PHYSICS

UNIT 1

What Ideas Explain the Physical World?

In this unit, students explore how physics explains phenomena, at various scales that are not always visible to the unaided human eye. They examine some of the fundamental ideas and models used by physicists in an attempt to understand and explain the world.

Students use thermodynamic principles to explain phenomena related to changes in thermal energy. They apply thermal laws when investigating energy transfers within and between systems, and assess the impact of human use of energy on the environment.

Students examine the motion of electrons and explain how it can be manipulated and utilised. They explore current scientifically accepted theories that explain how matter and energy have changed since the origins of the Universe.


OUTCOMES

  1. Apply thermodynamics principles to analyse, interpret and explain changes in thermal energy and describe the environmental impact of human activities with reference to thermal effects and climate science concepts.
  2. Investigate and apply a basic DC circuit model to simple battery-operated devices and household electrical systems, apply mathematical models to analyse circuits, and describe the safe and effective use of electricity by individuals and the community.
  3. Explain the origins of atoms, the nature of subatomic particles and how energy can be produced by atoms.


ASSESSMENT TASKS

  • Laboratory Practical Investigations
  • Data analysis and media response problems
  • Tests
  • Examination

UNIT 2

What Do Experiments Reveal About the Physical World?

In this unit, 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 in moving both objects and keeping objects stationary. Students choose one of twelve options related to astrobiology, astrophysics, bioelectricity, biomechanics, electronics, flight, medical physics, nuclear energy, nuclear physics, optics, sound and sports science and investigate a selected question.


OUTCOMES

  1. Investigate, analyse and mathematically model the motion of particles and bodies.
  2. Twelve options are available for Outcome 2. Students select and investigate one option.
  3. Design and undertake an investigation of a physics question related to the scientific inquiry processes of data collection and analysis, and draw conclusions based on evidence from collected data.


ASSESSMENT TASKS

  • Student-designed practical investigation and report
  • Report on Scientific Phenomena
  • Data analysis and media response problems
  • Tests
  • Examination

UNIT 3

In this unit, students explore the importance of energy in explaining and describing the physics 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. Students design and undertake investigations involving at least two continuous independent variables.


OUTCOMES

  1. How Do Things Move without Contact?
  2. How are Fields Used to Move Electrical Energy?
  3. How Fast Can Things Go?


ASSESSMENT TASKS

  • Test –Motion in One and Two Dimensions
  • Student Designed Practical Investigation
  • Structure and Materials Data Analysis

UNIT 4

Electromagnetism, Light and Energy

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.

Students design and undertake investigations involving at least two independent, continuous variables. A student-designed practical investigation related to waves, fields or motion is undertaken in Area of Study 3 in Unit 4.


OUTCOMES

  1. How Can Waves Explain the Behaviour of Light?
  2. How are Light and Matter Similar?
  3. Practical Investigation


ASSESSMENT TASKS

  • Topic Test
  • Data Analysis Task
  • Practical Investigations Task
  • Problem Solving Task