COURSEGUIDE

2014
UNITS 1 AND 2
PHYSICS

Table of Contents
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Contact Information ........................................................................................................................... 3
Areas of Study and Assessment Breakdown ........................................................................................ 3
Assessment types......................................................................................................................................... 3
Internal Assessment School Assessed Coursework (SAC)............................................................................. 3
Coursework Requirements ........................................................................................................................... 4
Satisfactory Requirements ........................................................................................................................... 4

Important Dates ................................................................................................................................. 4

Calendar ...................................................................................................................................................... 4

SharePoint resources and discussion board ......................................................................................... 4

Recommended Questions ................................................................................................................... 5
Nuclear physics & Radioactivity .................................................................................................................... 5
Astrophysics ................................................................................................................................................ 5
Electricity ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
Motion ........................................................................................................................................................ 6
Wave-like properties of light ........................................................................................................................ 6
Flight ........................................................................................................................................................... 6

VCAA Study Design Dot Points ............................................................................................................ 7

Electricity ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
Motion ........................................................................................................................................................ 9
Flight ......................................................................................................................................................... 10

General Information ......................................................................................................................... 12

Required Materials to be brought to each class ........................................................................................... 12
Website resources ..................................................................................................................................... 12

Physics Study Advice ......................................................................................................................... 13

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Introduction
Hello and welcome to Year 11 Physics. Units 1 and 2 are an extension of the work that you have covered in Year
10 as well as an introduction to a few new topics.
We hope that you have an enjoyable and successful year.

The Physics Department

Contact Information
Name
Mr Opray
Mr Tedjo
Ms Vakhnin

E-mail
mop@balwynhs.vic.edu.au
pte@balwynhs.vic.edu.au
elena.vakhnin@balwynhs.vic.edu.au

Staffroom
E14
D11
D11

Areas of Study and Assessment Breakdown

Assessment types
Unit Area of Study
Nuclear Physics & Radioactivity
Astrophysics

Electricity
Kinematics
Dynamics
Wave-like properties of light
Flight

Outcome type

Date

Test
Data analysis
Test
Extended Practical Investigation
Test
Test
Data Analysis
Extended Practical Investigation

February 21st
March 21st
Term 2 Week 4
Term 2 Week 5
Term 3 Week 1
Term 3 Week 5
September 12th
Term 4 Week 3

Internal Assessment School Assessed Coursework (SAC)

In all SAC tasks, a scientific calculator may be used and it is strongly advised that you do use a calculator.
CAS calculators are not allowed, so if you dont own a scientific calculator, go out and buy one, and learn
how to use it.
A single sided A4 summary sheet may also be used in SACs and double sided in examinations.
If SAC dates clash with other subjects, you must organise a reschedule with the Year 11 SLWMs before
the scheduled SAC date. Otherwise a score of zero will be recorded.
If a student does not achieve 50% in a SAC then the students must undertake redemption task(s).
However, the students initial score is the one that is recorded.
Medical certificates must be provided if a SAC is missed without prior arrangement, otherwise a score of
zero will be recorded.
If students are found to be in breach of VCAA Assessment Policy, a score of zero will be recorded.

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Coursework Requirements
For an outcome to be scored, a student must complete the set coursework by the due date, as decided by the
Physics department:

A score of at least 50% on the specified coursework questions.

At least 80% of the specified coursework questions.

Coursework documents can be accessed on Sharepoint via the link below.

[2014 Coursework Folder]

It is an expectation of the Physics Department that students complete all of the coursework in preparation for the
outcomes.

Satisfactory Requirements
To obtain an S for each unit, students are to

attend a minimum of 90% of classes

complete the coursework requirements
obtain at least 50% on all outcomes

Important Dates
Calendar
This is an approximate topic timeline for this subject for 2013.
Dates
Term 1 Week 1
Term 1 Week 5
Term 1 Week 9
Term 2 Week 6
Term 2 Week 9
Term 3 Week 1
Term 3 Week 6
Term 3 Week 10
Term 4 Week 3

Topic/Area of Study
Nuclear physics and Radioactivity
Astrophysics
Electricity
Unit 1 Revision
Kinematics
Dynamics
Wave-like properties of Light
Flight
Unit 2 Revision

SharePoint resources and discussion board

The Year 11 Physics Sharepoint site has been set up to contain all required documents and includes a discussion
board. The discussion board is a point of reference to ask questions relating to coursework and exam revision. It
will give all students the opportunity to assist others and have common queries quickly and conveniently
answered.
This is located at
http://student.balwynhs.vic.edu.au/Science/ScienceSubjects/PHY11/SitePages/Home.aspx

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Recommended Questions
The following lists of questions specify some recommended questions Jacaranda Physics 1 to aid you in your
understanding. However, this does not constitute coursework.

