School Science Lessons
2012-05-02
Please send comments to: J.Elfick@uq.edu.au
Senior Syllabus Physics 2007
ISBN: 978-1-920749-46-0
Physics Senior Syllabus
The State of Queensland (Queensland Studies Authority) 2007
This syllabus is approved for general implementation until 2014, unless
otherwise stated.
To be used for the first time in 2008
Queensland Studies Authority, PO Box 307, Spring Hill, Queensland, Australia
4004
Phone: (07) 3864 0299
Fax: (07) 3221 2553
Email: office@qsa.qld.edu.au
Website: www.qsa.qld.edu.au
1. Forces
2. Energy
3. Motion
4. Key concepts considered mandatory for a secondary
physics course
M4. Electrostatics
M5. Radioactivity
1. Forces
Understandings of ideas of forces are powerful tools that can be used to
describe and predict the phenomena of motion. The revolutionary insights of
Sir Isaac Newton into the connection between movement and force laid the foundations
for current understanding of how matter interacts. All interactions involve
one or more of the four fundamental forces gravity, electromagnetism, and
strong and weak nuclear forces. These forces act upon matter and determine
the way in which it behaves. In everyday context, most interactions and many
common phenomena can be explained by considering gravity and electromagnetism,
but by considering the manifestations of the four fundamental forces students
can move beyond everyday phenomena related to motion, structures and materials
to include topics such as satellite motion, thermal properties of matter,
atomic structure and radioactive decay.
F1 The nature
of a force
F2 Forces that act on objects influence their state
of equilibrium.
F3 Forces are able to influence the motion and shape
of objects.
F4 The forces that act on objects influence their internal
energy.
F1.1 A force is an interaction
between two objects.
F1.2 The four fundamental forces observed in nature are: gravitational
force, electromagnetic forces, strong and weak nuclear forces.
F1.3 Forces are vector quantities whose interactions can be analysed using
vector algebra and / or graphical methods.
F1.4 Forces occur in pairs which are equal in magnitude and opposite in
direction.
F2.1 Systems of forces may be
balanced or unbalanced.
F2.2 Vector methods can be used to determine the resultant force for given
situations.
F2.3 A net external force is required to change the velocity of an object
and its momentum.
F2.4 The acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net
force causing it and inversely proportional to the mass of the object.
F3.1 The everyday motion of
objects can be analysed through the application of Newton's Laws.
F3.2 Forces (e.g. gravity) between objects influence their relative motions.
F3.3 The motion of particles can be described and analysed using principles
of dynamics.
F3.4 At the macroscopic level, forces applied to matter may cause irreversible
structural changes.
F4.1 External forces can change
the internal energy of an object.
F4.2 Kinetic theory suggests that matter is made up of atoms that are in
continuous random motion. Concepts related to pressure, volume and temperature
may be linked to this motion. F4.3 Strong nuclear force is a force of attraction
acting between nucleons.
F4.4 Weak nuclear forces become apparent in certain types of radioactive
decay. 2: Energy The world is made up of objects that interact with each
other and in doing so energy is usually transferred. This theme develops the
concepts of energy and momentum that culminate in the laws of conservation
of these two quantities. These two conservation laws, particularly when used
in combination, facilitate powerful and elegant solutions to a wide range
of problems. This organizer also has social significance in that it reinforces
the student's appreciation that production of a particular form of energy
is at the expense of other forms of energy.
2. Energy
E1 Energy may take different forms originating from
forces between, or relative motion of, particles or objects.
E2 Energy is conserved.
E3 Energy transfer processes provide us with different
ways of using and dealing with energy and radiation and these have different
social consequences and applications.
E1.1 Energy is the capacity to
do work.
E1.2 Energy manifests itself in various forms, including: potential energy
associated with gravitational, electric and magnetic fields; kinetic energy
related to the motion of matter; and nuclear energy, which links to the concept
of mass energy equivalence.
E1.3 Energy can be described and measured in terms of an object's position
and motion within gravitational, electric and magnetic fields.
E1.4 Colour, pitch and temperature are measurable quantities that can be
used to distinguish between energy levels for observable physical phenomena.
E1.5 Momentum is linked to the motion of matter and, by association, related
to its kinetic energy.
E1.6 Physicists use models to explain and reconcile observed energy phenomena.
E2.1 The total amount of energy
within a closed system remains constant.
E2.2 Exchanges or transformations of energy during an interaction do not
change the total energy of a closed system.
E2.3 When energy is converted from one form to another there is a reduction
in the amount of useful energy available to do work in the system.
E2.4 The transference of energy within or between systems can be explained
using the laws of thermodynamics.
E2.5 The laws of conservation of energy and momentum can be used to examine
the interactions between objects in simple and complex situations.
E2.6 Concepts associated with mass energy equivalence can be demonstrated
through nuclear interactions and transformations.
E3.1 Energy transformations and
associated applications have social and environmental consequences.
E3.2 Rational discussion of energy transformations in present- day society
requires an understanding of the underlying physics concepts and ideas.
