United Kingdom · National Curriculum Attainment Targets
Year 12 Physics
An intensive exploration of the fundamental laws governing the universe from subatomic particles to galactic motion. This course bridges classical mechanics with modern quantum theory and electromagnetism while developing sophisticated mathematical modeling and experimental skills.
Mechanics and Materials
An investigation into the motion of objects and the internal properties of solids under stress. Students analyze forces, energy conservation, and the structural integrity of materials used in engineering.
Analyzing the independent horizontal and vertical components of motion in a uniform gravitational field.
Exploring the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration alongside the principle of conservation of momentum.
Studying the microscopic behavior of solids under tension and compression through Young's Modulus and Hooke's Law.
Electrons and Photons
A transition from classical electricity to the quantum nature of light and the behavior of electrons in circuits.
Mastering the fundamentals of DC circuits, including Kirchhoff's laws and the behavior of non-ohmic components.
Examining the evidence for the particulate nature of light and the quantization of energy.
Investigating de Broglie wavelengths and the dual nature of matter and radiation.
Waves and Optics
An analysis of progressive and stationary waves, focusing on interference, diffraction, and the mathematical modeling of wave behavior.
Distinguishing between longitudinal and transverse waves and exploring the applications of polarized light.
Studying the interaction of waves through Young's double slit experiment and diffraction gratings.
Exploring the formation of standing waves in strings and air columns and the conditions for resonance.
Particles and Radiation
Deepening understanding of the standard model, fundamental forces, and the classification of subatomic particles.
Classifying matter into hadrons, leptons, and exchange bosons while understanding quark confinement.
Modeling the random nature of decay and the mathematical relationships governing activity and time.
Applying Einstein's mass energy equation to nuclear fission and fusion processes.
Circular Motion and Gravitation
Investigating how objects behave in circular paths and the universal laws that govern celestial orbits.
Defining angular velocity and centripetal acceleration in rotating systems.
Exploring the inverse square law of gravity and its effect on planetary and satellite motion.
Calculating the work done in moving masses within a field and defining escape velocity.
Thermodynamics and Ideal Gases
Linking the microscopic behavior of atoms to the macroscopic properties of temperature, pressure, and volume.
Analyzing specific heat capacity and latent heat in the context of energy transfer.
Deriving and applying the relationships between pressure, volume, and temperature for an ideal gas.
Relating the average kinetic energy of molecules to the absolute temperature of a system.