UNIT ONE 
Dynamics

Essential Question: How can we analyze both how objects move and what causes their motion?

In this unit, students will expand their knowledge of kinematics and forces into the combined field of dynamics. Students will be re-introduced to many terms, variables, and equations learned in Grade 11 Physics. They will apply these previously learned concepts to two-dimensional situations.

18 hours

UNIT TWO
 Circular Motion

Essential Question: To start thinking about relativity, we must first understand reference frames. How can we identify which frame of reference an object is in?

In this unit, students will apply their knowledge of dynamics to study objects moving with circular motion. Students will deepen their understanding of frames of reference and be able to study motion both from inertial and non-inertial frames of reference.

18 hours

UNIT THREE 
Energy and Momentum

Essential Question: What are the different safety considerations in cars to minimize the damages from collisions?

In this unit, students will study the Physics behind collisions. To do so, they will first recall what it means, in Physics, to do work. Students will review the types of mechanical energy studied in Grade 11 and they will learn more about thermal and elastic potential energy. Using Laws of Conservation of Energy and Momentum, students will analyze different types of collisions, qualitatively and quantitatively.

UNIT FOUR 
Fields

Essential Question: Space may seem empty, but what suddenly makes an apple fall from the tree?

In this unit, students will explore gravitational, electric, and magnetic forces and fields. Students will analyze the behaviour of particles in these fields and will look at similarities and differences among the fields. Through calculations and simulations, students will gain an understanding of forces and fields that they can apply to a real-world technology.

18 hours

UNIT FIVE 
The Wave Nature of Light

Essential Question: In optics light is thought of as travelling as a single ray, but what if we make light go through a double slit?

In this unit, students will investigate wave properties and relate them to the behaviour of light. Students will first analyze water waves, and then transfer that understanding to light waves. Students will use diagrams and simulations to gain a firm understanding of the wave nature of light, and they will also analyze the patterns and behaviours mathematically.

Essential Question: What is the nature of reality?

In this unit, students will be introduced to interesting phenomenon related to modern physics. Students will explore Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity as well as the quantum theory of electromagnetic radiation. Their exploration will take them through thought experiments, experimental observations, simulations, and simple calculations. This unit is an excellent overview of how science works, expanding and developing a theory with the support of ingenious ideas and experimental evidence. As students progress through the unit, they are encouraged to keep thinking about the overall development of modern theory. As they search to explain existing phenomenon, theories change and grow based on internal consistency and experimental findings. Students should finish the unit with a clear understanding of the development of modern physics and scientific theory in general.

Exam

This course includes a proctored exam worth 30% of your final grade.