Hutt Valley High School Hutt Valley High School

Level 2 Physics

12PHYS
Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Mr C. Riley.

Recommended Prior Learning

Reasonable success in Level 1 Science (Mechanics unit strongly encouraged), and reasonable success in Level 1 Achievement Standard Maths (eg: algebra, trigonometry, graphs) or by negotiation with the HOD. 

If intending to study physics at Level 3 (Y13) then all external aspects of the course (mechanics, electricity and electromagnetism, and waves) should be studied.


In Year 12 Physics we cover the following concepts:

Practical skills and the use of graphs for the analysis of data.
Mechanics:
• Kinematics – straight line and vector motion, relative motion
• Dynamics – force and momentum
• Circular and projectile motion
• Work, energy and power
Electricity and Electromagnetism:
• Electric Fields
• DC Circuits
• Magnetism
• Electromagnetism
Atoms and Radioactivity:
• Atomic Models
• Radioactivity
• Nuclear Reactions
Waves:
• Light as a particle - reflection and refraction
• Light as a wave - reflection, refraction, diffraction and interference

This course is an important building block for anyone who is considering studying Engineering or Health Science at University.


Learning Areas:

Science


Pathway

Level 3 Physics


Contributions and Equipment/Stationery

A study guide text is provided but optional workbooks can be purchased.