STAGE 4 CAMBRIDGE SCIENCE
Stage 4 Cambridge Science – ENERGY
*Cambridge Stage 4 Science: ENERGY — Questions and Answers
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*SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION TO ENERGY*
1. *What is energy?*
Energy is the ability to do work or cause change.
2. *Name three common forms of energy.*
Light, heat, and sound.
3. *What is a source of energy?*
Something that provides energy, e.g. the Sun or a battery.
4. *What is the main source of energy on Earth?*
The Sun.
5. *How does the Sun give us energy?*
Through sunlight and heat.
6. *Give an example of energy used in daily life.*
Electricity to power lights.
7. *Which form of energy allows us to see?*
Light energy.
8. *Which form of energy helps us cook food?*
Heat energy.
9. *Name one device that uses electrical energy.*
Television.
10. *What is chemical energy?*
Energy stored in food, fuels, or batteries.
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*SECTION 2: TYPES OF ENERGY*
11. *What is sound energy?*
Energy we hear from vibrations.
12. *What is heat energy also called?*
Thermal energy.
13. *What is light energy?*
Energy that lets us see things.
14. *Where does chemical energy come from?*
Food, fuels, and batteries.15. *What is kinetic energy?*
Energy of movement.
16. *What is potential energy?*
Stored energy.
17. *Name two objects with potential energy.*
Stretched rubber band and a book on a shelf.
18. *What is mechanical energy?*
A mix of potential and kinetic energy.
19. *What is nuclear energy?*
Energy stored in the nucleus of atoms.
20. *Is energy visible?*
No, but its effects are.Great!
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*SECTION 3: ENERGY AROUND US*
21. *Give two ways we use energy at home.*
Cooking and lighting.
22. *Which form of energy is used in a radio?*
Sound energy.
23. *Which energy does a car engine use?*
Chemical energy from fuel.
24. *What kind of energy is used by plants to make food?*
Light energy.
25. *How does heat move?*
From hot areas to cold areas.
26. *What is conduction?*
Heat transfer through solids.
27. *What is convection?*
Heat transfer through liquids or gases.
28. *What is radiation?*
Heat transfer through space or air without touching.
29. *Name one good conductor of heat.*
Metal.
30. *Name one poor conductor of heat (insulator).*
Wood.
31. *Why are saucepans made of metal?*
Because metal conducts heat well.
32. *Why do we wear woolen clothes in winter?*
To keep warm (wool traps heat).
33. *What is a conductor?*
A material that allows heat or electricity to pass.
34. *What is an insulator?*
A material that resists heat or electricity flow.
35. *Name one insulator used in buildings.*
Foam or fiberglass.
36. *What type of energy does a lamp produce?*Light and heat energy.
37. *What energy changes happen in a torch?*
Chemical → Electrical → Light.
38. *What energy change happens when wood burns?*
Chemical → Heat and Light.
39. *What energy is used in a microphone?*
Sound → Electrical.
40. *What is energy transformation?*
Changing one form of energy to another.
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41. *What is an energy transfer?*
When energy moves from one object to another.
42. *Give an example of energy transfer.*
Pushing a swing — energy moves from your hands to the swing.
43. *What energy transfer occurs in a fan?*
Electrical → Kinetic (movement).
44. *How is energy transferred in a spoon in hot tea?*
By conduction.
45. *What kind of energy is in a falling ball?*
Kinetic energy.
46. *What kind of energy does a battery store?*
Chemical energy.
47. *What energy change happens in a battery-powered toy car?*
Chemical → Electrical → Kinetic.
48. *Can energy be created or destroyed?*
No, it only changes form (law of conservation).
49. *What is the law of conservation of energy?*
Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.
50. *Why is energy important in our daily lives?*
It powers everything we do — moving, eating, cooking, etc.
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*SECTION 4: SOURCES AND USES OF ENERGY*
51. *What is a source of energy?*
Something that provides energy (like the sun or fuel).
52. *What is the main source of energy on Earth?*
The Sun.
53. *Name two renewable energy sources.*
Solar and wind.
54. *Name two non-renewable energy sources.*
Coal and oil.
55. *Why are fossil fuels non-renewable?*
They take millions of years to form and can run out.
56. *What is solar energy?*
Energy from the sun.
57. *What is wind energy?*
Energy produced by moving air (wind).
58. *How is hydroelectric energy produced?*
Using moving water (dams/rivers).
59. *What is geothermal energy?*
Heat energy from inside the Earth.
60. *Why should we use more renewable energy?*
It doesn’t run out and is better for the environment.
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*SECTION 5: ENERGY IN FOOD AND LIVING THINGS*
61. *Where do animals get their energy from?*
From the food they eat.
62. *What is the main source of food energy for humans?*
Carbohydrates (bread, rice, etc.).
63. *Why do living things need energy?*
To move, grow, and stay alive.
64. *What is photosynthesis?*
How plants use sunlight to make food.
65. *What energy does photosynthesis need?*
Light energy from the sun.
66. *What are producers in a food chain?*
Plants — they make their own food.
67. *What are consumers in a food chain?*
Animals — they eat other living things.