Nuclear physics & Radioactivity

Topic
Structure of the atom
Radioactive decay and nuclear
transformations
Half-life
Effects of Radiation

Chapter
1

Questions
1, 2, 3, 4

5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22

1
1

23, 24, 25, 26, 27 (a b c d), 28, 29

31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 40, 41, 42

Astrophysics
Topics
Characteristics of the Sun
Properties of Stars
Fusion as the energy source of stars
Evolution of Stars
Measurement of distances
The Doppler effect and Hubble
The formation of galaxies, stars and
planets
Comparisons between galaxies
Steady state and Big bang

Chapter
13
13
13
13
13
14

Questions
1, 3, 7
9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18
19, 20, 21, 22
26, 27, 29, 30, 32
33, 35, 36, 38, 39, 40
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9

14

11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18

14
14

21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27

31, 32, 34, 35, 37, 38, 40, 41, 43, 44, 47, 48

Electricity
Topic
Current
Potential Difference
Energy and Power in circuits
Resistance
Circuit Laws
Series and Parallel Circuits
Non-ohmic devices
Internal resistance
Power
Household use of electricity
Safety in households
Car electrical systems

Chapter
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4

Questions
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13
14, 15, 16, 17, 18
19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26
27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34
1, 2
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 ,15 ,16, 17
18, 19, 20
21, 22, 23, 24, 25
26, 27, 29, 30
1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
11, 12, 13, 14 ,15, 17, 18, 19
22abc, 24ab, 25

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Motion
Topic
Describing movement
Instantaneous speed
More questions on graphs
Acceleration
Newtons first law
The net force
Forces in two dimensions
Newtons second law
Attraction to Earth
Newtons second law
Multiple bodies
Newtons third law
Momentum and impulse
Collisions
Work
Kinetic energy
Potential energy
Conservation of energy
Power

Chapter
5
5
5
5
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
7
7
7
7
7
7

Questions
1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
11, 12, 13, 14, 15
28, 29, 30, 31
16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26
12, 13, 14
9, 10
15, 16, 18
11, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27
1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
28, 29, 23, 24, 30, 31, 32, 33, 36, 37
44, 45
39, 42, 43
47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
7, 8, 9
10, 11, 13
14, 15, 16
18, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26,27, 28, 29
31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36

Chapter
8
8
9
9
9
10
10

Questions
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19
20, 21, 22, 23
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 not f, 8, 9, 11, 13
14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 15, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23

Chapter
16
16
16
16
16

Questions
1, 2, 3
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14
15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
21, 22, 23, 24
25, 26

Wave-like properties of light

Topics
Plane mirrors
Concave mirrors
Refraction
Total internal reflection
Convex lenses
Dispersion
The wave model

Flight
Topics
Applying Newtons Laws
Bernoullis Equation
Lift to Drag Ratio
Torque
Control

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VCAA Study Design Dot Points

The Dot Points refer to the key skills and knowledge students are expected to have mastered at the end of an area
of study. These are published by VCAA in the Physics Study Design (see the Physics page on the VCAA website).
At the end of every topic students should check the list of dot points to guide them in what is assessable in tests
and exams.

Nuclear physics and radioactivity

The particle model of matter and ideas about energy transfers and transformations are relevant to the study of
nuclear physics and radioactivity. Students understanding of the particle model of matter, developed in earlier
years, is extended to include subatomic particles. Ideas of energy transfer and transformations are applied to
energy changes associated with nuclear phenomena and radioactivity, and their applications.
Students develop knowledge and skills to contribute to informed debate on the use of nuclear and radioactive
technological applications in society. Students will use the concepts of nuclear physics and radioactivity in the
contexts of environmental radiation and the production and use of radioisotopes in industry. They will access
information related to the use of nuclear reactions and radioactivity.
Key Knowledge

