Physics

Units 1-2

The study of VCE Physics involves investigating, understanding and explaining the behaviour of physical phenomena in the Universe. Models, including mathematical models, are used to explore, simplify and predict how physical systems behave at varying scales from the very small (quantum and particle physics) through to the very large (astronomy and cosmology). Beginning with classical ideas and considering their limitations, and then being introduced to more modern explanations of the world, provides a novel lens through which students experience the world around them, drawing on their natural curiosity and wonder.

UNIT 1 

In Unit 1, 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.

 LEARNING ACTIVITIES Discussions, demonstrations, practical activities, text questions and interactive software. 

KEY SKILLS REQUIRED Develop aims and questions, formulate hypotheses and make predictions, Plan and undertake investigations, Comply with safety and ethical guidelines, Conduct investigations to collect and record data, Analyse and evaluate data, methods and scientific models. 

UNIT 2 

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. In Area of Study 1, 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. In Area of Study 2, students choose one of eighteen options. 

LEARNING ACTIVITIES Discussions, demonstrations, practical activities, text questions and interactive software. 

KEY SKILLS REQUIRED Develop aims and questions, formulate hypotheses and make predictions, Plan and undertake investigations, Comply with safety and ethical guidelines, Conduct investigations to collect and record data, Analyse and evaluate data, methods and scientific models. 

Units 3-4

UNIT 3 

In unit 3, students use Newton’s laws to investigate motion in one and two dimensions. They explore the concept of the field as a model used by physicists to explain observations of motion of objects not in apparent contact. Students compare and contrast three fundamental fields – gravitational, magnetic and electric – and how they relate to one another. They consider the importance of the field to the motion of particles within the field. Students examine the production of electricity and its delivery to homes. They explore fields in relation to the transmission of electricity over large distances and in the design and operation of particle accelerators.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES Discussions, demonstrations, practical activities, text questions and interactive software. 

KEY SKILLS REQUIRED Develop aims and questions, formulate hypotheses and make predictions, Plan and undertake investigations, Comply with safety and ethical guidelines, Conduct investigations to collect and record data, Analyse and evaluate data, methods and scientific models.  

UNIT 4 

In unit 4, students explore some monumental changes in thinking in Physics that have changed the course of how physicists understand and investigate the Universe. They examine the limitations of the wave model in describing light behaviour and use a particle model to better explain some observations of light. Matter, that was once explained using a particle model, is re-imagined using a wave model. 

LEARNING ACTIVITIES Discussions, demonstrations, practical activities, text questions and interactive software. 

KEY SKILLS REQUIRED Develop aims and questions, formulate hypotheses and make predictions, Plan and undertake investigations, Comply with safety and ethical guidelines, Conduct investigations to collect and record data, Analyse and evaluate data, methods and scientific models. 

VCAA ASSESSMENT – Percentage contributions to the study score in VCE Physics are as follows:

·         Unit 3 School-assessed Coursework: 30%

·         Unit 4 School-assessed Coursework: 20%

·         End-of-year examination: 50%.