A Level Physics · Topic hub
Energy & Fields
Build a syllabus-aligned route through energy stores and transfers, work, kinetic and potential energy, fields, elastic energy, power and efficiency.
Before you begin
Follow the lesson route in order when the topic is new. If you are revising, begin with the topic check and return to the lesson it identifies.
How the ideas connect
- Work
- Kinetic and potential energy
- Conservation
- Power and efficiency
Learn in order
Lesson route
Learning path
- 01Energy Stores, Transfers & ConservationTrack energy stores and transfers, then apply conservation of energy.
- 02Work & Kinetic EnergyDefine work and derive and apply the kinetic-energy relationship.
- 03Fields, Work & Potential EnergyRepresent fields and relate work done by a field to potential-energy change.
- 04Elastic Potential Energy (Force–Extension Graph)Use force–extension graphs to determine elastic potential energy.
- 05Power & EfficiencyApply power, mechanical power and efficiency relationships.
- 06System Boundaries & InteractionsChoose system boundaries and distinguish internal from external interactions.
Prove your understanding
Practice and repair
Key ideas and reference
Use this concise Energy & Fields checklist for orientation. Open a linked lesson for definitions, derivations, diagrams and worked examples.
- Track energy stores and transfers, then apply conservation of energy.
- Choose system boundaries and distinguish internal from external interactions.
Course coverage and review details
This route covers: Apply conservation of energy using clearly defined stores, transfers and system boundaries. Relate work to kinetic and potential-energy changes, including work done by a field. Use force–extension graphs, mechanical power and efficiency relationships.
Use the course context above when choosing qualification-specific practice and evidence.
Reviewed Jul 19, 2026
Frequently asked questions
What should I study first in A Level Energy and Fields?
Start with energy stores, transfers and conservation. Then study work and kinetic energy before fields, potential energy, elastic energy, power and efficiency.
What is new beyond O-Level energy?
The A-Level route formalises system boundaries, derives kinetic energy from work, links field work to potential-energy change, reads elastic energy from force–extension area, and uses P = Fv.
Which mistakes lose the most marks?
Common losses come from using the full force instead of its displacement component, confusing energy conservation with mechanical-energy conservation, reversing an efficiency ratio, and assigning the wrong sign to field work.
What should I practise after the lessons?
Use the topic quiz for work, elastic energy, power and systems, then complete the structured Work, Energy and Power set. Field fundamentals are reinforced later in the gravitational- and electric-field topics.