Secondary 4 Physics

Differentiating between scalar and vector quantities in motion, including distance, displacement, speed, and velocity.

Analyzing motion with constant velocity versus motion with changing velocity, introducing acceleration.

Interpreting and constructing displacement-time, velocity-time, and acceleration-time graphs.

Applying the equations of motion to solve problems involving constant acceleration in one dimension.

Defining force as a push or pull and understanding inertia and equilibrium.

Quantifying the relationship between net force, mass, and acceleration (F=ma).

Identifying action-reaction force pairs and their implications in various interactions.

Investigating common forces and drawing free-body diagrams.

Applying the principle of conservation of energy to analyze mechanical systems involving kinetic and potential energy, without introducing momentum.

Calculating moments (torques) and applying the conditions for rotational equilibrium.

Locating the center of gravity and understanding its role in an object's stability.

Exploring levers, pulleys, and inclined planes, and calculating their mechanical advantage and efficiency.

Identifying different forms of energy (kinetic, potential, chemical, thermal, etc.) and their interconversions.

Calculating kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy for various scenarios.

Applying the conservation of energy to solve problems involving energy transformations in isolated systems.

Calculating work done by constant forces and understanding the conditions for work to be done.

Defining power and calculating it in various mechanical and electrical contexts.

Defining pressure and calculating it for solids, exploring its applications.

Investigating pressure variation with depth in liquids and its dependence on density.

Understanding atmospheric pressure, its measurement, and everyday phenomena.

Exploring practical applications of pressure in liquids, such as in hydraulic lifts (qualitative understanding) and water supply systems.

Describing the arrangement and motion of particles in solids, liquids, and gases.

Observing and explaining Brownian motion and the process of diffusion in gases and liquids.

Differentiating between temperature and thermal energy, and understanding their relationship.

Investigating heat transfer through conduction in different materials.

Understanding heat transfer through convection currents in liquids and gases.

Exploring heat transfer through electromagnetic radiation and factors affecting emission/absorption.

Interpreting heating and cooling curves to understand temperature changes and phase transitions qualitatively.

Describing the processes of melting, boiling, freezing, and condensation in terms of particle behavior and energy changes (qualitative).

Exploring the processes of evaporation and condensation and factors affecting their rates.

Differentiating between transverse and longitudinal waves with examples.

Defining and measuring key properties of waves and their relationships.

Applying the wave equation to solve problems involving wave speed, frequency, and wavelength.

Investigating the law of reflection and image formation in plane mirrors.

Understanding the bending of light as it passes between different media and applying Snell's Law.

Introducing the concept of optical fibres and endoscopes as applications of light guiding, without delving into total internal reflection.

Investigating image formation by converging and diverging lenses using ray diagrams.

Introducing the full range of electromagnetic waves and their common properties.

Exploring the practical uses and potential hazards of different parts of the EM spectrum.

Understanding positive and negative charges, charging by friction, induction, and conduction.

Defining potential difference (voltage) as the energy transferred per unit charge and its role in driving current.

Defining electric current, its direction, and the basic components of a circuit.

Understanding resistance, its factors, and applying Ohm's Law (V=IR).

Analyzing current, voltage, and resistance in series circuits.

Analyzing current, voltage, and resistance in parallel circuits.

Calculating electrical energy consumed and power dissipated in circuits.

Understanding the principles of household wiring, fuses, circuit breakers, and earthing.

Understanding magnetic fields, poles, and the properties of permanent magnets.

Investigating the magnetic fields produced by straight wires, loops, and solenoids.

Exploring the properties and applications of electromagnets, including their use in relays and lifting magnets.

Introducing the basic idea that moving a magnet near a coil can generate electricity (qualitative understanding of the dynamo effect).

Understanding the basic principle of how a current-carrying coil in a magnetic field experiences a turning effect, leading to a simple electric motor.

Discussing the need for efficient transmission of electrical energy from power stations to homes, without detailed explanation of transformers.

Reviewing the basic structure of an atom, focusing on the location and charge of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Introducing the concept of unstable atoms emitting radiation, and the idea that some materials are naturally radioactive.

Exploring various beneficial applications of radioactive materials in medicine, industry, and agriculture, without quantitative half-life calculations.

Understanding the importance of safety measures when handling radioactive materials and protecting against radiation exposure.