Level 3 Physics
L3PHYS Course DescriptionHead of Faculty/Teacher in Charge: Mr S. Fairbrother.
Recommended Prior LearningTo 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.
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:
Electricity and electromagnetism: capacitors, inductors, and AC electricity.
Mechanics: translational motion, circular motion, rotational motion, and simple harmonic motion.
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.
Physics response to a socio-scientific issue: use physics knowledge to inform a response to a real-world socio-scientific issue.
Waves: diffraction gratings, physics of music, and the Doppler Effect.
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.
PHY 3.7 - Physics response to a socio-scientific issue (internal) - Students will use the knowledge gained in the Electricity, Mechanics or Modern Physics standards to inform a response to a real-world socio-scientific issue. This may include investigating whether New Zealand should utilise nuclear power to produce electricity, mandate the use of solar panels on all new-build homes, and other diverse topics.
Students will be given the opportunity at the start of the year to choose a selection of the described courses that best meet their strengths and interests, and career pathways.
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 research has been 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.
PHY 3.7 - Physics response to a socio-scientific issue. Assessed by a written report once research has been completed.
Air Traffic Controller, Survey Technician, Air Force Aviator, Air Force Officer, Army Officer, Army Soldier, Navy Sailor, Navy Officer, Aeronautical Engineer, Aeroplane Pilot, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Aircraft Refueller, Engineering Machinist, Helicopter Pilot, Medical Physicist, Biomedical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Medical Imaging Technologist, Boat Builder, Naval Architect, Cabinet Maker, Furniture Finisher, Joiner, Biomedical Technician, Electrical Engineer, Civil Engineering Technician/Draughtsperson, Telecommunications Engineer, Electronics Trades Worker, Electrician, Electrical Engineering Technician, Lift Technician, Refrigeration/Air-conditioning Technician, Pharmacist, Pharmacy Technician, Mining Engineer, Surveyor, Miner/Quarry Worker, Mine/Quarry Manager, Driller, Geologist, Geophysicist, Dentist, Paramedic, Firefighter, Funeral Director/Embalmer
Contributions and Equipment/StationeryNote taking stationery and computer