Year 12 Physics Units 3 and 4
Overview
In Unit 3 you will use Newton’s laws to investigate motion. You will explore the interactions, effects and applications of gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields to examine the motion of particles within a field. You will also investigate how fields can be used to produce and deliver electricity over large distances.
In Unit 4, you will explore how creative ideas and investigation shaped our understanding of the physical world. You will be introduced to wave and particle theories to model the properties of light and matter. You will learn how Einstein’s theories can explain the motion of very fast objects. You will also complete your own extended practical investigation to explore relationships of variables.
Unit 3 and 4
Practical work is a central component of learning and assessment and may include activities such as laboratory experiments, simulations, modelling etc. Students can complete laboratory experiments in their home school or using provided secondary data. You will also need an exercise book to use as your logbook for practical work. You will spend at least 15 hours of the Unit 3 course and 17 hours of the Unit 4 course completing practical work and scientific investigations.
Who is it for?
The Physics Units 3 and 4 course is an academic demanding program for students who have a mathematical aptitude. It 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 for example.
What do you do?
Weekly work consists of an online quiz, completing past examination questions and practical activities. School-assessed Coursework tasks consist of applying physics concepts, analysing secondary data, problem-solving and evaluation of solutions to problems in physics.
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 enrolling 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
- critical thinking skills
- experimental techniques.
Requirements
Practical work is a central component of learning and assessment and may include activities such as laboratory experiments, simulations, modelling etc. Students can complete laboratory experiments in their home school or using provided secondary data. You will also need an exercise book to use as your logbook for practical work. You will spend at least 15 hours of the Unit 3 course and 17 hours of the Unit 4 course completing practical work and scientific investigations.
There is not a required textbook. If you wish to use a textbook to supplement your learning you may discuss this with your teacher once you are enrolled.
Scientific calculator (CAS calculators are not allowed)
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
- indices laws and scientific notation
- plot data by hand or with software tools
- conversion of units.
Go to the VCAA website for more information about this subject.