ForcesAQA GCSE Physics (8463)

Work Done and Energy Transfer

Work through the notes, try the practice questions, then take the quiz. The report tells you exactly what to revise next. (2026)

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Master the topic

Worked examples2 Key formulae1 Definitions2 Common mistakes2

Step-by-step worked examples

01.Pushing a crate
Foundation
Question
A worker pushes a crate with 80 N over 6 m. Calculate the work done.
Solution
1. 1
  Apply formula.
  $W = F s = 80 \times 6 = 480\,\text{J}$
Answer
480 J.
02.Lifting a child
Higher
Question
A parent lifts a 18 kg child 0.80 m onto a chair. Calculate (a) the work done and (b) the gravitational potential energy gained. g = 9.8 N/kg.
Solution
1. 1
  Force needed.
  $F = mg = 18 \times 9.8 = 176.4\,\text{N}$
2. 2
  Work done.
  $W = F s = 176.4 \times 0.80 = 141\,\text{J}$
3. 3
  GPE.
  $E_p = mgh = 18 \times 9.8 \times 0.80 = 141\,\text{J} \text{ (same value)}$
Answer
Work done ≈ 141 J. GPE gained ≈ 141 J (work = energy transferred to gravitational store).

Key formulae

Work done
$W = F s$
- $W$
  — Work done (J)
- $F$
  — Force (N)
- $s$
  — Distance moved in direction of force (m)
When to use
Whenever a force moves an object through a distance. Not on equation sheet — must recall.

Practice with flashcards

Card 1 of 20 known · 0 to review

Key definitions and keywords

Work doneExaminer keyword: Energy transferred when a force moves an object through a distance. W = Fs.
Joule (J): SI unit of energy and work. 1 J = 1 N·m.

Common mistakes and misconceptions

Mistake
Using total distance, not the distance in the direction of the force.
Why it happens
Force at an angle.
How to avoid it
For perpendicular force, work = 0. For straight pushing, use the distance moved.
Mistake
Quoting answer in N·m without recognising = J.
Why it happens
Confusion of equivalent units.
How to avoid it
Use J for energy/work answers.

ForcesAQA GCSE Physics (8463)

Work Done and Energy Transfer

Work through the notes, try the practice questions, then take the quiz. The report tells you exactly what to revise next. (2026)

Previous Next

Master the topic

Worked examples2 Key formulae1 Definitions2 Common mistakes2

Step-by-step worked examples

01.Pushing a crate
Foundation
Question
A worker pushes a crate with 80 N over 6 m. Calculate the work done.
Solution
1. 1
  Apply formula.
  $W = F s = 80 \times 6 = 480\,\text{J}$
Answer
480 J.
02.Lifting a child
Higher
Question
A parent lifts a 18 kg child 0.80 m onto a chair. Calculate (a) the work done and (b) the gravitational potential energy gained. g = 9.8 N/kg.
Solution
1. 1
  Force needed.
  $F = mg = 18 \times 9.8 = 176.4\,\text{N}$
2. 2
  Work done.
  $W = F s = 176.4 \times 0.80 = 141\,\text{J}$
3. 3
  GPE.
  $E_p = mgh = 18 \times 9.8 \times 0.80 = 141\,\text{J} \text{ (same value)}$
Answer
Work done ≈ 141 J. GPE gained ≈ 141 J (work = energy transferred to gravitational store).

Key formulae

Work done
$W = F s$
- $W$
  — Work done (J)
- $F$
  — Force (N)
- $s$
  — Distance moved in direction of force (m)
When to use
Whenever a force moves an object through a distance. Not on equation sheet — must recall.

Practice with flashcards

Card 1 of 20 known · 0 to review

Key definitions and keywords

Work doneExaminer keyword: Energy transferred when a force moves an object through a distance. W = Fs.
Joule (J): SI unit of energy and work. 1 J = 1 N·m.

Common mistakes and misconceptions

Mistake
Using total distance, not the distance in the direction of the force.
Why it happens
Force at an angle.
How to avoid it
For perpendicular force, work = 0. For straight pushing, use the distance moved.
Mistake
Quoting answer in N·m without recognising = J.
Why it happens
Confusion of equivalent units.
How to avoid it
Use J for energy/work answers.

Work Done and Energy Transfer

Master the topic

Step-by-step worked examples

01.Pushing a crate

02.Lifting a child

Key formulae

Practice with flashcards

Key definitions and keywords

Common mistakes and misconceptions

Work Done and Energy Transfer

Master the topic

Step-by-step worked examples

01.Pushing a crate

02.Lifting a child

Key formulae

Practice with flashcards

Key definitions and keywords

Common mistakes and misconceptions