E3.3 Knowledge of underlying physics concepts and ideas can be used to
provide a reasoned argument about the viability of alternative energy transformation
processes.
E3.4 Energy has applications in medical, industrial and commercial fields,
e.g. radiation, electronics and alternative technologies.
E3.5 Energy in solid state systems (e.g. semiconductors).
3. Motion
Motion is common to most of your everyday experiences. This is formalized
mathematically in kinematics, which is the study of how objects move. Students
should be reminded that the types of motion are highly idealized and may seem
to have little to do with the real world as we observe it. However, it is
essential that students first investigate these simple and idealized motions
and their descriptions to obtain a firm understanding of the basis of kinematics.
Once this goal has been achieved, they are in a position to apply their knowledge
to the more complex real world situations, and study phenomena in the quantum
realm, which is outside your everyday experiences.
M1 Motion can
be described in different ways.
M2 Motion can be analysed in different ways.
M3 Motion can be described using various models and
modern theories.
M1.1 Changes in motion result
from unbalanced forces.
M1.2 Scalar, vector and graphical methods can be used, as appropriate,
to describe motion.
M1.3 The collection of data used to describe motion can be accomplished
using a range of technologies.
M1.4 Primary and secondary data can be analysed, manipulated and presented
in a variety of formats to provide alternative descriptions of motion.
M2.1 The relationship between
force, mass and acceleration can be analysed qualitatively and quantitatively
using algorithms and graphical techniques.
M2.2 The directional relationship between acceleration and net force can
be analysed using vector diagrams.
M2.3 The laws of conservation of energy and momentum can be used to analyse
and describe motion of objects in simple and complex situations.
M2.4 An understanding of the nature of fields (gravitational, magnetic
and electric) and their interactions with matter can be used to analyse and
predict the motion of an object.
M2.5 Relative rates of change are useful measures when analysing the motion
of an object.
M3.1 The propagation of light
demonstrates the concepts of wave particle duality, quantisation of energy
and probability waves.
M3.2 Classical and relativistic theories are used to describe motion in
different circumstances.
Indication of depth of treatment
Forces
Analysis of scalar and vector quantities using algebraic and graphical
techniques, e.g. motion, energy, force, momentum
Quantitative treatment of mechanical contact forces (simple to complex
treatments), e.g. equilibrium problems, inclined plane problems
Qualitative and quantitative treatment of internal and external energy
transfers, e.g. heat, kinetic theory and electricity
Quantitative treatment of ideal gases
Quantitative treatment of non-contact forces, e.g. magnetic and electric
Qualitative understanding of the Inverse Square Laws
Momentum and impulse
M4. Electrostatics
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the semiconductor applications
Qualitative treatment of a, b and g radiation; formation, penetrating power
and other properties
M5. Radioactivity
Disintegration or decay constant,
Interpretation of graphs of activity or number of particles with time
Qualitative treatment of decay law
Half life: t1 / 2 = 0.693 / l
Planck’s black body radiation (E = hf)
Elementary nuclear reactions in equation form, including fission and fusion.
Energy
Analysis of scalar and vector quantities using algebraic and graphical
techniques, e.g. motion, energy, force, momentum
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of fields, e.g. gravitational, magnetic,
electric
Kinetic, elastic and gravitational potential energy
Problems involving the conversion of energy
Qualitative and quantitative treatment of internal and external energy
transfers, e .g. heat, kinetic theory and electricity
Quantitative treatment of ideal gases
Characteristics of transverse and longitudinal waves
Relationship between speed and wavelength, v = fl
Analysis of reflection, refraction, diffraction
Analysis of interference, e.g. standing waves, air columns, strings and
light, using the following formulas:
path difference = dxn / L
constructive: d sin q = nl
destructive: d sin q = (n «)l
Algebraic, graphical and diagrammatic analysis of light using lenses and
mirrors
M = Hi / Ho and / or M = |v / u|
Ohmic conductors Ohm's Law and Kirchoff's Laws
in electric circuits
Resistance combinations in series and parallel networks
Knowledge and use of circuit symbols: DC AC sources, earth, switch, lamp,
resistor, variable resistor, voltmeter, ammeter, capacitor, diode
DC behaviour of capacitors and the time constant of a simple RC series
circuit, t = RC
Nature of P-type and N-type semiconductors in terms of majority charge
carriers and the applications of the PN diode to rectification of AC voltages
Qualitative and quantitative treatment of motors, generators and alternative
energy technologies
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the semiconductor applications
EMF proportional to rate of change of magnetic flux
Photoelectric effect
Becquerel's discovery of radioactivity
Qualitative treatment of a, b and g radiation; formation, penetrating power
and other properties
Radioactivity
disintegration or decay constant,
interpretation of graphs of activity or number of particles with time
qualitative treatment of decay law
half life: t1 / 2 = 0.693 / l
Elementary nuclear reactions in equation form, including fission and fusion
Calculation of mass defect in atomic mass units and conversion to energy
units
M eV and MeV per nucleon
Qualitative treatment of radiation dose (gray, sievert) and effects.
