Physics

VCE PHYSICS 1-4 

VCE Physics enables students to use observations, experiments, measurements and mathematical analysis to develop qualitative and quantitative explanations for phenomena occurring from the subatomic scale to macroscopic scales.

They explore the big ideas that changed the course of thinking in physics such as relativity and quantum physics. While much scientific understanding in physics has stood the test of time, many other areas continue to evolve, leading to the development of more complex ideas and technological advances and innovation. In undertaking this study, students develop their understanding of the roles of careful and systematic observation, experimentation and modelling in the development of theories and laws.

They undertake practical activities and apply physics principles to explain and quantify phenomena. 

 Unit 1: How is Energy useful to Society

Students examine some of the fundamental ideas and models used by physicists in an attempt to understand and explain energy. Models used to understand light, thermal energy, radioactivity, nuclear processes and electricity are explored.

Students apply these physics ideas to contemporary societal issues: communication, climate change and global warming, medical treatment, electrical home safety and Australian energy needs.  

 Unit 2: How does Physics Help us to understand the World

Students explore the power of experiments in developing models and theories.

They investigate a variety of phenomena by making their own observations and generating questions, which in turn lead to experiments. Students investigate the ways in which forces are involved both in moving objects and in keeping objects stationary and apply these concepts to a chosen case study of motion. Students conduct an investigation into a range of topics and use physics to justify a stance, response or solution to a contemporary societal issue or application related to the option.

 Unit 3: How do fields explain motion and electricity?

In this unit students explore the importance of energy in explaining and describing the physical world. They examine the production of electricity and its delivery to homes. Students consider the field model as a construct that has enabled an understanding of why objects move when they are not apparently in contact with other objects. Applications of concepts related to fields include the transmission of electricity over large distances and the design and operation of particle accelerators. They explore the interactions, effects and applications of gravitational, electric and magnetic fields. Students use Newton’s laws to investigate motion in one and two dimensions, and are introduced to Einstein’s theories to explain the motion of very fast objects. They consider how developing technologies can challenge existing explanations of the physical world, requiring a review of conceptual models and theories.

 Unit 4: How can two contradictory models explain both light and matter?

In this unit, students explore the use of wave and particle theories to model the properties of light and matter. They examine how the concept of the wave is used to explain the nature of light and explore its limitations in describing light behaviour. Students further investigate light by using a particle model to explain its behaviour. A wave model is also used to explain the behaviour of matter which enables students to consider the relationship between light and matter. Students learn to think beyond the concepts experienced in everyday life to study the physical world from a new perspective.

 Assessment

Satisfactory Completion: Demonstrated achievement of the set of outcomes specified for the unit.

Levels of Achievement

Units 1 and 2: A range of school based assessment tasks, including end of unit exams

Units 3 and 4

School- assessed coursework / end-of-year exam.

Unit 3 school-assessed coursework: 21%

Unit 4 school-assessed coursework: 19%

End-of-year examination: 60%