Level 2 Physics

Course Description

What is the Physical World? The Level 2 Physical World course engages students in critical thinking and problem-solving skills to enable them to answer questions such as, 'why is the sky blue yet turns red during a sunrise?' This academic course delves into the Physical World concepts of Mechanics, Electricity, Light and Waves, and Nuclear Physics. It helps to prepare them for the Level 3 Physical World course in the following year and to apply their learned knowledge into new practical and theoretical situations. The recommendation is this course is chosen alongside the MAT202 course to build on skills and knowledge learned across both Curriculum strands. For more information go to the Science Department Website.

Topics Covered

• Demonstrate an understanding of Mechanical Systems (EXT): Motion: vectors, kinematics, motion under gravity, projectile motion, circular motion, forces: Newton’s Laws, torque, equilibrium, force and spring extensions, momentum and energy: momentum, impulse and forces, conservation of momentum and energy, work, power, types of energy

• Demonstrate an understanding of electrical systems (EXT): Static Electricity: uniform electric fields, electric field strength, electric potential energy, work done on a charge in a moving electric field, DC electricity: parallel circuits with resistors, circuit diagrams, voltage, current, resistance, energy, power, electromagnetism: force on a current carrying conductor in a magnetic field, force on charge particles, induced voltage generated across a straight conductor

• Demonstrate an understanding of waves systems (EXT - optional): Light: reflection in curved mirrors, refraction through lenses, refraction, total internal reflection, waves: reflection and refraction at plane boundaries, diffraction, interference

• Demonstrate an understanding of atomic and nuclear physics (INT): Models of atoms, gold foil experiment, nuclear transformations with radioactive decay and fission/fusion, products of nuclear transformation.

• Carry out a practical investigation that leads to a non-linear mathematical relationship (INT): Collect data relating to one of the learning areas from PHY200 leading to a non-linear relationship. Use accuracy improving and error reducing techniques, justify decisions, and explore limitations of experimental and theoretical understanding.

• Demonstrate understanding of physics relevant to a selected context (INT): Linking key physics ideas together to provide a coherent picture of the physics relevant to the selected context

Assessment

This course has a minimum of 20 credits on offer.  Two internal assessments (7 credits total) and three external assessments (13 credits total).

Recommendation for subject entry

10 Credits in Level 1 Science with 5 credits of PES1.4. Algebra competency/credits strongly recommended

-OR-

Special discretion by the HOD who will holistically consider the student's attendance, academic attainment to date, and relevance to future pathways.

Course contributions

$30 - Course contribution for the Physics SCIPAD workbook.

Next steps

Students who achieve Level 2 Chemistry are able to progress further along the Material World pathway into Level 3 and beyond.

Some of the many possible career pathways for students who study the Material World up into Level 3 are Engineering, Laboratory Scientist, Medical Researcher, Military Officers, Health Science, Space Research and Exploration.