Essential idea: The fundamental concept of energy lays the basis upon which much of science is built.
Nature of science:
Theories: Many phenomena can be fundamentally understood through application of the theory of conservation of energy. Over time, scientists have utilized this theory both to explain natural phenomena and, more importantly, to predict the outcome of previously unknown interactions. The concept of energy has evolved as a result of recognition of the relationship between mass and energy. (2.2)
Understandings:
Kinetic energy
Gravitational potential energy
Elastic potential energy
Work done as energy transfer
Power as rate of energy transfer
Principle of conservation of energy
Efficiency
Applications and skills:
Discussing the conservation of total energy within energy transformations
Sketching and interpreting force–distance graphs
Determining work done including cases where a resistive force acts
Solving problems involving power
Quantitatively describing efficiency in energy transfers
Guidance:
Cases where the line of action of the force and the displacement are not parallel should be considered
Examples should include force–distance graphs for variable forces
Theory of knowledge:
To what extent is scientific knowledge based on fundamental concepts such as energy? What happens to scientific knowledge when our understanding of such fundamental concepts changes or evolves?
Utilization:
Energy is also covered in other group 4 subjects (for example, see: Biology topics 2, 4 and 8; Chemistry topics 5, 15, and C; Sports, exercise and health science topics 3, A.2, C.3 and D.3; Environmental systems and societies topics 1, 2, and 3)
Energy conversions are essential for electrical energy generation (see Physics topic 5 and sub-topic 8.1)
Energy changes occurring in simple harmonic motion (see Physics sub-topics 4.1 and 9.1)
Aims:
Aim 6: experiments could include (but are not limited to): relationship of kinetic and gravitational potential energy for a falling mass; power and efficiency of mechanical objects; comparison of different situations involving elastic potential energy
Aim 8: by linking this sub-topic with topic 8, students should be aware of the importance of efficiency and its impact of conserving the fuel used for energy production
Simple usage of the base equations.
Using energy concepts to solve kinematics problems with structured steps to solve the problem.
Unstructured problem leading to a single answer.