Level 2 Physics
Course Description
Head of Faculty/Teacher in Charge: Mr S. Fairbrother.
Level 2 Physics is aimed at helping learners understand the physical world in which we live and have a context for the technologies that we use in daily life. This course builds on the foundational concepts introduced in Level 1 and covers a range of topics that deepen students' understanding of physical principles and their applications.
Topics include:
Atomic and Nuclear Physics - a model of the atom, radioactivity, and nuclear reactions.
Electricity and Electromagnetism - Static electricity, DC electricity, and electromagnetism.
Mechanics - Newton’s Laws of Motion, force, motion, momentum, and energy.
Physics Investigation – conduct an experiment that investigates a non-linear physics relationship.
Waves - properties of light and sound waves, reflection in mirrors, and refraction through lenses.
Course Overview
What is taught in courses varies from year to year. This course could include:
PHY 2.5 - Atomic and nuclear physics (internal). Students will learn about the evolution of the models of the atom with emphasis on the gold foil experiment and Rutherford's subsequent development of the nuclear model of the atom. The course then explores the causes of radioactivity and the common radiation emitted by radioactive substances. Finally, students will learn about the different types of nuclear reactions, and how to calculate the energy released in a nuclear reaction.
PHY 2.3 - Waves (external). Students will learn about wave theory as it applies to electromagnetic and sound waves. This includes describing the characteristics of waves, calculating wave properties and exploring how waves interact with each other. Students then learn about the reflection and refraction of light waves when they interact with mirrors, prisms and lenses.
PHY 2.4 - Mechanics (external). Students will learn about the mechanics of objects moving in translational and circular motion, and objects in equilibrium. This includes solving problems involving projectile motion, momentum, torque and energy.
PHY 2.1 - Physics investigation (internal). Students will apply knowledge from the Mechanics course to investigate the motion of an object moving in a non-linear manner. This will include learning practical investigation techniques as well as graphical and numerical analysis of real-world data.
PHY 2.6 - Electricity and electromagnetism (external). Students will learn about the behaviour of electric fields and the interaction of charged particles with these fields. The course then explores combined series and parallel DC electrical circuits used in everyday life. Finally, students will explore electromagnetic induction and learn how it is used to generate electricity and produce force for electric motors.
Recommended Prior Learning
To be accepted for this course students should have:
- Earned 10 or more Level 1 Science credits at the time of course selection (including achievement in the physics end-of-topic test), and
- Achieved the PESS 1.2 - Physics investigation standard, and
- Achieved the MATH 1.2 - Mathematical methods standard, and
- Achieved the MATH 1.4 - Numerical reasoning standard, and
- Achieved the reading, writing, and numeracy corequisites
Students not meeting all of these requirements may be accepted for entry subject to HOF/TiC approval.
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
Stationery for note taking, computer, and the 'Physics 2' write-on note book.
Pathway
Assessment Information
PHY 2.5 - Atomic and nuclear physics. Assessed by an in-class test once learning has been completed.PHY 2.3 - Waves. Assessed by an external examination at the end of the year.
PHY 2.4 - Mechanics. Assessed by an external examination at the end of the year.
PHY 2.1 - Physics investigation. Assessed by a written report once learning has been completed.
PHY 2.6 - Electricity and electromagnetism. Assessed by an external examination at the end of the year.
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
This course is eligible for subject endorsement.
External
NZQA Info
Physics 2.1 - Carry out a practical physics investigation that leads to a non-linear mathematical relationship
NZQA Info
Physics 2.3 - Demonstrate understanding of waves
NZQA Info
Physics 2.4 - Demonstrate understanding of mechanics
NZQA Info
Physics 2.5 - Demonstrate understanding of atomic and nuclear physics
NZQA Info
Physics 2.6 - Demonstrate understanding of electricity and electromagnetism
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Disclaimer
Please note that courses will go ahead only if student numbers, staffing, and timetabling allow it. Where a subject is oversubscribed, and there are insufficient numbers or resources to create an extra class, a ballot system may be applied.
Costs
The Board of Trustees has again asked to opt into the Ministry of Education donation scheme. Doing so resulted in the ability to waive student fee donations. Kaiapoi High School aims to deliver quality educational courses over and above those that which is funded by the Ministry. It is likely the School will opt into the donation scheme for 2025, however parental contribution for the costs of trips and activities where participation is optional, and/or components not covered by the Government grant, may be requested. We appreciate the financial support our families make to the School.