Canada · Ontario Curriculum Expectations
Grade 12 Physics
An intensive exploration of the fundamental laws governing the universe from the motion of planets to the behavior of subatomic particles. This course emphasizes mathematical modeling, experimental validation, and the transition from classical to modern physical theories.
Dynamics and Kinematics in Three Dimensions
Extending classical mechanics to complex systems involving projectile motion, circular motion, and universal gravitation.
Analyzing the motion of objects moving in two dimensions under the influence of gravity and centripetal forces.
Investigating Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation and its application to planetary orbits and satellite technology.
Energy, Momentum, and Collisions
An analysis of conservation laws and the transfer of energy and momentum in elastic and inelastic systems.
Exploring the relationship between force and time during collisions and the conservation of momentum in isolated systems.
Examining work, kinetic energy, potential energy, and the efficiency of energy transformations.
Electric and Magnetic Fields
Investigating the properties of fields and the interaction between electricity and magnetism.
Studying the behavior of stationary charges and the mapping of electric fields.
Analyzing how moving charges produce magnetic fields and how changing magnetic fields induce currents.
The Wave Nature of Light
Exploring the wave model of light through phenomena such as interference, diffraction, and polarization.
Investigating the evidence for the wave nature of light using Young's double-slit experiment and diffraction gratings.
Examining the behavior of light as it interacts with different media and polarizing filters.
Thermodynamics and Fluid Dynamics
Analyzing the laws of heat transfer, entropy, and the behavior of fluids in motion.
Studying the relationship between heat, work, and internal energy in closed and open systems.
Exploring buoyancy, pressure, and the flow of liquids and gases.
Modern Physics and Quantum Mechanics
An introduction to special relativity, the photoelectric effect, and the dual nature of matter.
Examining Einstein's postulates and the resulting effects of time dilation and length contraction.
Analyzing the quantization of energy and the particle-like behavior of light.