Chapter 1: Energy
• Re-emphasise the idea of stored energies as potential energies. Then introduce the equation for gravitational potential energy: Ep = mgh. Formula triangles are trickier with more than three quantities, but show that it is possible with Ep at the top. Note: students are expected to remember this equation in examinations. [O1, O3]
Challenge and develop • The students should then carry out Practical 1.1, where they will investigate transfers between gravitational energy and elastic potential energy.
• After the practical is done, discuss how the practical could have been improved, first in pairs, then groups of four, then groups of eight. Finally, someone from each group shares ideas for improvement with the class. [O1, O2, O3]
Explain • Challenge students’ thinking and understanding of elastic potential energy and gravitational potential energy from the practical activities using the evaluation section of Practical sheet 1.1. [O1, O2, O3]
Consolidate and apply The students should now be given the Potential energy worksheet suitable to their ability.
• Low demand – Worksheet 1.1.1 [O1, O2, O3] • Standard demand – Worksheet 1.1.2 [O1, O2, O3] • High demand – Worksheet 1.1.3 [O1, O2, O3] Extend Ask students able to progress further to do the following:
• Each student or student pair suggests how to produce a catapult that would fire an object to the greatest height. Discuss how you could test this. [O1, O2, O3]
Plenary suggestions What’s in the picture? Have a picture of an object such as a catapult concealed by rectangles, each of which can be removed in turn. Ask for suggestions as to which tile should be removed and what the partially revealed graphic shows. Encourage speculation and inference; ask for suggestions as to which tile should go next and continue until until a full image has been produced. Hot seat: Ask each student to think up a question, using material from the lesson. Select someone to put in the hot seat. Ask students to ask their question and say at the end whether the aswer is correct or incorrect.
Answers to questions Worksheet Question 1 (1.1.1 – a, b, d, e and f; 1.1.2 – a, c, d, f and g; 1.1.3 – 1, c, d, g and h) a) stored energy b) any sensible answers, including: bows, wind-up toys, car suspensions c) increase extension, higher spring constant 2 d) Ee = ½ ke e)
f) g) h)
147 J 20 N/m 0.20 m
AQA GCSE Physics: Teacher Pack
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