VCE Units 1 & 2 - Physics
VCE Units 1 & 2 - Physics
Overview
The study of Physics involves investigating, understanding, and explaining the behaviour of physical phenomena in the Universe. Conceptual understanding is developed as students study topics including light, atomic physics, radiation, thermal physics, electricity, fields, mechanics, quantum physics and the nature of energy and matter. Physics is the area of STEAM that uses mathematics to explain science.
Unit 1 – How is energy useful to society?
Students examine some of the fundamental ideas and models used by physicists in an attempt to understand and explain energy. Models used to understand light, thermal energy, radioactivity, nuclear processes and electricity are explored.
Areas of Study:
- How are light and heat explained? Electromagnetic Radiation, Thermal Energy, Interaction of Thermal Energy and Electromagnetic Radiation
- How is energy from the nucleus utilised? Radiation from the Nucleus, Nuclear Energy.
- How can electricity be used to transfer energy? Concepts used to model electricity, Circuit electricity, Using electricity, Electrical safety in the home
Unit 2 – How does physics help us to understand the world?
In this unit students explore the power of experiments in developing models and theories. They investigate a variety of phenomena by making their own observations and generating questions, which in turn lead to experiments.
Areas of Study:
- How is motion understood? Concepts used to model motion, Forces, Energy and Equilibrium. Application of motion
- How can performance in ball sports be improved? The physics of ball sports, communicating physics
- How do physicists investigate questions? Investigation design, Scientific evidence, Science communication
Forms of Assessment
- Analysis Tasks
- Practical Investigations and Activities
- Practical Activities
- Tests
- Infographics tasks
Prerequisites and Corequisites
Students are expected to have completed Year 10 Physics.