Physics

2 units for each of Year 11 and HSC

NESA Developed Course

What background knowledge do I need to study Physics?

Years 7 to 10 Science.

Why study Physics?

Physics skills and knowledge can help create a foundation for undertaking post-school studies in a wide range of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. It is a discipline that utilises innovative and creative thinking and develops strong problem-solving skills.

Course structure:

Year 11: Modules 1 – 4 plus a Depth Study

HSC: Modules 5 – 8 plus a Depth Study

Course description:

Physics involves the study of matter and its motion through space and time, along with related concepts that include energy and force. Knowledge of these concept allows students to understand the physical world around them and how it works. It deals with the laws of nature governing phenomena relating to the very big, like stars and the Universe, to the very small, such as the quanta, quarks and subatomic particles.

Main topics covered:

Year 11

• Module 1: Kinematics Motion is a fundamental observable phenomenon. The study involves describing, measuring and analysing motion. Uniformly accelerated motion is described in terms of relationships between measurable scalar and vector quantities, including displacement, speed, velocity, acceleration and time.

• Module 2: Dynamics The relationship between the motion of objects and the forces that act on them is often complex. However, Newton’s Laws of Motion can be used to describe the effect of forces on the motion of single objects and simple systems. 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, students examine the effects of forces.

• Module 3: Waves and Thermodynamics 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. 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.

• Module 4: Electricity and Magnetism 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. Students 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.

Hsc

• Module 5: Advanced Mechanics Students develop an understanding that all forms of complex motion can be understood by analysing the forces acting on a system, including the energy transformations taking place within and around the system. By applying new mathematical techniques, students model and predict the motion of objects within systems. They examine two-dimensional motion, including projectile motion and uniform circular motion, along with the orbital motion of planets and satellites, which are modelled as an approximation to uniform circular motion.

• Module 6: Electromagnetism Discoveries about the interactions that take place between charged particles and electric and magnetic fields not only produced significant advances in physics, but also led to significant technological developments. Understanding the similarities and differences in the interactions of single charges in electric and magnetic fields provides students with a conceptual foundation for this module. Phenomena that include the force produced on a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field, the force between current-carrying wires, Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction, the principles of transformers and the workings of motors and generators can all be understood as instances of forces acting on moving charged particles in magnetic fields.

• Module 7: The Nature of Light Prior to the 20th century, physicists, including Newton and Maxwell, developed theories and models about mechanics, electricity and magnetism and the nature of matter. These theories and models had great explanatory power and produced useful predictions. However, the 20th century saw major developments in physics as existing theories and models were challenged by new observations that could not be explained. These observations led to the development of quantum theory and the theory of relativity. Throughout this module, students explore the evidence supporting these physical theories, along with the power of scientific theories to make useful predictions.

• Module 8: From Universe to Atom Beginning in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, experimental discoveries revolutionised the accepted understanding of the nature of matter on an atomic scale. Observations of the properties of matter and light inspired the development of better models of matter, which in turn have been modified or abandoned in the light of further experimental investigations. By studying the development of the atomic models, an understanding of quantum mechanics and radioactive decay and particular accelerators, students are exposed to the journey the study of Physics has taken to reach the current Standard Model of matter and its impact on modern life.

Is there any practical work?

Yes. This contributes towards 30 per cent of the course work.

HSC examination structure:

Three-hour paper (a data sheet, formulae sheet and Periodic Table will be provided). Equal weighting given to Modules 5 to 8.

• Section I – Objective-response questions. (20 marks)

• Section II – 20 to 25 items. At least two items will be worth 7 to 9 marks. (80 marks)

How is Physics relevant to tertiary studies and career choice?

The study of Physics is useful as a foundation for any career in science, medicine, engineering or technology. It is an excellent platform for studies in data science and other mathematical sciences

The applied critical-thinking, problem-solving and data analysis skills developed in the course are valuable for any career, including business and finance.