Physics - 12
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of physics concepts and theories. Students will continue their exploration of energy transformations and the forces that affect motion and will investigate electrical, gravitational, and magnetic fields and electromagnetic radiation. Students will also explore the wave nature of light, quantum mechanics, and special relativity. They will further develop their scientific investigation skills, learning, for example, how to analyze, qualitatively and quantitatively, data related to a variety of physics concepts and principles. Students will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.
Prerequisite: SPH3U - Physics Grade 11
Unit 1: Dynamics (25 hours)
This unit focuses on motion and the forces that affect objects in motion.
Unit 2: Energy & Momentum (23 hours)
This unit examines the relationships between work, energy, and momentum and explores concepts relating to the conservation of energy and momentum.
Unit 3: Gravitational, Electric & Magnetic Fields (20 hours)
Objects with mass, charge, and magnets all have the ability to exert forces within areas surrounding them, known as fields. In this unit, you will investigate 3 types of fields: gravitational, electric and magnetic.
Unit 4: The Wave Nature of Light (24 hours)
The true nature of light is one of the most fascinating topics in physics. Just what exactly is light? In this unit, you will learn about some of the early experiments that allowed physicists to better understand some of the behaviors of light and will perform investigations that point to the nature of light as a wave.
Unit 5: Revolutions in Modern Physics (18 hours)
In this unit you will learn about the other side of the nature of light - light as a particle. You will also explore some of Einstein's most interesting and complicated theories, relating to relativity and how variables such as time, length and mass can actually appear differently depending on one's perspective.