68. *What do we call animals that eat plants?*
Herbivores.
69. *What do we call animals that eat meat?*
Carnivores.
70. *What do we call animals that eat both plants and animals?*
Omnivores.
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*SECTION 6: ENERGY SAVING AND SAFETY*
71. *Why should we save energy?*
To protect the environment and save money.
72. *Give one way to save electricity at home.*
Turn off lights when not in use.
73. *Give one way to save fuel.*
Walk or cycle instead of driving.
74. *How can energy be wasted?*
By leaving appliances on or poor insulation.
75. *What is insulation?*
Material that reduces heat loss.
76. *Name one insulating material used in homes.*
Foam or wool.
77. *Why should wires be covered with plastic?*
To prevent electric shocks — plastic is an insulator.
78. *Name a danger of using electricity carelessly.*
Fire or electric shock.
79. *Why is water dangerous near electricity?*
Water conducts electricity and can cause shocks.
80. *What safety rule should you follow with electrical devices?*
Never touch with wet hands.
*SECTION 7: ENERGY MEASUREMENT AND DEVICES*
81. *What instrument is used to measure temperature?*
Thermometer.
82. *What is the unit for measuring temperature?*
Degrees Celsius (°C).
83. *What instrument is used to measure electricity?*
Ammeter or voltmeter.
84. *What is the unit of electricity use in homes?*
Kilowatt-hour (kWh).
85. *What is a thermometer used for?*
Measuring how hot or cold something is.
86. *How do we measure energy in food?*
In kilojoules (kJ) or calories.
87. *Which appliance uses the most energy in a home?*
Heaters or geysers.
88. *What kind of energy does a bicycle use?*
Muscle (chemical to kinetic) energy.
89. *Which energy transformation occurs when using a microwave?*
Electrical → Heat.
90. *What energy transformation happens when using a speaker?*
Electrical → Sound.
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*SECTION 8: ENERGY IN MACHINES AND TRANSPORT*
91. *What type of energy makes machines move?*
Kinetic energy.
92. *What energy does a car engine use?*
Chemical energy from fuel.
93. *What energy is used in a windmill?*
Wind (kinetic) → Mechanical or electrical energy.
94. *What energy is used in an airplane?*
Chemical → Kinetic and sound.
95. *How is energy used in a train?*
Electric or diesel → Kinetic.
96. *Why do machines need energy?*
To work or move.
97. *What form of energy is in petrol?*
Chemical energy.
98. *What is energy efficiency?*
How much useful energy is produced from a source.
99. *What happens to wasted energy?*
It is usually lost as heat or sound.
100. *How can we increase energy efficiency?*
Use better machines or reduce waste.
101. *What is chemical energy?*
Energy stored in substances like food, fuel, or batteries.
102. *Give two examples of objects with chemical energy.*
A battery and a piece of bread.
103. *What is kinetic energy?*
Energy of movement.
104. *Name two examples of kinetic energy in action.*
A moving car and a rolling ball.
105. *What is potential energy?*
Stored energy due to position.
106. *Give an example of potential energy.*
A stretched rubber band or water behind a dam.
107. *What is thermal energy?*
Heat energy.
108. *Name a source of thermal energy.*
The sun or a stove.
109. *What is electrical energy?*
Energy that flows through wires to power devices.
110. *Give two devices that use electrical energy.*
Television and a fridge.
111. *What is sound energy?*
Energy we hear, created by vibrations.
112. *What produces sound energy?*
Musical instruments, people talking.
113. *What is light energy?*
Energy we see, usually from the sun or bulbs.
114. *Name a natural source of light energy.*
The sun.
115. *Name a man-made source of light energy.*
A torch or a light bulb.
116. *What is elastic potential energy?*
Energy stored in stretched or compressed materials.
117. *What is gravitational potential energy?*
Energy stored due to height above ground.
118. *What happens to potential energy when an object falls?*
It becomes kinetic energy.
119. *Can energy change from one form to another?*
Yes.
120. *What is an energy transformation?*
A change from one form of energy to another.
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*SECTION 10: ENERGY TRANSFORMATIONS*
121. *What energy change happens in a light bulb?*
Electrical → Light + Heat.
122. *What energy change happens in a toaster?*
Electrical → Heat.
123. *What energy change happens when a boy runs?*
Chemical (food) → Kinetic.
124. *What energy change happens in a radio?*
Electrical → Sound.
125. *What energy transformation happens in a wind turbine?*
Kinetic (wind) → Electrical.
126. *What energy change happens in a solar panel?*
Light → Electrical.
127. *What energy change happens when wood burns?*
Chemical → Heat and Light.
128. *What energy change happens in a firecracker?*
Chemical → Sound, Light, Heat.
129. *What energy change happens in a battery-powered toy car?*
Chemical → Electrical → Kinetic.
130. *Can energy be destroyed?*
No, it can only change form.
131. *Can energy be created?*
No, energy cannot be created or destroyed.
132. *What is the law of conservation of energy?*
Energy is never created or destroyed — only transformed.
133. *What is energy efficiency?*
How much of the input energy is converted to useful energy.
