← Design and Technology syllabus

EnglandDesign and Technology

Topic 1.3 to 1.7 Energy, mechanical devices and systems

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How is energy generated and stored so that it can be chosen to make products and power systems?

Sources, generation and storage of energy, including fossil fuels, biofuels and renewable sources, and the factors that decide which source is appropriate for a product or system.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Design and Technology 1.3 on the sources, generation and storage of energy, covering fossil fuels, biofuels, tidal, wind, solar and hydroelectric, and the factors that decide which source suits a product.
10 min answer →

How do gears and pulleys change the speed and force of rotary motion, and how are the ratios calculated?

Gear types and pulley and belt systems, including simple and compound gear trains, idler gears, bevel gears and rack and pinion, with velocity ratio, gear ratio and revolutions per minute calculations.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Design and Technology 1.5 on gears and pulleys, covering simple and compound gear trains, idler, bevel and rack and pinion gears, V-belt pulleys, and velocity ratio, gear ratio and RPM calculations.
11 min answer →

How do mechanical devices change the type, direction and magnitude of movement and force?

The functions of mechanical devices including the four types of motion, the three classes of lever with mechanical advantage and velocity ratio calculations, linkages, cams, followers and cranks and sliders.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Design and Technology 1.5 on mechanical devices, covering the four types of motion, the three classes of lever with mechanical advantage and velocity ratio calculations, linkages, cams, followers and cranks and sliders.
11 min answer →

How do electronic systems and programmable components give products their functionality?

How electronic systems power and control products using inputs (sensors), process and control devices, and outputs, and how programmable components embed functionality through flowcharts, inputs, decisions and outputs.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Design and Technology 1.6 and 1.7 on electronic systems, covering powering systems, input sensors, control devices, output devices and how programmable components embed functionality using flowcharts.
11 min answer →