A system is an object or group of objects. Describe energy changes by naming the stores that decrease and increase.
| Store | Example |
|---|---|
| Chemical | A battery or fuel |
| Kinetic | A moving trolley |
| Gravitational potential | A raised object and Earth |
| Elastic potential | A stretched spring |
| Thermal | A hot metal block |
| Nuclear | An atomic nucleus |
| Magnetic | Interacting magnets |
| Electrostatic | Separated electric charges |
Energy is measured in joules (J).
Energy can be transferred mechanically (a force does work), electrically (a current flows), by heating, or by radiation such as light.
Light and sound are ways energy is transferred, not energy stores. An “electrical store” is not one of the stores in this model.
Falling ball: the gravitational potential store decreases and the kinetic store increases. The gravitational force transfers energy mechanically.
This model ignores air resistance and stops before impact.
| Situation | Store change |
|---|---|
| Electric kettle | Energy is transferred electrically, increasing the thermal store of the water. |
| Braking vehicle | Kinetic store decreases; thermal stores of brakes and surroundings increase. |
| Battery-powered motor | Chemical store of the battery decreases; kinetic store of moving parts increases. |
| Ball thrown upwards | Kinetic store decreases as gravitational potential store increases. |
Energy is stored in systems and transferred between stores. Name the store change and the transfer pathway.
Build confidence with pictures, clues and instant feedback.
Use the pictures to help you.
One point for each answer you get right first time.
No timer. Take your time and use a clue whenever you need one.