Wasted Energy - GCSE Physics Definition

Wasted energy refers to energy that is not usefully transferred or transformed during a process. Instead, it is lost to the surroundings, often in the form of heat, sound, or light. For example, when a car engine runs, not all the energy from the fuel is used to move the car; some energy is wasted as heat and noise. In GCSE Physics, understanding wasted energy helps us to calculate the efficiency of a source or material and recognise how it can be improved. By reducing wasted energy, we can save resources and reduce environmental impact.