Physics

Module 1: Kinematics

Term 1 Weeks 1 - 7

Motion is a fundamental observable phenomenon. The study of kinematics involves describing, measuring and analysing motion without considering the forces and masses involved in that motion. Uniformly accelerated motion is described in terms of relationships between measurable scalar and vector quantities, including displacement, speed, velocity, acceleration and time. Representations, including graphs and vectors, and equations of motion, can be used qualitatively and quantitatively to describe and predict linear motion.

By studying this module, students come to understand that scientific knowledge enables scientists to offer valid explanations and make reliable predictions, particularly in regard to the motion of an object.

Module 2: Dynamics

Term 1 Weeks 8 - 10, Term 2 Weeks 1 - 5

This module will focus on relationship between the motion of objects and the forces that act on them. It will develop the key concept that forces are always produced in pairs that act on different objects and add to zero. By applying Newton's laws directly to simple systems, and, where appropriate, the law of conservation of momentum and law of conservation of mechanical energy, the effects of forces can be examined. The rates of change of displacement, velocity and energy are also of particular significance and students will also develop an understanding and limitation of modelling. 

Module 3: Waves & Thermodynamics 

Term 2 Week 6 - 9, Term 3 Weeks 1 - 2

Wave motion involves the transfer of energy without the transfer of matter. By exploring the behaviour of wave motion and examining the characteristics of wavelength, frequency, period, velocity and amplitude, students further their understanding of the properties of waves. They are then able to demonstrate how waves can be reflected, refracted, diffracted and superposed (interfered) and to develop an understanding that not all waves require a medium for their propagation. Students examine mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves, including their similarities and differences.

Students also examine energy and its transfer, in the form of heat, from one place to another. Thermodynamics is the study of the relationship between energy, work, temperature and matter. Understanding this relationship allows students to appreciate particle motion within objects. Students have the opportunity to examine how hot objects lose energy in three ways: first, by conduction, and, second, by convection – which both involve the motion of particles; and, third, the emission of electromagnetic radiation. An understanding of thermodynamics is a pathway to understanding related concepts in many fields involving Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Module 4: Electricity & Magnetism

Term 4 Weeks 3 - 9

Atomic theory and the laws of conservation of energy and electric charge are unifying concepts in understanding the electrical and magnetic properties and behaviour of matter. Interactions resulting from these properties and behaviour can be understood and analysed in terms of electric fields represented by lines. Students use these representations and mathematical models to make predictions about the behaviour of objects, and explore the limitations of the models.

Students also examine how the analysis of electrical circuits’ behaviour and the transfer and conversion of energy in electrical circuits has led to a variety of technological applications.