A brief description of this unit is available in the Senior Course Information section, or for more detail see the VCAA Website (http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au).

Thermodynamics: students investigate the thermodynamic principles related to heating processes, including concepts of temperature, energy and work. Students examine the environmental impacts of Earth’s thermal systems and human activities.
Electric Circuits: study students develop conceptual models to analyse electrical phenomena and undertake practical investigations of circuit components. Concepts of electrical safety are developed through the study of safety mechanisms and the effect of current on humans. Students apply and critically assess mathematical models during experimental investigations of DC circuits.
Nuclear Physics: study students explore the nature of matter, and consider the origins of atoms, time and space. They examine the currently accepted theory of what constitutes the nucleus, the forces within the nucleus and how energy is derived from the nucleus
Motion: students observe motion and explore the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on motion. They analyse motion using concepts of energy, including energy transfers and transformations, and apply mathematical models during experimental investigations of motion. Students model how the mass of finite objects can be considered to be at a point called the centre of mass. They describe and analyse graphically, numerically and algebraically the motion of an object, using specific physics terminology and conventions.
Selection Option: Twelve options are available for selection. Each option is based on a different observation of the physical world
Practical investigation : students design and conduct a practical investigation related to knowledge and skills previously developed
Outcomes
Students should be able to:
• apply thermodynamic principles to analyse, interpret and explain changes in thermal energy in selected contexts, and describe the environmental impact of human activities with reference to thermal effects and climate science concepts.
• investigate and apply a basic DC circuit model to simple battery-operated devices and household electrical systems, apply mathematical models
• explain the origins of atoms, the nature of subatomic particles and how energy can be produced by atoms.
• to investigate, analyse and mathematically model the motion of particles and bodies.
• design and undertake an investigation of a physics question related to the scientific inquiry

The unit cost indicated is the 2024 fee. Please note that all unit fees are currently being reviewed and 2025 costs will be provided once approved by School Council.

Materials, etc.