Level 3 Physics
Course Description
Head of Faculty/Teacher in Charge: Mr S. Fairbrother.
This course extends and builds upon skills and knowledge learned during the Level 2 Physics course.
University Prerequisite: Many university programs, especially in engineering, physical sciences, health sciences, and technology, require or strongly recommend Level 3 Physics. Completing this course can help ensure you meet the entry requirements for these programs.
Topics covered are:
Modern Physics - nuclear binding energy, the photoelectric effect, and atomic spectra.
Physics relevant to a selected context - investigate how physics applies to a real-world context.
Waves - diffraction gratings, physics of music, and the Doppler Effect.
Mechanics - translational motion, circular motion, rotational motion, and simple harmonic motion.
Electricity and Electromagnetism - capacitors, inductors, and AC electricity.
Course Overview
What is taught in courses varies from year to year. This course could include:
PHY 3.5 - Modern Physics (internal). Students will learn about the photoelectric effect and how this effect provides evidence that light behaves as a particle. Applications using the photoelectric effect, including photovoltaic solar panels and smoke detectors will be investigated. Students then learn about the theory and application of atomic spectra to neon lights and other discharge tubes, and spectroscopy. Lastly, students will explore the source of energy in nuclear reactions, specifically looking at the interaction between the strong force and Coulombic repulsion to produce nuclear binding energy.
PHY 3.3 - Wave Systems (external). Students will learn how waves behave when passed through a diffraction grating, and calculate the geometry of the resulting diffraction patterns. The standard then examines the physics of how musical instruments produce sound, with a focus on string and pipe instruments. Lastly, students will learn about the Doppler Effect and how it can be used to determine the relative motion between waves sources and abservers.
PHY 3.2 - Physics in a selected context (internal) - Students will use the knowledge gained in the Waves and/or Modern Physics standards to investigate the physics of a real-world context. This may include investigating how the sun produces energy, how an atomic bomb works, how spectroscopy is used to analyse the composition and motion of distant stars, and other diverse topics.
PHY 3.4 - Mechanical Systems (external). Students will learn about the mechanics of objects moving in translational, circular, rotational and simple harmonic motion. This standard builds significantly on core concepts learned in the Level 2 Mechanics standard.
PHY 3.6 - Electrical Systems (external). Students will learn about the behaviour of complex components in DC circuits, including the use of multiple power supplies in parallel circuits, capacitors and inductors. Students will also learn about the generation of AC electricity and the use of resistors, capacitors and inductors in real-world circuits.
Recommended Prior Learning
To be accepted for this course students must have earned 14 or more credits from Level 2 Physics, or HOF/TIC (Head of Faculty/Teacher in Charge) approval.
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
Note taking stationery and computer
Assessment Information
PHY 3.5 - Modern physics. Assessed by a test once learning of the standard is completed.PHY 3.2 - Selected context report. Assessed by a written report once learning of the standard is completed.
PHY 3.3 - Wave systems. Assessed by an external examination at the end of the year.
PHY 3.4 - Mechanical systems. Assessed by an external examination at the end of the year.
PHY 3.6 - Electrical systems. 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.
This course is approved for University Entrance.
External
NZQA Info
Physics 3.2 - Demonstrate understanding of the application of physics to a selected context
NZQA Info
Physics 3.3 - Demonstrate understanding of wave systems
NZQA Info
Physics 3.4 - Demonstrate understanding of mechanical systems
NZQA Info
Physics 3.5 - Demonstrate understanding of Modern Physics
NZQA Info
Physics 3.6 - Demonstrate understanding of electrical systems
Approved subject for University Entrance
Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 22
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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.