General science

Natural sciences

Energy transfers and forces

Educator section

Memorandum

Any suitable/relevant definition/meanings are acceptable.

Leaner section

Content

1. what is energy

Activity 1: to understand the use of the term “energy” in a broad sense [lo 2.1]

Read the above newspaper headlines attentively. The word energy occurs in each one. Discuss the meaning of this word in your groups.

(a) Write your own definition for the word.

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(b) Discuss three different meanings of the word as used in the headlines.

(i) __________________________________________________________________

(ii) __________________________________________________________________

(iii) _________________________________________________________________

Well, it was not that easy to define the word, was it? When a scientist has to define something, he or she writes a brief, concise sentence that sums up the most important aspects of that thing. The following probably provides the best definition of energy:

Energy is the ability to do work

• From where do we get the energy to do our work or to practise sport?

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One of the newspaper headlines quotes a swimmer saying that chocolate provides energy.

Assessment

Learning Outcome 2: The learner will know and be able to interpret and apply scientific, technological and environmental knowledge.

Assessment Standard 2.1: We know this when the learner recalls meaningful information (at least definitions and complex facts);

2.1.3: explains how magnetic forces affect different materials