Energy — OCR GCSE Physics
Test yourself on Energy with OCR GCSE practice questions.
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Energy explained
In energy practical work you choose the right instrument for each quantity and record readings accurately.
Read the full explanation
Length uses a ruler or tape measure read to the nearest division; area is calculated from measured lengths (for example length × width) and recorded in m²; mass uses a balance in kilograms or grams; time uses a stopwatch or timer in seconds; volume uses a measuring cylinder read at the meniscus in cm³ or ml; temperature uses a thermometer in °C. Accuracy means reading at eye level, choosing a scale that suits the size of the quantity, and recording with a sensible number of significant figures and correct units.
Safe use of appropriate apparatus in a range of contexts to measure energy changes/transfers and associated values such as work done.
This practical activity statement asks you to choose and handle apparatus safely so that energy changes and energy transfers can be measured, together with related quantities such as work done. In one context you might use a joulemeter or a power meter to record the electrical energy supplied to a heater and compare it with the temperature rise of a known mass of water. In another you might use a force meter and a metre rule to measure a force and the distance moved along the force, then calculate work done as force × distance. Safety matters throughout: secure hot apparatus, keep leads tidy, avoid overloading circuits and read instruments at eye level. The assessment checks that you select suitable apparatus, use it correctly and record readings with sensible units, not that you memorise a fixed mark scheme.
Your focus
- Select appropriate apparatus for measuring length, area, mass, time, volume and temperature.
- Take accurate readings at eye level using the correct scale.
- Record each measurement with the correct unit and sensible significant figures.
Show all 6 objectives
- Select suitable apparatus to measure an energy change or transfer in a given context.
- Describe safe practice when using apparatus that involves heat or electrical energy.
- Record and use measurements to calculate a related quantity such as work done, with correct units.
Energy exam tips
Marking Points
- Selects a ruler or tape measure for length and reads it at eye level to the nearest division.
- Calculates area from measured lengths and records it in square units such as m².
- Uses a balance for mass and a stopwatch or timer for time, recording each with correct units.
- Reads a measuring cylinder at the meniscus for volume and a thermometer for temperature, recording units such as cm³ and °C.
- Records each measurement with a sensible number of significant figures and the correct unit.
- Selects apparatus that matches the energy quantity being measured, such as a joulemeter for electrical energy or a force meter and rule for work done.
- Uses the apparatus safely, for example clamping hot equipment, keeping the circuit within its rating and avoiding contact with heated surfaces.
- Records readings with correct units, distinguishing energy in joules from work done in joules and from temperature change in degrees Celsius.
- Calculates a derived value correctly, such as work done = force × distance moved along the force, and states the unit as the joule.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Match each quantity to its instrument before taking any reading.
- 💡State units for every recorded value, including square units for area.
- 💡Read scales at eye level and quote readings to a sensible number of significant figures.
- 💡Name the specific apparatus and say what quantity it measures before describing the procedure.
- 💡State the safety precaution and the hazard it controls, rather than listing precautions without reasons.
- 💡Give every reading a unit and check that the calculated quantity carries the correct unit.
Common Mistakes
- Records a number without a unit; always attach the correct unit such as m, m², kg, s, cm³ or °C.
- Reads a measuring cylinder away from the meniscus or at an angle; read at eye level at the meniscus.
- Uses an instrument whose scale is too coarse for the quantity; choose a scale that suits the size being measured.
- Confuses energy with temperature; treat temperature change as evidence of energy transfer rather than as the energy itself.
- Leaves the joulemeter or power meter running between trials; reset the meter before each measurement so the reading covers only that transfer.
- Measures distance at an angle to the force; measure the distance moved along the line of the applied force when calculating work done.