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30 Nov 2025
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Comprehensive Mind Maps for Forces & Energy Changes in Physics
1 / 3
Work Done and Forces
Work happens whenever you apply a force to move something - whether it's pushing a trolley or lifting a book. The key thing to remember is that both force AND movement must occur for work to be done.
Forces come in two main types that affect our daily lives. Contact forces occur when surfaces touch, like friction when you rub your hands together. Non-contact forces work from a distance - think about how magnets attract metal or how gravity pulls objects downward.
Weight and mass often confuse students, but they're quite different. Your mass (measured in kg) stays the same whether you're on Earth or the Moon - it's simply how much matter you contain. Your weight (measured in Newtons) is actually a force created by gravity pulling on your mass.
💡 Quick Check: Your mass is 60kg everywhere in the universe, but your weight changes depending on the planet you're on!
The formula W = mg helps you calculate weight, where 'g' represents Earth's gravitational field strength . Gravitational potential energy (GPE) stores energy in objects based on their height - this explains why a book on a high shelf has more stored energy than one on the floor.
Energy in Springs
Springs store energy in a completely different way from objects at height. When you compress or stretch a spring, you're storing elastic potential energy that wants to spring back to its original shape.
The formula EPE = ½ke² calculates this stored energy. Here, 'k' represents the spring constant - essentially how stiff your spring is. A large spring constant means you've got a really stiff spring that's hard to stretch, whilst a small spring constant indicates a soft, easily stretched spring.
Hooke's Law governs how springs behave with the simple relationship F = ke. This means the force needed to stretch a spring is directly proportional to how far you extend it. Double the extension, and you'll need double the force.
💡 Real-world Connection: The spring constant also appears as the gradient on a Hooke's Law graph - the steeper the line, the stiffer the spring!
This relationship holds true until you reach the elastic limit. Push beyond this point, and your spring won't return to its original shape - it becomes permanently deformed.
Hooke's Law in Practice
Understanding elasticity helps explain why some materials bounce back whilst others don't. Elastic materials like springs and rubber bands change shape when forces act on them, then return to their original form when the force disappears.
Deformation occurs in two main ways that you can observe easily. Stretching happens when you pull on something, like extending a rubber band. Compressing occurs when you squash materials together, such as pressing down on a sponge.
The beauty of Hooke's Law lies in its predictability - until you reach that crucial elastic limit. Below this point, doubling the force will exactly double the extension. This direct proportional relationship makes spring behaviour highly predictable and useful in engineering.
💡 Exam Tip: Remember that Hooke's Law only works within the elastic limit - beyond this point, the spring won't return to its original length!
This principle explains countless everyday objects, from car suspension systems to measuring scales. The spring constant essentially tells you the 'personality' of your spring - whether it's going to be easy to stretch or put up a fight!
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
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Sudenaz Ocak
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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Comprehensive Mind Maps for Forces & Energy Changes in Physics
Ever wondered how your phone's battery stores energy or why trampolines bounce you back up? Physics explains these everyday phenomena through work, forces, and energy changes. Understanding these concepts will help you make sense of everything from lifting your backpack... Show more
Work Done and Forces
Work happens whenever you apply a force to move something - whether it's pushing a trolley or lifting a book. The key thing to remember is that both force AND movement must occur for work to be done.
Forces come in two main types that affect our daily lives. Contact forces occur when surfaces touch, like friction when you rub your hands together. Non-contact forces work from a distance - think about how magnets attract metal or how gravity pulls objects downward.
Weight and mass often confuse students, but they're quite different. Your mass (measured in kg) stays the same whether you're on Earth or the Moon - it's simply how much matter you contain. Your weight (measured in Newtons) is actually a force created by gravity pulling on your mass.
💡 Quick Check: Your mass is 60kg everywhere in the universe, but your weight changes depending on the planet you're on!
The formula W = mg helps you calculate weight, where 'g' represents Earth's gravitational field strength . Gravitational potential energy (GPE) stores energy in objects based on their height - this explains why a book on a high shelf has more stored energy than one on the floor.
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Energy in Springs
Springs store energy in a completely different way from objects at height. When you compress or stretch a spring, you're storing elastic potential energy that wants to spring back to its original shape.
The formula EPE = ½ke² calculates this stored energy. Here, 'k' represents the spring constant - essentially how stiff your spring is. A large spring constant means you've got a really stiff spring that's hard to stretch, whilst a small spring constant indicates a soft, easily stretched spring.
Hooke's Law governs how springs behave with the simple relationship F = ke. This means the force needed to stretch a spring is directly proportional to how far you extend it. Double the extension, and you'll need double the force.
💡 Real-world Connection: The spring constant also appears as the gradient on a Hooke's Law graph - the steeper the line, the stiffer the spring!
This relationship holds true until you reach the elastic limit. Push beyond this point, and your spring won't return to its original shape - it becomes permanently deformed.
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Hooke's Law in Practice
Understanding elasticity helps explain why some materials bounce back whilst others don't. Elastic materials like springs and rubber bands change shape when forces act on them, then return to their original form when the force disappears.
Deformation occurs in two main ways that you can observe easily. Stretching happens when you pull on something, like extending a rubber band. Compressing occurs when you squash materials together, such as pressing down on a sponge.
The beauty of Hooke's Law lies in its predictability - until you reach that crucial elastic limit. Below this point, doubling the force will exactly double the extension. This direct proportional relationship makes spring behaviour highly predictable and useful in engineering.
💡 Exam Tip: Remember that Hooke's Law only works within the elastic limit - beyond this point, the spring won't return to its original length!
This principle explains countless everyday objects, from car suspension systems to measuring scales. The spring constant essentially tells you the 'personality' of your spring - whether it's going to be easy to stretch or put up a fight!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user