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CIE iGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences-P1.6.4 Power- Study Notes- New Syllabus

CIE iGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences-P1.6.4 Power – Study Notes

CIE iGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences-P1.6.4 Power – Study Notes -CIE iGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences – per latest Syllabus.

Key Concepts:

Core

  • Define power as work done per unit time and also as energy transferred per unit time; recall and use the equations

CIE iGCSE Co-Ordinated Sciences-Concise Summary Notes- All Topics

Definition of Power

Power is the rate at which work is done or the rate at which energy is transferred.

  • The unit of power is the watt (W), where \( 1~\text{W} = 1~\text{J/s} \).

Equations for Power:

\( P = \dfrac{W}{t} \)      or      \( P = \dfrac{E}{t} \)

  • \( P \) = power (watts, W)
  • \( W \) = work done (joules, J)
  • \( E \) = energy transferred (joules, J)
  • \( t \) = time taken (seconds, s)

Alternative Formula (Force and Velocity):

  • When a force moves an object at a constant velocity,
    • \( P = F \times v \)
  • \( F \) = force applied (newtons, N)
  • \( v \) = velocity of the object (m/s)

Example:

A motor does \( 600~\text{J} \) of work in \( 20~\text{s} \). Find the power of the motor.

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Using \( P = \dfrac{W}{t} \):

\( P = \dfrac{600}{20} = 30~\text{W} \).

The motor’s power output is \( 30~\text{W} \).

Example:

An electric kettle transfers \( 9000~\text{J} \) of energy to boil water in \( 3~\text{minutes} \). Calculate its power rating.

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Step 1: Convert time

\( 3~\text{minutes} = 3 \times 60 = 180~\text{s} \).

Step 2: Apply formula

\( P = \dfrac{E}{t} = \dfrac{9000}{180} = 50~\text{W} \).

The kettle’s power is \( 50~\text{W} \).

 Example:

A car engine exerts a driving force of \( 2000~\text{N} \) to keep the car moving at a constant speed of \( 15~\text{m/s} \). Find the power output of the engine.

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Using \( P = F \times v \):

\( P = 2000 \times 15 = 30000~\text{W} \).

The engine delivers \( 30~\text{kW} \) of power.

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