134. *Give an example of a device that wastes energy.*
A traditional bulb (gives off heat).
135. *Which bulb is more efficient: LED or filament?*
LED.
136. *What is pollution?*
Harmful substances released into the environment.
137. *How does using fossil fuels cause pollution?*
They release harmful gases when burned.
138. *Name a gas released from burning coal or oil.*
Carbon dioxide.
139. *What is global warming?*
The increase in Earth’s temperature due to pollution.
140. *Name one effect of global warming.*
Melting ice caps or rising sea levels.
141. *What is a greenhouse gas?*
A gas that traps heat in the atmosphere.
142. *Name one greenhouse gas.*
Carbon dioxide (CO₂).
143. *Why are renewable sources better for the environment?*
They cause less pollution and don’t run out.
144. *What is an energy audit?*
Checking how much energy is used and where it is wasted.
145. *How can schools save energy?*
Turn off lights, use natural light, unplug devices.
146. *Name one way to reduce electricity use at home.*
Use energy-saving bulbs.
147. *Why should we recycle?*
It saves energy and reduces waste.
148. *Which uses more energy: handwashing or machine washing dishes?*
Machine washing (if not energy-efficient).
149. *What is sustainable energy?*
Energy that meets needs without harming the future.
150. *Why should we learn about energy?*
To use it wisely, protect the planet, and understand how things work.
151. *What is a renewable energy source?*
An energy source that can be replaced naturally and never runs out.
152. *Name three renewable energy sources.*
Solar, wind, and hydro (water) energy.
153. *What is a non-renewable energy source?*
An energy source that will eventually run out and cannot be replaced quickly.
154. *Name three non-renewable sources.*
Coal, oil, and natural gas.
155. *Why is the sun considered a renewable energy source?*
It constantly gives off energy and won’t run out for billions of years.
156. *How is wind used to generate electricity?*
Wind turns turbines that produce electricity.
157. *What is hydroelectric power?*
Electricity made from moving water (dams/rivers).
158. *What is geothermal energy?*
Energy from the heat inside the Earth.
159. *What is biomass?*
Energy made by burning plants and organic waste.
160. *Why are fossil fuels harmful to the environment?*
They release harmful gases when burned.
161. *What is coal made from?*
Dead plants buried and compressed over millions of years.
162. *Why is it important to reduce the use of fossil fuels?*
To prevent pollution and save limited resources.
163. *Which energy source is best for the environment?*
Renewable sources like solar and wind.
164. *Can solar energy be used at night?*
No, unless it's stored in batteries.
165. *What device turns sunlight into electricity?*
A solar panel.
166. *Which countries use the most wind energy?*
Examples: Germany, Denmark, USA.
167. *Which renewable source uses flowing water?*
Hydropower.
168. *Can energy from the sun heat homes?*
Yes, through solar heating systems.
169. *What is the main disadvantage of wind energy?*
It depends on wind; no wind = no power.
170. *Why should we use more renewable energy?*
It’s clean, safe, and sustainable.
-171. *Why should we not touch electrical wires?*
They can cause shocks or burns.
172. *How can you save energy at school?*
Turn off lights and devices when not in use.
173. *Name one safe use of gas in homes.*
Cooking with a gas stove.
174. *What should you do if you smell gas?*
Tell an adult and open windows.
175. *Why should you unplug devices when not in use?*
To save energy and prevent accidents.
176. *What happens if you overload a socket?*
It can cause a fire.
177. *Name one way to reduce energy use while cooking.*
Use lids on pots to cook faster.
178. *Should lights be left on during the day?*
No, use sunlight instead.
179. *What are energy-efficient appliances?*
Appliances that use less electricity.
180. *Give an example of an energy-efficient appliance.*
LED light bulb or energy-saving fridge.
181. *What is energy?*
The ability to do work or cause change.
182. *Can energy be seen?*
No, but its effects can be seen.
183. *What type of energy makes things move?*
Kinetic energy.
184. *Which energy helps plants grow?*
Light energy from the sun.
185. *What stores energy in food?*
Chemical energy.
186. *What does a stretched bow have?*
Elastic potential energy.
187. *What happens when a rubber band is released?*
Potential energy turns to kinetic.
188. *Name an energy transfer when riding a bicycle.*
Chemical (food) → Kinetic.
189. *What happens to energy in a moving car that stops suddenly?*
Kinetic → Heat (from brakes).
190. *How do you measure temperature (thermal energy)?*
Using a thermometer.
191. *Does hot air rise or fall?*
It rises.
192. *What do solar panels convert?*
Light → Electrical energy.
193. *What energy does a drum produce?*
Sound energy.
194. *Is light energy visible?*
Yes.
195. *Is electrical energy silent?*
Yes, but it powers devices that make sound.
196. *Which energy helps you see at night?*
Light energy.
197. *How do you hear a bell?*
Sound waves from the bell reach your ears.
198. *What energy does a microwave use?*
Electrical → Heat (thermal).
199. *Does energy move or stay still?*
It moves and transforms.
200. *What do you call energy that travels as waves?*
Light or sound energy.
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