Motion
Analysis of scalar and vector quantities using algebraic and graphical
techniques, e.g. motion, energy, force, momentum
Problems involving equations for motion, e.g. linear, projectile and circular
Momentum and impulse:
Characteristics of transverse and longitudinal waves
Relationship between speed and wavelength: v = fl
Analysis of reflection, refraction, diffraction
Analysis of interference, e.g. standing waves, air columns, strings and
light, using the following formulas:
path difference = dxn / L
constructive: d sin q = nl
destructive: d sin q = (n «)l
Electrostatics
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the semiconductor applications
Qualitative and quantitative treatment of motors, generators and alternative
energy technologies
EMF proportional to rate of change of magnetic flux
Photoelectric effect (KE vs frequency graph and Planck's Constant)
Qualitative treatment of a, b and g radiation; formation, penetrating power
and other properties.
Sample courses of study
Electronic systems
Household Circuits.
Landmark developments ideas about light and matter
Living in a Visual World.
Motion, motion everywhere
Natural and artificial radiation
People, heat and the environment
People on the move
People, heat and the environment
Power supply and consumption
Sound physics
4. Key concepts considered
mandatory for a secondary physics course
1. SI Units, Scientific Notation, Significant Figures, Measurement, data
logging equipment including infra red photo-gates, Limits of Reading, Absolute
and Relative Error, Precision, Accuracy, Manipulating first and second hand
data, Graphing, Relationships, Manipulating equations, Linear Regression
2. Measurement, scalar & vector quantities, addition & subtraction
of vectors, Components of vectors, Graphical analysis of motion, Displacement,
velocity and acceleration, Linear Kinematics (s =; ut + 0.5 at2,
s =; vt - 0.5at2, v =; u + at, v2 =;
u2 + 2as, a =; (v-u); /; t), Inclined planes, Transfer
of energy (GPE and KE), Energy (KE translational =; 1;
/; 2 mv2, GPE =; mgh), Mass, weight, normal force, Force
and Newton’s three laws (1 and 2 D) (F =; ma), Friction (static, kinetic
– rolling, sliding), Energy, Power, Efficiency (useful energy;;
/ ; total energy input × 800px)
3. Atomic structure, Electric charge, Charging by conduction; /;
induction, Tribo-electric series, Coulomb’s law (point charges) (F = kqQ;
/; d2), Electric fields - uniform (E = kq; /; d2),
non-uniform (E = V; /; d), Electric force (F = Eq), Electric potential
and constant electric field (V = Ed, W = qV), Power (P = VI, P = E; /;
t), Current electricity, Electrical conductors (including semi-conductors),
Resistance and Ohm’s Law (R = V; /; I), DC supplies, Series and
parallel circuits, Diodes - LEDs, Capacitors, AC Supplies
4. Moving charge as a source of magnetic field, Magnetic flux, Electromagnetic
induction, Electric motors, Faraday’s Law, Lenz’s Law, Force on a moving charge
(F = Bqvsinθ, Force on a current element (F = BIlsinθ), Electricity generation,
Power stations, Electricity networks, Transformers, Power Losses (P = VI
= I2R), Alternate sources of energy (renewable, non-renewable)
5. Waves 1D - wave types, characteristics (v = αf) (wavelength, period,
frequency), transmission, reflection, standing waves, superposition, Waves
2D – water waves, reflection, Snell’s law (nxy = sinθx;
/; sinθy) and refraction, diffraction and wave interference,
Dispersion, Light as a wave - Young’s double slit interference (sinθ = n αd-1
= XL-1), Electromagnetic spectrum - frequency, period, EMS, Wave-particle
duality of light, Optical instruments, Mirrors, lenses, focal length, lens
formula (1 / f = 1 / v - 1 / u), Sound (Longitudinal wave), Wave forms, harmonics,
vibrations, beats, frequency and pitch, Data storage (bits), sample rates
and audio quality
6. Astrophysics, Gravitational fields (F = Gm1m2d-2
= mg), Gravitational motion, G-Forces (FN; /; FW), Kepler’s laws
of motion, Escape velocity, Orbit velocity, Frames of reference, Relativity,
Michelson; /; Morley experiment, Time dilation, Length contraction,
Mass increase, Twin paradox, Spectroscopy, Evidence of the Big Bang
7. 2-D collisions (p = m1v1 = m2v2), Compton Effect, Quantum theory, Planck’s
black body radiation (E = hf), de Broglie’s wavelength, Photoelectric effect
(E = hf-W), Profiles of eminent scientists
8. Strong and weak nuclear force, Ionizing particles: decay; transmutation,
strong; /; weak force; electron, proton, neutron, positron, neutrino;
antiparticles; decay rate, activity, half life, Becquerel, decay series, disintegration
constant; radioactive dating, Fission, fusion, mass defect (E = mc2),
enriched fuel, moderator, control rods, waste, Absorbed dose, dose equivalent,
gray, quality factor, sievert, Scintigraphy, radiopharmaceutical, radiation
therapy, PET, Radiography