Work Done — GCSE Physics Revision
Revise Work Done for GCSE Physics. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP.
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Go to PowerWhat is Work Done?
Work is done whenever a force causes an object to move. It is a measure of energy transfer. For work to be done, the force must cause a displacement in the direction of the force. The amount of work done is calculated by multiplying the force by the distance moved in the direction of the force.
Board notes: Covered by all major boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR) at both Foundation and Higher tiers.
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
A box is pushed 5m across a floor with a force of 20N. Calculate the work done. Solution: Work Done = Force x Distance. Work Done = 20N x 5m = 100J.
Mini lesson for Work Done
1. Understand the core idea
Work is done whenever a force causes an object to move. It is a measure of energy transfer.
Can you explain Work Done without copying the notes?
2. Turn it into marks
A box is pushed 5m across a floor with a force of 20N. Calculate the work done.
Underline the method, evidence, or command-word move that would earn credit in GCSE Energy.
3. Fix the likely mark leak
Watch for this mistake: Confusing work done with effort. Just because you are pushing hard against a wall (applying a force), if the wall doesn't move, no work is done.
Write one correction rule before doing another practice question.
Practise this topic
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Work Done practice questions
These are original StudyVector questions for revision practice. They are not official exam-board questions.
Question 1
In one GCSE sentence, explain what Work Done is testing.
Answer: Work is done whenever a force causes an object to move. It is a measure of energy transfer.
Mark focus: Precise definition and topic focus.
Question 2
A Work Done question uses an unfamiliar context. What should the answer do before adding detail?
Answer: It should name the process, variable, equation, particle model, or evidence being tested, then explain the result using precise scientific vocabulary.
Mark focus: Method selection and command-word control.
Question 3
A student makes this mistake: "Confusing work done with effort. Just because you are pushing hard against a wall (applying a force), if the wall doesn't move, no work is done." What should their next repair task be?
Answer: Do one Work Done question and review the mistake type.
Mark focus: Error correction and next-step practice.
Work Done flashcards
Core idea
What is the main idea in Work Done?
Work is done whenever a force causes an object to move. It is a measure of energy transfer.
Common mistake
What mistake should you avoid in Work Done?
Confusing work done with effort. Just because you are pushing hard against a wall (applying a force), if the wall doesn't move, no work is done.
Practice
What is one useful practice task for Work Done?
Answer one Work Done question and review the mistake type.
Exam board
How should you use board notes for Work Done?
Covered by all major boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR) at both Foundation and Higher tiers.
Common mistakes
- 1Confusing work done with effort. Just because you are pushing hard against a wall (applying a force), if the wall doesn't move, no work is done.
- 2Forgetting to use the distance moved in the direction of the force. If a force is applied at an angle, you must use the component of the distance in the direction of the force.
- 3Using the wrong units. Work done is measured in Joules (J), force in Newtons (N), and distance in metres (m).
Work Done exam questions
Exam-style questions for Work Done with mark-scheme style solutions and timing practice. Aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP specifications.
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Work Done
Core concept
Work is done whenever a force causes an object to move. It is a measure of energy transfer. For work to be done, the force must cause a displacement in the direction of the force. The amount of work d…
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for work done?
The formula for work done is: Work Done (J) = Force (N) x Distance (m).
Is work done a scalar or a vector?
Work done is a scalar quantity, meaning it has magnitude but no direction.