Australia · ACARA Content Descriptions
Year 12 Physics
A comprehensive exploration of the fundamental laws governing the universe, from the motion of celestial bodies to the behavior of subatomic particles. Students apply mathematical modeling and experimental inquiry to solve complex engineering and theoretical problems.
Gravity and Motion
Students analyze motion in two dimensions and the gravitational forces that govern planetary systems and projectile trajectories.
An investigation into the independent horizontal and vertical components of motion for objects launched into a gravitational field.
Exploring centripetal force and Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation in the context of orbits and satellites.
The study of rotational motion and the conditions required for static equilibrium in rigid bodies.
Electromagnetism and Fields
Students examine the interactions between electric charges and magnetic fields and their applications in modern technology.
An analysis of the forces between charges and the storage of energy within electric fields.
Investigating the behavior of moving charges in magnetic fields and the forces acting on current carrying conductors.
Exploring Faraday's and Lenz's laws and the production of electricity through relative motion.
The Nature of Light
A study of light as both a wave and a particle, including interference, diffraction, and the development of quantum theories.
Analyzing phenomena such as polarization, interference, and diffraction using the wave model.
Examining the particle nature of light and Einstein's explanation of electron emission.
Using light spectra to identify elements and understand the composition of stars.
Special Relativity
Challenging classical physics by examining the effects of high speeds on time, length, and mass.
Investigating the constancy of the speed of light and the relativity of simultaneity.
Mathematical modeling of how time slows down and lengths shorten as velocity approaches light speed.
Exploring the relationship between mass and energy as defined by E=mc2.
Quantum Theory and the Atom
Investigating the fundamental particles of matter and the probabilistic nature of the subatomic world.
Exploring the de Broglie hypothesis and the experimental evidence for matter waves.
An overview of quarks, leptons, and the fundamental forces that govern their interactions.
Introduction to Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle and the wave function.
Thermodynamics and Kinetic Theory
Examining the laws of thermodynamics and the behavior of gases at the molecular level.
Analyzing energy conservation and the inevitable increase of entropy in closed systems.
Relating the macroscopic properties of gases to the microscopic motion of atoms and molecules.
Investigating the energy required for temperature changes and phase transitions.