Year 12 Physics (ATAR)

Physics is a fundamental science that endeavours to explain all the natural phenomena that occur in the universe. Its power lies in the use of a comparatively small number of assumptions, models, laws and theories to explain a wide range of phenomena, from the incredibly small to the incredibly large. Physics has helped to unlock the mysteries of the universe and provides the foundation of understanding upon which modern technologies and all other sciences are based.

The Physics ATAR course uses qualitative and quantitative models and theories based on physical laws to visualise, explain and predict physical phenomena. Models, laws and theories are developed from, and their predictions are tested by, making observations and quantitative measurements. In this course, students gather, analyse and interpret primary and secondary data to investigate a range of phenomena and technologies using some of the most important models, laws and theories of physics, including the kinetic particle model, the atomic model, electromagnetic theory, and the laws of classical mechanics.

 

 

Prerequisites:

An understanding of the Year 11 content is assumed knowledge for students in Year 12. It is required that students studying Unit 3 and Unit 4 have achieved a C grade or higher Unit 1 and Unit 2 or have made arrangements with the Curriculum Team Leader for Science.

 



Syllabus:

The Year 12 syllabus is divided into two units which are delivered as a pair. The notional time for the pair of units is 110 class contact hours.

 

Unit 3 – Gravity and electromagnetism

Students investigate models of motion in gravitational, electric and magnetic fields to explain how forces act at a distance.

 

Unit 4 – Revolutions in modern physics

Students use the theory of electromagnetism to explain the production and propagation of electromagnetic waves and investigate how shortcomings in existing theories led to the development of the quantum theory of light and matter, the Special Theory of Relativity, and the Standard Model of particle physics.

 

 

More Information:

For further information regarding this course click here.

 

Career Pathways:

Click hereto view a chart which shows a selection of jobs that have some relation to the subject of Chemistry!