Head of Faculty/Teacher in Charge: Mr S. Fairbrother.
Recommended Prior LearningTo be accepted for this course, students should have:
Students not meeting all of these requirements may be accepted for entry subject to HOF/TiC approval.
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.
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.
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.
Aeroplane Pilot, Air Traffic Controller, Survey Technician, Surveyor, Line Mechanic, Telecommunications Technician, Information Technology Helpdesk/Support Technician, Air Force Aviator, Air Force Officer, Army Officer, Army Soldier, Navy Sailor, Navy Officer, Sterilising Technician, Aeronautical Engineer, Electronics Engineer, Biomedical Technician, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Civil Engineering Technician/Draughtsperson, Telecommunications Engineer, Electronics Trades Worker, Electrician, Electrical Engineering Technician, Lift Technician, Refrigeration/Air-conditioning Technician, Firefighter, Funeral Director/Embalmer, Brewer, Food Technologist, Mining Engineer, Acupuncturist, Registered Nurse, Agricultural/Horticultural Scientist, Agricultural/Horticultural Consultant, Paramedic, Anaesthetist, Pathologist, Veterinary Nurse, Zoologist, Chemist, Marine Biologist, Medical Physicist, Microbiologist, Chemical Engineer, Biochemist, Biomedical Engineer, Biotechnologist, Metal Worker, Phlebotomist
Contributions and Equipment/StationeryStationery for note taking, computer, and the 'Physics 2' write-on note book.
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
KHS aims to deliver educational courses over and above that which is funded by the Ministry, 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, and we appreciate the financial support our families make to the School.