Physics GCSE
Lubrication
What Lubrication means in Physics GCSE, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of Lubrication
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Lubrication in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
Oil or grease between moving parts reduces friction, so less energy is transferred by heating to the parts and surroundings.
A change that reduces friction between moving parts, so less input energy becomes thermal energy in the surroundings.
Applying a lubricant, like oil to bicycle gears, reduces friction and decreases the rate of unwanted energy transfer.
Topics that use Lubrication
- Efficiency (AQA GCSE)
- Energy transfers in a system (AQA GCSE)
- Power and efficiency (OCR GCSE)
Related terms
- Efficiency
- Rate of energy transfer
- thermal conductivity
- thermal insulation
- wasted energy
- Battery as chemical store versus mains a.c. supply
- comparing insulators
- conduction
Using Lubrication in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Physics questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Physics GCSE termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge