Physics 12

Physics 12

Course Number – 5340

Prerequisite – Physics 11 or Physics 11 Honours.

Text –

Course Description
This course continues from Physics 11 which covers the nature and scope of physics through inquiry and problem-solving, as well as the place of physics in our lives and its applications. Topics include: kinematics, dynamics, Einsteins Theory of Relativity, energy (electrical, mechanical, heat and nuclear), and the transmission of energy (waves and photons). Physics is the search for order in the world around and the quest to understand the laws that govern our universe. The study of physics encompasses remarkably diverse topics including the study of motion, forces, energy, fluids, heat, sound, optics, electricity and magnetism, and the more abstract topics of relativity, atomic structure, and nuclear physics.

Students are evaluated on regular homework assignments, laboratory activities, and occasional projects, as well as regular quizzes and tests. Tests weigh more heavily in the overall mark.

Mathematical relations often describe the laws of physics. Consequently, students need to be proficient in basic algebra and trigonometry in order to solve typical physics problems. Students must also be proficient readers since the physics textbook is written at a much higher level than the general science textbooks used in the junior science courses.

 Physics has a deserved reputation for being a challenging course and so students need to be prepared to put in considerable time and effort outside of class. An estimate of the homework load is 30 minutes of homework 3 times a week. It is easy to fall behind in a course like physics and so students need to keep on top of their assignments and study regularly. Students who rely on memorization to get them through a course will find it difficult to memorize all of the physics concepts.

 

Prescribed Learning Outcomes

(taken from http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp/pdfs/sciences/2006physics1112.pdf)

 

EXPERIMENTS AND GRAPHICAL METHODS
A1 conduct appropriate experiments
A2 use graphical methods to analyse results of experiments
VECTORS
B1 perform vector analysis in one or two dimensions
KINEMATICS
C1 apply vector analysis to solve practical navigation problems
C2 apply the concepts of motion to various situations where acceleration is constant
DYNAMICS
D1 apply Newton’s laws of motion to solve problems involving acceleration, gravitational field strength,
and friction
D2 apply the concepts of dynamics to analyse one-dimensional or two-dimensional situations
WORK, ENERGY, AND POWER
E1 analyse the relationships among work, energy, and power
MOMENTUM
F1 use knowledge of momentum and impulse to analyse situations in one dimension
F2 use knowledge of momentum and impulse to analyse situations in two dimensions
EQUILIBRIUM
G1 use knowledge of force, torque, and equilibrium to analyse various situations
CIRCULAR MOTION
H1 use knowledge of uniform circular motion to analyse various situations
GRAVITATION
I1 analyse the gravitational attraction between masses
ELECTROSTATICS
J1 apply Coulomb’s law to analyse electric forces
J2 analyse electric fields and their effects on charged objects
J3 calculate electric potential energy and change in electric potential energy
J4 apply the concept of electric potential to analyse situations involving point charges
J5 apply the principles of electrostatics to a variety of situations
ELECTRIC CIRCUITS
K1 apply Ohm’s law and Kirchhoff’s laws to direct current circuits
K2 relate efficiency to electric power, electric potential difference, current, and resistance
ELECTROMAGNETISM
L1 analyse electromagnetism, with reference to magnetic fields and their effects on moving charges
L2 analyse the process of electromagnetic induction