Ireland · NCCA Curriculum Specifications
5th Year Principles of the Physical World: Senior Cycle Physics
A comprehensive exploration of the fundamental laws governing the universe, from subatomic particles to galactic motion. Students develop mathematical modeling skills and experimental techniques to analyze physical phenomena and solve complex engineering problems.
Mechanics and the Laws of Motion
Investigation of kinematics, dynamics, and the conservation of energy and momentum in linear and circular systems.
Analyzing the relationship between displacement, velocity, and constant acceleration using kinematic equations and graphical analysis.
Examining the interaction of forces, the concept of inertia, and the relationship between resultant force and acceleration.
Studying collisions and explosions to understand how momentum is conserved in isolated systems.
Waves, Sound, and Light
Exploring the properties of mechanical and electromagnetic waves, including reflection, refraction, and interference.
Understanding the nature of longitudinal and transverse waves and the physics of acoustics.
Analyzing the behavior of light as it interacts with mirrors and lenses using ray diagrams and the lens formula.
Investigating diffraction and interference as evidence for the wave model of light.
Electricity and Circuitry
Analyzing charge, current, potential difference, and the behavior of components in DC circuits.
Studying the forces between charges and the ability of systems to store electrical energy.
Investigating Ohm's Law and the factors influencing resistance in various materials.
Exploring the physics of p-n junctions and their role in modern computing and sensing.
Electromagnetism and Induction
Examining the relationship between electricity and magnetism and the principles of electromagnetic induction.
Analyzing the magnetic fields produced by currents and the forces exerted on moving charges.
Investigating Faraday's and Lenz's laws and their application in power generation.
Thermodynamics and Heat
Studying the transfer of thermal energy, gas laws, and the kinetic theory of matter.
Defining temperature scales and the mechanisms of conduction, convection, and radiation.
Modeling the behavior of ideal gases using the relationship between pressure, volume, and temperature.
Modern Physics and the Atom
An introduction to quantum theory, radioactivity, and the fundamental particles of the Standard Model.
Exploring the evidence for the particle nature of light and Einstein's photoelectric equation.
Investigating the decay of unstable nuclei and the energy released in fission and fusion.
A survey of the fundamental building blocks of matter, including quarks, leptons, and bosons.