Energy Transfers: Interactive Simulation
This simulation demonstrates how energy is stored and transferred across five common physical scenarios, aligned with the AQA GCSE Physics specification (Unit 1: Energy, Topic 1.1 – Changes in Energy Stores). Each scenario is driven by real-time animation, with colour-coded energy store bars updating dynamically to show how energy is redistributed as each system changes.
The five scenarios covered are:
- Projectile – kinetic energy converts to gravitational potential energy on the way up, and back to kinetic on the way down, with a small thermal loss to air resistance
- Collision – kinetic energy dissipates into thermal and sound energy on impact with an obstacle
- Acceleration – chemical energy (fuel/stored) transfers to kinetic energy as a constant force acts on an object, with a thermal by-product
- Braking – kinetic energy transfers to thermal energy (via friction) and sound as a vehicle decelerates to rest
- Electric Kettle – electrical energy transfers to thermal energy in the heating element, which then raises the internal (thermal) energy of the water
Designed for GCSE students and teachers, the simulation supports the AQA requirement that students “describe all the changes involved in the way energy is stored when a system changes” for these specific common situations. The visual-first approach minimises on-screen text to keep learner focus on the physics, making it suitable for classroom display, independent study, and SEND-friendly learning environments.