
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Efficiency & Sankey Diagrams
Spec 4.8-4.10
Efficiency, and how to draw and read Sankey diagrams.
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8
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Thermal Radiation, Transfer Practicals and Insulation
Spec 4.8-4.10
Covers investigate thermal radiation fairly, Compare conduction or insulation methods and Explain how common insulation reduces transfer.
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10
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Energy Resources and Energy Transfers (Paper 2)
Spec 4.18P-4.19P
Covers describe energy-transfer chains for named resources, Distinguish solar heating from solar cells and Compare resources using balanced advantages and disadvantages.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main energy stores?
Kinetic, gravitational potential, elastic, thermal, chemical, nuclear, electrostatic and magnetic stores.
How do you calculate kinetic energy?
Kinetic energy = ½ × mass × speed² (KE = ½mv²).
What is efficiency?
Efficiency = useful energy (or power) out ÷ total energy (or power) in, often shown as a percentage or on a Sankey diagram.
What are the three ways heat is transferred?
By conduction, convection and radiation.
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