Free GCSE Physics lesson: Work and Power
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Free Lessons -> GCSE / Key Stage 4 -> Physics -> Work and Power

Lesson 30 · GCSE / Key Stage 4 · Physics

Work done, power and energy transfer

Connect work done, force, distance, power and energy transfer in GCSE Physics questions.

Qualification: GCSE Subject: Physics Work Separate Physics and Combined Science

Energy

This lesson builds work done, power and mechanical energy transfer for GCSE Physics.

Use the core lesson first, then match the exam-board guidance to your school route. Many pupils meet this content through Combined Science as well as Separate Physics.

Good forSeparate Physics and Combined Science
FocusWork done, power and mechanical energy transfer
Time45-60 minutes
EquipmentCalculator and equation sheet if used by your course.
Paper fitPaper 1 focus on most GCSE Physics routes
TierFoundation and Higher core
Practical linkNo required practical focus
Maths tagsM1 substitution with units

What you will learn

  • Use work done = force x distance along the line of action.
  • Explain work done as energy transferred mechanically.
  • Use power = energy transferred divided by time.
  • Compare two machines using work done, energy and power.

Exam-board fit

RouteSeparate Physics and Combined Science
PaperPaper 1 focus on most GCSE Physics routes
TierFoundation and Higher core
Specification fitEnergy: Work done, power and mechanical energy transfer
Practical linkNo required practical focus
Maths ladderM1 substitution with units

Exact paper labels and specification-point numbering vary by board and cohort, so match this lesson to your school route before using past-paper questions.

Mechanical energy examples supplied on this page

Use lifting, pushing, climbing and machine examples to practise connecting force, distance, work and power.

Clear explanation

Work is done when a force causes movement in the direction of the force. Work done is equal to energy transferred, so both are measured in joules.

The equation work done = force x distance uses the distance moved in the direction of the force. If the force and movement are not in the same direction, GCSE questions usually make the required distance clear.

Power is the rate of energy transfer. A more powerful machine transfers the same energy in less time, or more energy in the same time.

Worked examples

Work done lifting a box

A student lifts a box with a force of 80 N through 1.5 m.

work done = force x distance

work done = 80 x 1.5

Answer: The work done is 120 J.

Quick checks

Choose an answer, then check your thinking.

1. What is work done measured in?

2. What does power measure?

Practice questions

Question 1

A force of 50 N moves an object 4 m. Calculate work done.

Reveal answer and marking guidance

Answer: 200 J.

Marking: Credit W = F x s and 50 x 4 = 200 J.

Question 2

A machine transfers 900 J in 30 s. Calculate power.

Reveal answer and marking guidance

Answer: 30 W.

Marking: Credit P = E ÷ t and 900 ÷ 30 = 30 W.

Question 3

Why is work done equal to energy transferred?

Reveal answer and marking guidance

Answer: Because a force moving an object transfers energy mechanically.

Marking: Credit mechanical energy transfer by a force over a distance.

Question 4

Two motors lift the same load through the same height. Motor A takes less time. Which has greater power?

Reveal answer and marking guidance

Answer: Motor A.

Marking: Credit same energy transferred in less time gives greater power.

Exam practice ladder

AO1 fluencyRecall the key definition, unit, equation or model before using the lesson questions.
AO2 applicationApply work done, power and mechanical energy transfer to an unfamiliar device, practical setup or data description.
AO3 analysisUse evidence, graph features, uncertainty, method quality or conclusion wording where the question asks you to evaluate.
Maths skillM1 substitution with units

Answers and marking guidance

The exact practice answers are hidden under each question so you can try first. For this lesson, marks come from using the correct physics model, choosing the right equation where needed, keeping units with values, and explaining changes with precise words such as transfer, resultant force, acceleration, evidence and uncertainty.

Common mistakes

  • Using distance travelled when it is not along the force direction.
  • Confusing watts with joules.
  • Saying power is the total energy rather than rate of transfer.
  • Forgetting that work done needs movement.

Exam-board guidance

All supported routes assess the core physics idea, but they may group topics, practicals and paper wording differently.

AQA GCSE Physics

AQA GCSE Physics: use this lesson for work done, power and mechanical energy transfer, then check whether your class is taking Separate Physics or Combined Science.

OCR GCSE Physics

OCR GCSE Physics: the core physics idea is shared, but Gateway and Twenty First Century may organise questions differently.

Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics

Pearson Edexcel GCSE Physics: practise the concept, the equation use and the practical language because questions often connect them.

Eduqas GCSE Physics

Eduqas GCSE Physics: learn the core explanation and practise applying it to unfamiliar contexts, data and practical questions.

WJEC Wales

WJEC Wales: check whether your class is using the current GCSE Physics route or a newer science route, then use this lesson for the shared physics idea.

CCEA GCSE Physics

CCEA GCSE Physics: connect the idea to your unit and remember that practical skills are assessed directly.

Extension challenge

Compare a slow lift and a fast lift that raise the same mass through the same height, using energy and power language.

Reveal answer

Example answer: A strong extension response names the physics model, uses accurate units and explains why the evidence supports the conclusion.

Next lesson

Next, continue with Radiation Uses, Irradiation and Contamination.

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