explain why some atomic nuclei are stable and others are not
describe the radioactive decay of unstable nuclei in terms of half-life
model radioactive decay as random decay with a particular half-life, including mathematical modelling in
terms of whole half-lives
apply a simple particle model of the atomic nucleus to the origin of , and radiation, including changes
to the number of nucleons
describe the detection and penetrating properties of , and radiation
describe the effects of , and radiation on humans, including short- and long-term effects from low
and high doses, external and internal sources, including absorbed dose (Gray), equivalent dose (Sieverts)
and effective dose (Sieverts)
describe the effects of ionising radiation on living things and the environment
explain nuclear transformations using decay equations involving , and radiation
analyse decay series diagrams in terms of type of decay and stability of isotopes
describe natural and artificial isotopes in terms of source and stability
describe neutron absorption as one means of production of artificial radioisotopes
identify sources of bias and error in written and other media related to nuclear physics and radioactivity
describe the risks for living things and/or the environment associated with the use of nuclear reactions
and radioactivity.

Astrophysics
This detailed study focuses on the development of cosmology over time, but with a particular emphasis on the
twentieth century. In particular, the study looks at the nature of stars, galaxies and their evolution, as well as
evidence about the steady state and Big Bang models of the Universe.
Light is the basic tool of astrophysicists and it is assumed that the nature of the nuclear atom is the same
throughout the Universe. While Einsteins relativity is needed for the details, the Newtonian understanding of
motion is sufficient to establish the basic ideas.
Students will use astrophysics in the contexts of astronomy, and theories of the nature and origin of the Universe.

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Key knowledge

describe characteristics of the Sun as a typical star, including size, mass, energy output, colour and
information obtained from the Suns radiation spectrum
describe the properties of stars: luminosity, radius and mass, temperature and spectral type
explain fusion as the energy source of a star
apply information from the HertzsprungRussell diagram to describe the evolution and death of stars
with differing initial mass
analyse methods used for measurements of the distances to stars and galaxies
explain the link between the Doppler Effect and Hubbles observations
explain the formation of galaxies, stars, and planets
compare the Milky Way galaxy to other galaxies such as those with different shape, colour or size
explain the steady state and Big Bang models of the Universe
compare two or more explanations of the nature and origin of the Universe
interpret and apply appropriate data from a database that is relevant to aspects of astrophysics.

Electricity
Students develop circuit 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. Mathematical models are applied and critically assessed during experimental investigation
of DC circuits.
Students will use electrical circuits in the contexts of simple battery operated DC devices, household electricity,
and car electrical systems.
Key knowledge

apply the concepts of charge (Q), electric current (I), potential difference (V), energy (E) and power (P), in
electric circuits
analyse electrical circuits using the relationships
,
,
,
model resistance in series and parallel circuits using
o potential difference versus current (V-I) graphs
o resistance as the potential difference to current ratio, including VI = R = constant for ohmic
devices
o equivalent effective resistance in arrangements in
series:
and

parallel:

model simple electrical circuits such as car and household (AC) electrical systems as simple direct current
(DC) circuits
model household electricity connections as a simple circuit comprising fuses, switches, circuit breakers,
loads and earth
identify causes, effects and treatment of electric shock in homes, relating these to approximate danger
thresholds for current and time
investigate practically the operation of simple circuits containing resistors, variable resistors, diodes and
other non-ohmic devices
convert energy values to kilowatt-hour (kWh)
evaluate the risk in the use of electrical equipment and power supplies using relevant data
identify and apply safe and responsible practices when conducting investigations involving electrical
equipment and power supplies.

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Motion
Students learn about the models used to explain motion from the early theories of Aristotle and the work of
Galileo and Newton. These theories are developed through the examination of aspects of motion including
transport, games and sport.
All models should be developed within contexts that are familiar and relevant to students. Ideas about energy
transfers and transformations continue to be used. Mathematical models are critically applied during
experimental investigations of examples of motion.
Students will study the historical development of the Newtonian model of motion and apply it in the contexts of
transport, games and sport.
In this study students will assume that the mass of finite objects can be considered to be at a point: the centre of
mass.
Key knowledge

