Physics (Combined Science) · GCSE · AQA · AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) — Physics — Foundation · Specification point · 6.1.1.3 · Energy · Energy changes in a system, and the ways energy is stored before and after such changes
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6.1.1.3 Energy changes in systems
| Content | Key opportunities for skills development |
|---|---|
The amount of energy stored in or released from a system as its temperature changes can be calculated using the equation: | |
change in thermal energy, ΔE, in joules, J
mass, m, in kilograms, kg
specific heat capacity, c, in joules per kilogram per degree Celsius, J/kg °C
temperature change, ∆θ, in degrees Celsius, °C
The specific heat capacity of a substance is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of the substance by one degree Celsius.
MS 3b, c Students should be able to apply this equation which is given on the Physics equation sheet. This equation and specific heat capacity are also included in Temperature changes in a system and specific heat capacity (page 137). |
Required practical activity 14: an investigation to determine the specific heat capacity of one or more materials. The investigation will involve linking the decrease of one energy store (or work done) to the increase in temperature and subsequent increase in thermal energy stored.
AT skills covered by this practical activity: physics AT 1 and 5.
This practical activity also provides opportunities to develop WS and MS. Details of all skills are given in Key opportunities for skills development (page 184).