Work
Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) · Unit 1: Motion, forces and energy · 4 flashcards
Work is topic 1.7.2 in the Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625) syllabus , positioned in Unit 1 — Motion, forces and energy , alongside Physical quantities and measurement techniques, Motion and Mass and weight.
This topic is examined in Paper 1 (multiple-choice) and Papers 3/4 (theory), plus Paper 5 or Paper 6 (practical / alternative to practical).
The deck below contains 4 flashcards — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward.
What the Cambridge 0625 syllabus says
Official 2026-2028 specThese are the exact learning objectives Cambridge sets for this topic. Match the command word (Describe, Explain, State, etc.) in your answer to score full marks.
- Understand Understand that mechanical or electrical work done is equal to the energy transferred
- Recall Recall and use the equation for mechanical working
A motor lifts a 0.5 kg mass vertically upwards through a distance of 1.2 m. Calculate the work done by the motor. Assume g = 10 N/kg.
Work done = Force x Distance
Force = weight = mass x g = 0.5 kg x 10 N/kg = 5 N
Work done = 5 N x 1.2 m = 6.0 J
Answer: 6.0 J. The work done by the motor is equal to the energy transferred to the mass (gravitational potential energy).
A car engine performs work to move the car forward. Explain how the work done by the engine relates to the energy of the car.
The work done by the engine is equal to the energy transferred to the car. This energy transfer primarily increases the kinetic energy of the car, causing it to accelerate. Some of the energy transferred may also be converted into thermal energy due to friction within the engine and air resistance.
A cyclist exerts a force of 52 N to travel 1.2 m. Calculate the work done by the cyclist.
Formula: Work Done (W) = Force (F) × Distance (d)
Working:
W = 52 N × 1.2 m
W = 62.4 J
Answer: The work done is 62.4 J. Work done is the energy transferred when a force causes displacement.
A crane lifts a metal block. Explain what is meant by 'work is done' in this situation.
Work is done when a force causes a displacement. In this case, the crane exerts a force upwards on the metal block, and the block moves upwards. Because there is a force and a displacement in the same direction, work is done *on* the block by the crane. The energy is transferred from the crane (reducing its energy) to the block (increasing its gravitational potential energy).
More topics in Unit 1 — Motion, forces and energy
Work sits alongside these Physics decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.
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