identify parameters of motion as vectors or scalars

analyse straight-line motion under constant acceleration graphically, numerically and algebraically
analyse graphically non-uniform motion in a straight line
compare the effect of a force as defined by Aristotle, Galileo and Newton
describe the change in motion that results from the application of a force
model weight, w, as the force of gravity acting at the centre of mass point (approximated as the
geometric centre) of a body,
model forces as vectors acting at the point of application (with magnitude and direction), labelling these
forces using the convention force of on
apply Newtons three laws of motion to a body on which a resultant vector force acts
apply the vector model of forces, including vector addition and components of forces, to readily
observable forces including weight, friction and reaction forces
apply the concept of work done by a constant force
o work done = constant force x distance moved in direction of force
o work done = area under force-distance graph
analyse Hookes Law for an ideal spring,
analyse energy transfers and transformations using an energy conservation model including transfers
between
o gravitational potential energy near Earths surface,
, and kinetic energy,
o

potential energy in ideal springs,

, and kinetic energy,

apply rate of energy transfer, power,

apply the concept of momentum,
describe how action of a net force causes changes in momentum
analyse impulse (momentum transfer) in an isolated system, for elastic collisions between objects moving
in a straight line
apply graphical, numerical and algebraic models to primary data collected during practical investigations
of motion, and to secondary data
identify and apply safe and responsible practices when investigating motion.

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Flight
This detailed study allows students to apply skills of experimental investigation to the task of designing, carrying
out and reporting on a practical investigation into an aspect of flight. Conceptual models of Newton and Bernoulli
are applied by aircraft designers to every type of aircraft. Designers are then able to determine such things as the
overall shape of the aircraft, how many engines are required, how far it can go, and how long a runway is needed.
Students will use conceptual models of Newton and Bernoulli in the context of flight.
Key knowledge

apply the concepts of forces, torques and equilibrium to balancing an aircraft, including reference to
Newtons laws of motion
explain lift in terms of Bernoullis principle and the rate of change of momentum
model lift and Bernoullis principle using a wind tunnel
explain drag, skin friction drag, pressure drag and principles of thrust
investigate experimentally the relationship between power and thrust
analyse aircraft performance including takeoff, climb, descent and cruise, with reference to Newtons
laws of motion and Bernoullis principle
investigate experimentally identified aspects of performance using a model
analyse risks in the use and testing of flying models using relevant data
identify and apply safe and responsible practices when using and testing flying models.

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Wave-like properties of light

Light phenomena are examples of the interaction of the physical world with human biology. The wave model of
light, compared with the particle model of light, will be evaluated in terms of satisfactorily explaining light
phenomena.
Students will use the wave-like properties of light in the contexts of seeing with the unaided eye, extending visual
and communication capabilities, and special theatrical effects.
Key Knowledge

describe transverse waves in terms of

o amplitude
o wavelength
o period and frequency
calculate wavelength, frequency, period and speed of travel of light waves, v = f = /T
investigate and analyse the behaviour of light using ray diagrams including
o reflection, i = r
o refraction, Snells Law
o total internal reflection, critical angle (any form of image location is not required)
describe light using a wave model and a particle model
explain polarisation of visible light and its relation to a transverse wave model
compare the wave model and the particle model of light in terms of whether they adequately describe
reflection and refraction
identify visible light as a particular region of the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation and that all light
travels at the speed of light in a vacuum, c
explain the colour components of white light as different frequencies of light combining to appear white
explain colour dispersion in prisms and lenses in terms of refraction of the components of white light as
they pass from one medium to another
identify and apply safe and responsible practices when working with light sources and optical devices.

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General Information
Required Materials to be brought to each class

Text Jacaranda Physics 1

Exercise book
Scientific Calculator (Not graphics or CAS calculators)

Website resources
Podcasts and exams

Pictures in Motion for Physics

vcephysics.podomatic.com/
www.itute.com/download-free-vce-physicsresources/

www.flickr.com/photos/physicsclassroom/galleries/7
2157625424161192/

Physics Demonstration Applets

www.phys.unt.edu/~klittler/unt_physics_applets_lin
ks.html
Notes on Physics
www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/1DKin/
www.onlinemathlearning.com/high-schoolphysics.html
www.itute.com/download-free-vce-physicsresources/free-downloadphysics-notes/
www.cyberphysics.co.uk/
www.studyphysics.ca/page03.html

How to write pracs

www.itute.com/wp-content/uploads/physics-lessonwriting-practical-investigation-reports.pdf
Videos

www.khanacademy.org/
www.veritasium.org/
www.youtube.com/user/minutephysics
www.challenger.org/
www.theengineerguy.com/

Online tutor service

vce-physics.wikispaces.com/

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Physics Study Advice

Work you must do in Physics
You need to gain understanding of the concepts by:

reading, listening and taking notes

asking questions in class
doing questions from text books
linking the practical work with the theory and the questions.

