AQA GCSE PHYSICS · PAPER 1 · FOUNDATION & HIGHER
Efficiency
Energy · Lesson 6 of 7
Warm-up
Answer each one, then check.
1. What is dissipated energy?
Energy spread to the surroundings in less useful stores
2. What is 0.35 as a percentage?
35%
3. Write 60% as a decimal.
0.60
4. Give the unit of power.
Watt
5. What does 'useful' energy mean?
Energy transferred in the way we want
Learning Objectives
1. Recall and apply the efficiency equations.
2. Give efficiency as a decimal or a percentage.
3. Interpret Sankey diagrams.
4. Describe ways to increase the efficiency of an energy transfer (Higher tier).
Efficiency
efficiency = (useful output energy transfer)/(total input energy transfer)
Also: efficiency = (useful power output)/(total power input). Efficiency has no units and is never more than 1 (100%).
A Sankey Diagram
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The width of each arrow shows the amount of energy. |
A Sankey diagram of a lamp: 100 J in, 10 J light out and 90 J wasted as thermal energy.
Efficiency of a Lamp
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A lamp transfers 100 J of electrical energy and 8 J of it is transferred as light. Calculate its efficiency. |
1. Write the equation
efficiency = (useful output)/(total input)
2. Substitute
8/100
3. Decimal
0.08
4. Percentage
0.08 × 100 = 8%
Answer: Efficiency = 0.08 or 8%.
Using Power
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A motor has a total power input of 500 W and a useful power output of 350 W. Calculate its efficiency as a percentage. |
1. Substitute
350/500
2. Decimal
0.70
3. Percentage
70%
Answer: 70%
Finding the Useful Output
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A machine is 85% efficient. How much useful energy does it transfer from a 400 J input? |
1. Efficiency as a decimal
0.85
2. Multiply
0.85 × 400 = 340 J
Answer: 340 J
Ways to Increase Efficiency (Higher Tier)
Reduce the energy that is dissipated.
▸ Lubrication. Reduces friction between moving parts.
▸ Thermal insulation. Reduces energy lost by heating, for example around a boiler or a house.
▸ Streamlining. Reduces air resistance so less energy is wasted.
▸ Better design. For example LED lamps transfer more input energy as light.
▸ Higher tier. The question may ask you to suggest a way suitable for a described machine.
Common Mistakes
Check your answer.
▸ Efficiency above 1. It cannot be greater than 1 (100%): useful output cannot be more than the input.
▸ Wrong way up. Useful output goes on top.
▸ Units. Do not write J or W after an efficiency.
▸ Percent or decimal. Read the question for the form required.
Key Terms
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Efficiency The fraction of the input energy that is transferred usefully. |
Useful output Energy transferred in the way that is wanted. |
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Wasted energy Energy transferred to stores that are not useful. |
Sankey diagram A diagram with arrow widths that show energy amounts. |
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Streamlining Shaping an object to reduce air resistance. |
Input The energy or power supplied to a device. |
Your Task: Compare the Lamps
12 minutes
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LED lamp: efficiency 0.85, input power 8 W. Filament lamp: efficiency 0.10, input power 60 W. Calculate the useful power output of each and say which lamp is better. 1. Rearrange the equation for useful power. 2. Compare the two answers. |
A good answer shows: LED: 0.85 × 8 = 6.8 W. Filament: 0.10 × 60 = 6.0 W. The LED gives more useful output from far less input, so it is better.
Can I...?
☐ Recall both efficiency equations.
☐ Calculate efficiency.
☐ Convert decimal and percentage.
☐ Interpret a Sankey diagram.
☐ Explain efficiency cannot exceed 1.
☐ Find useful output from an efficiency.
☐ Describe ways to increase efficiency.
☐ Compare devices.
Summary
✓ Efficiency = useful output ÷ total input.
✓ Also useful power ÷ total power.
✓ Multiply by 100 for a percentage.
✓ Efficiency is never more than 1.
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EXAM FOCUS A device has an input of 400 J and a useful output of 100 J. Calculate the efficiency. (2 marks) Put useful over total. |