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Year 12 Physics Units 3 and 4

Overview

In Unit 3 you explore the interactions, effects and applications of gravitational, electric and magnetic fields. You use Newton’s laws to investigate motion. The course will also introduce you to Einstein’s theories to explain the motion of very fast objects. 

In Unit 4, you will explore the use of wave and particle theories to model the properties of light and matter. You will also do an extended practical investigation to explore relationships of variables.

Who is it for?

The Physics Units 3 and 4 course is intended for students interested in pursuing courses such as engineering, science, information technology and architecture at university. It is also an important prerequisite for a number of vocational courses that are offered at TAFE and for students interested in becoming a pilot.

What do you do?

Weekly work consists of completing past examination questions and practical activities. School-assessed Coursework tasks consist of data analysis, tests and practical investigations.

What skills do you need?

There is no prerequisite for this course but we strongly recommend that students attempting Physics Units 3 and 4 have successfully completed Physics Units 1 and 2 before enroling in Units 3 and 4.

Students without this background should contact the Year 12 Physics teacher before enrolling.

What skills do you develop?

You will develop skills including:

  • analytical and problem-solving skills
  • data analysis skills
  • experimental techniques.

Requirements

  1. Jacaranda Physics 2 VCE Units 3 & 4 Jacaranda/Print/LearnON/StudyON (current ed.), John Wiley, current year

or 

Digital Jacaranda VCE Physics 3 & 4 ebook + LearnON/StudyON Access code (current ed.) – Digital access only.

 + Study On – digital access only; access code is valid for one year.

  1.     2. Cambridge Checkpoints (current year) VCE Physics units 3 & 4 –

Cambridge University Press, current year

  1.     Scientific calculator (CAS calculators are not allowed)

Software used

Tracker^

Logger Pro*

Phyphox#

^requires win10/11 or macOS X, 11/12

*Free trial(30 days) – the full licenced version will be available following enrolment and VSV Online orientation.

#Optional for students with android or iOS smartphone or tablet

Things to think about

Go to the VCAA website for more information on the VCE Physics Units 3 and 4 Study Design.

Things you can do now

You can revise the motion and electricity topics of the Physics Unit 1 and 2 course.

You can also revise the following mathematical skills:

  • solving algebraic equations
  • rearranging formulas
  • indices laws and scientific notation
  • conversion of units.

Go to the VCAA website for more information about this subject.

Things to have a look at

Misconceptions about falling

Introduction to Physics

Resonance