You can improve your understanding by:

thinking about real life examples

drawing concept maps, and finding the links between the different concepts
re-reading your notes and looking through worked examples.

Homework / study planning

Draw up a study/homework timetable as soon as possible.

Be sensible, but 2 to 3 hours per night is appropriate (at most times of the year).
Do your homework first. Then spend some more time actually studying.
Dont always leave your weakest subject to last.
Rotate tasks around as well. Get your homework completed first then either do problems, past papers,
study, summarizing etc.

How to succeed at Physics

Always keep up to date.

Read the notes for each lesson before the lesson. This way you are going in with a higher initial level of
understanding.
Do as many questions as you can get your hands on. But focus on exam type questions, more than
comprehension type questions, once you understand the work.
Ask questions of your teacher, both in class and out of class time. Come in each day with a list of what
you need to find out from your teacher.
Try to explain answers to other students. The best way to ensure that you understand something is to try
to teach it to someone else.

Improving your links to memory

You need to train your brain to remember. You can do this by:

Repeating regularly reviewing your work

Different approaches looking at subjects (topics/ideas) from other angles and using other sources of
information.
Exchanging ideas discussing ideas with other students.
Clarifying ideas teaching other students, explaining ideas to others.
Summary cards writing the main points on cards and constantly referring to them.
Identifying new ideas keep a separate log book for recording new techniques, facts and ideas
Rhyme and Routine setting plans of attack to follow for specific problems. E.g. Always read the labels
on the axes of graphs, at the start of any question involving a graph.
Acronyms using the first letter of each word as a trigger. E.g. SOHCAHTOA

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The more you link the more you learn. This can be done using concept maps or reflection or revision. The brain
does not store memories, it recreates them, and so you need to develop as many triggers to each pathway as
possible.

How to study Physics

Initially, you need to study to build your understanding of the concepts in Physics.
Then, you should look to consolidate and broaden your understanding by rereading the notes and the
textbook.
Look through the worked examples in the notes and the textbooks.
Do a few questions every night, so as to keep the links between the theory and the practice.
Try to look beyond the question, to see the Physics that is being asked, not just the actual question that
you need to answer.

SAC Preparation

Find out as much information as you can about the SAC as early as possible.
If it is a test, see exam preparation below.
For other SACs, find out the exact nature of the task and what you are required to do.
The best preparation for a SAC is a trial SAC. Ask for last years, to see what is required.
Find out what form of cheat sheet you are allowed to take into each SAC and produce yours as early as
possible.

Summary Notes (Otherwise known as a Cheat Sheet)

Start this as early as possible, it should be a work in progress from the beginning of the year
Have the information segregated into the different sections
Make sure that it is your own cheat sheet, dont try to use some-one elses
You can put anything you like on it, but dont make the information so small that it is illegible
You can put some worked examples on it, maybe some sample calculations, or some sample answers to
common explain type questions.

SAC Reading Time

Note how many marks are allotted to each question, more marks means more required in the answer.
Read each question carefully to find the Physics, ignore most of the John and Betty parts to the story.
Look at all the graphs/pictures, try to guess the question, i.e. think about the question
Read the axes of the graphs. Look for the variables on both axes, and check the units. Make a mental
note of all non-standard units

Writing

Get out your highlighter and start using it.

Dont write in size 6 font because it is hard to read
Dont use a light pencil because it can be difficult to read
Dont be afraid to use diagrams, worked examples etc in explain type answers. Remember, that the
marker actually wants to give you marks, and a good diagram is always worth marks.
Answer explain questions in point form. (leave those brilliant essays for English)
Answer the actual question, make sure that you relate your answer to the question that is being asked,
and that you are not just blindly copying something off your cheat sheet.
When drawing forces etc, make sure they start from the correct spot, (either centre of mass for weights,
net force, or from a surface, for contact forces). Also draw them an appropriate length (using a ruler to
draw them to scale is useful)

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