Grade 12 · Physical Sciences · Physics, Paper 1 · CAPS
Work, Energy and Power – Grade 12 Physical Sciences (Physics, Paper 1)
What Work, Energy & Power covers, how it is examined in Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics), the 4 sections to study and how long it takes – plus live online lessons when you get stuck.
- Study sections
- 4
- Exam-style questions
- 10
- Marks of practice
- 102
- Study time
- ≈ 4 h 15 min
What it covers
This topic connects forces to energy. You find the work a single force does and the net work, use the net work to find how much an object’s kinetic energy, and so its speed, changes, and apply conservation of mechanical energy when only gravity does work – or the extended version when friction or an applied force is involved. It ends with power: the rate of doing work, average power, the power needed to keep an object moving at constant velocity, and efficiency.
How it is examined
- Paper
- Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics) – Friday 30 October 2026, 09:00 (3 hours, 150 marks)
- Weighting
- Mechanics ≈ 65/150 (work, energy and power typically ≈ 12–15 marks, plus MCQs)
- Questions
- In a typical paper you will find it in Question 5 of Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics), with multiple-choice items in Question 1 as well.
Question numbers and mark splits are typical, not fixed – they vary a little from year to year.
Sections to study
- Work done by a force and net work30 min
- The work-energy theorem30 min
- Conservative forces and conservation of mechanical energy40 min
- Power, P = Fv and efficiency25 min
Study time
| Notes and worked examples4 sections | 2 h 05 min |
|---|---|
| Exam-style questions10 questions · 102 marks × 1,2 min per mark | 2 h 00 min |
| Topic quiz | 10 min |
| Total | ≈ 4 h 15 min |
Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics) is written on Friday 30 October 2026 at 09:00.
What you get in the portal
- 10 exam-style questions on Work, Energy & Power (102 marks in total), each with a full marking memo
- Worked examples with diagrams and step-by-step calculations for each of the 4 sections
- Tutor notes added to sections and questions – for the whole class or just for you
- A topic quiz, mock papers and a study plan that counts down to Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics)
Notes, worked examples, questions and memos open once the tutor approves your account – usually with your first confirmed lesson.
Stuck on Work, Energy & Power? Book a one-on-one lesson.
R250 per hour – 60, 90 or 120 minutes, online from anywhere in South Africa. Pick Work, Energy & Power as your topic; you pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms.
Related Physics P1 topics
All Grade 12 Physical Sciences topics, weighting and study time
Questions about Work, Energy & Power
How many marks is Work, Energy & Power worth in the matric exam?
In Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics) (3 hours, 150 marks) the usual weighting is: Mechanics ≈ 65/150 (work, energy and power typically ≈ 12–15 marks, plus MCQs). In a typical paper you will find it in Question 5 of Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics), with multiple-choice items in Question 1 as well. The exact marks change a little from year to year.
How long does it take to study Work, Energy & Power?
About 4 h 15 min: 2 h 05 min for the notes and worked examples in its 4 sections, 2 h 00 min for the 10 exam-style questions (102 marks) at exam pace of 1,2 minutes per mark, and a 10-minute quiz.
When is the Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics) exam in 2026?
Physical Sciences Paper 1 (Physics) is written on Friday 30 October 2026 at 09:00 and lasts 3 hours (150 marks), according to the DBE’s 2026 NSC timetable. Confirm the date with your school, because the DBE can amend the timetable.
Can I get online lessons for Work, Energy & Power?
Yes. Create a free account in the Adventuity portal, request a one-on-one online lesson of 60, 90 or 120 minutes (or a seat in a group class) and choose Work, Energy & Power as your topic. You pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms the booking.