NCEA Level 2 Physics
Course Description
Head of Faculty - Kaihautuu: Miss M. Ashford.
Students will gain an understanding of fundamental physical world concepts and laws to solve quantitative, real-world, problems. This will prepare them for further study in Physics. Students will develop their understanding of nuclear and atomic physics, mechanics, and electricity. They will learn the application of the above via a range of practical activities, experiments and demonstrations.
In Nuclear Physics, students will learn about the theree main types of radiation and learn an appreciation of why radiation is both beneficial and harmful. In Mechanics, students will learn about free-fall, circular motion, inertia, momentum and projectile motion. In Electricity students will learn about DC circuits, electric fields and magnetic fields.
This course is essential for students who intend to Science, Engineering or Biomedical Science at University should take this course.
Course Overview
Term 1
In Term 1, students will start with nuclear Physics, they will learn about different types of radioactive decay and the characteristics of emitted rays and particles. They will learn to predict how the intensity of emitted decay changes with time using half lifes and learn of some practical uses of radioactivity.
In the latter part of the term, students will commence the Mechanical Systems unit. In this unit forces, and their effects on objects will be studied.
Topics include
1) kinematics of accelerating objects
2) projectile motion
3) circular motion
4) momentum and collisions/explosions
5) Torque
Term 2
In the beginning part of the term, students will conclude the Mechanical Systems unit started in Term 1.
After finishing Mechanical Systems. The student will undertake a practical investigation. In this unit, students will investigate a non-linear Physics relationship and empirically derive a Physics formula and compare it the expected theory
Term 3
In this term, students will learn about Electrical systems
Topics include
1) Static electricity
2) DC electricity
3) Electromagnetism
Term 4
Term 4 will be spent preparing for the NCEA external examinations
Recommended Prior Learning
It is recommended that students have taken 1SGEN - Science General and were confident in Level 1 Mechanics and Level 1 Algebra.
This course is numeracy rich and requires students to solve algebraic equations. We recommend that students are also taking Mathematics with Algebra.
Pathway
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
This course is eligible for subject endorsement.
This course is approved for University Entrance.
External
NZQA Info
Physics 2.2 - Demonstrate understanding of physics relevant to a selected context
NZQA Info
Physics 2.3 - Demonstrate understanding of waves
NZQA Info
Physics 2.4 - Demonstrate understanding of mechanics
NZQA Info
Physics 2.5 - Demonstrate understanding of atomic and nuclear physics
NZQA Info
Physics 2.6 - Demonstrate understanding of electricity and electromagnetism
Pathway Tags
Mining Engineer, Software Developer, Aeronautical Engineer, Aeroplane Pilot, Air Force Airman/Airwoman, Air Force Officer, Mechanical Engineering Technician, Anaesthetist, Anaesthetic Technician, Chemist, Building Surveyor, Marine Biologist, Architect, Architectural Technician, Army Officer, Army Soldier, Medical Physicist, Audiologist/Audiometrist, Electronics Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Biochemist, Biomedical Engineer, Biomedical Technician, Biotechnologist, Fabrication Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Clinical Physiologist, Physician, Surgeon, Civil Engineer, Meteorologist, Food Technologist, Geophysicist, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Pharmacist, Dentist, Medical Radiation Technologist, Diagnostic Radiologist, General Practitioner, Game Developer, Electronics Trades Worker, Plumber, Gasfitter and Drainlayer, Environmental Scientist, Environmental Engineer, Environmental/Public Health Officer, Welder, Marine Engineer, Landscape Architect, Health and Safety Adviser, Helicopter Pilot, Veterinarian, Optometrist, Geospatial Specialist, Security Analyst,