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Kay <3
29/11/2025
Physics
GCSE aqa physics energy + electricity notes
741
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29 Nov 2025
•
GCSE AQA Physics Energy and Electricity Notes for Paper 1
Kay <3
@n1ghtks
1 / 4
Energy Stores and Transfers
When we talk about energy, we're looking at how it's stored in systems (objects or groups of objects) and how it moves around. Energy is always on the move!
For example, when a rolling ball hits a wall, its kinetic energy (movement energy) doesn't disappear—it transforms into sound energy. Similarly, when a car slows down, friction converts kinetic energy into thermal energy (heat). This follows the principle that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed.
Power measures how quickly energy is transferred and is calculated as: power = energy transferred ÷ time. It's measured in watts (W), where 1 watt means 1 joule of energy is transferred every second.
Remember this! Energy might be "wasted" when it's dissipated into less useful forms, but we can reduce this waste. For instance, lubricating moving parts reduces friction and minimizes energy lost as heat.
Energy Resources
Our world relies on a mix of energy sources that fall into two main categories: renewable and non-renewable. Non-renewable sources include fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) and nuclear fuel, while renewable sources include wind, solar, hydroelectric, tidal, geothermal and biofuels.
The key difference? Renewable sources can be replenished naturally, while non-renewable sources exist in finite amounts. Though non-renewables typically provide high energy output, they won't last forever. Different sectors—transportation, electricity generation, and heating—have different energy requirements.
Fossil fuels dominated during the Industrial Revolution because they were easily accessible and energy-rich. However, their environmental impact includes harmful emissions, landscape damage, and contribution to climate change.
Did you know? The adoption of renewable energy has significantly increased in recent years thanks to technological advancements and growing environmental awareness. You're witnessing this energy revolution happening right now!
Circuit Fundamentals
Electricity only flows when circuits are complete with no breaks. A source of potential difference (like a battery) provides the electrical "push" needed for charge to flow.
Electrical current is the flow of electrical charge, represented by the symbol I. The relationship between current (I), potential difference (V), and resistance (R) is defined by Ohm's Law: I = V/R. This means that higher resistance leads to lower current when voltage stays the same.
Several factors affect resistance in a circuit. Resistance increases with wire length as electrons must pass through more atoms. For special components like thermistors, resistance decreases with higher temperatures, allowing more current to flow. In Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs), resistance decreases with increased light intensity.
Top tip: Think of electrical circuits like water flowing through pipes. Resistance is like a narrowing in the pipe—the narrower the pipe (higher resistance), the less water (current) can flow through.
Electrical Circuits
Diodes are fascinating components that act like one-way gates in circuits. They allow current to flow freely in one direction but block it from flowing the opposite way with very high resistance.
In series circuits, current follows just one path, so the current is the same at every point. When resistors are connected in series, their resistances add up: total resistance = R1 + R2 + R3.
Parallel circuits offer multiple paths for current to travel. At each junction, the total current splits between branches, but the potential difference remains the same across each branch. Here's something interesting—when resistors connect in parallel, their combined resistance is actually lower than even the smallest resistor in the group!
Exam alert! Understanding the difference between series and parallel circuits is crucial for exams. Remember: in series, current is constant; in parallel, voltage is constant across branches.
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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
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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
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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
GCSE AQA Physics Energy and Electricity Notes for Paper 1
Kay <3
@n1ghtks
Energy and electricity are fundamental topics that explain how our world works. These concepts help us understand everything from why a ball stops rolling to how electric circuits power our devices. Let's break down these essential physics concepts in a... Show more
Energy Stores and Transfers
When we talk about energy, we're looking at how it's stored in systems (objects or groups of objects) and how it moves around. Energy is always on the move!
For example, when a rolling ball hits a wall, its kinetic energy (movement energy) doesn't disappear—it transforms into sound energy. Similarly, when a car slows down, friction converts kinetic energy into thermal energy (heat). This follows the principle that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed.
Power measures how quickly energy is transferred and is calculated as: power = energy transferred ÷ time. It's measured in watts (W), where 1 watt means 1 joule of energy is transferred every second.
Remember this! Energy might be "wasted" when it's dissipated into less useful forms, but we can reduce this waste. For instance, lubricating moving parts reduces friction and minimizes energy lost as heat.
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Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Energy Resources
Our world relies on a mix of energy sources that fall into two main categories: renewable and non-renewable. Non-renewable sources include fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) and nuclear fuel, while renewable sources include wind, solar, hydroelectric, tidal, geothermal and biofuels.
The key difference? Renewable sources can be replenished naturally, while non-renewable sources exist in finite amounts. Though non-renewables typically provide high energy output, they won't last forever. Different sectors—transportation, electricity generation, and heating—have different energy requirements.
Fossil fuels dominated during the Industrial Revolution because they were easily accessible and energy-rich. However, their environmental impact includes harmful emissions, landscape damage, and contribution to climate change.
Did you know? The adoption of renewable energy has significantly increased in recent years thanks to technological advancements and growing environmental awareness. You're witnessing this energy revolution happening right now!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Circuit Fundamentals
Electricity only flows when circuits are complete with no breaks. A source of potential difference (like a battery) provides the electrical "push" needed for charge to flow.
Electrical current is the flow of electrical charge, represented by the symbol I. The relationship between current (I), potential difference (V), and resistance (R) is defined by Ohm's Law: I = V/R. This means that higher resistance leads to lower current when voltage stays the same.
Several factors affect resistance in a circuit. Resistance increases with wire length as electrons must pass through more atoms. For special components like thermistors, resistance decreases with higher temperatures, allowing more current to flow. In Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs), resistance decreases with increased light intensity.
Top tip: Think of electrical circuits like water flowing through pipes. Resistance is like a narrowing in the pipe—the narrower the pipe (higher resistance), the less water (current) can flow through.
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Electrical Circuits
Diodes are fascinating components that act like one-way gates in circuits. They allow current to flow freely in one direction but block it from flowing the opposite way with very high resistance.
In series circuits, current follows just one path, so the current is the same at every point. When resistors are connected in series, their resistances add up: total resistance = R1 + R2 + R3.
Parallel circuits offer multiple paths for current to travel. At each junction, the total current splits between branches, but the potential difference remains the same across each branch. Here's something interesting—when resistors connect in parallel, their combined resistance is actually lower than even the smallest resistor in the group!
Exam alert! Understanding the difference between series and parallel circuits is crucial for exams. Remember: in series, current is constant; in parallel, voltage is constant across branches.
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?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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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