VCE Physics Units 3 & 4

Unit 3

Unit 3 consists of two prescribed areas of study: Motion in one and two dimensions; and Electronics and photonics and a detailed study: Further electronics. This unit focuses on the ideas that underpin much of the technology found in areas such as communications, engineering, commerce and industry. Motion in one and two dimensions is introduced and applied to moving objects on Earth and in space. Circuit models are applied to further aspects of electricity and electronics, and the operation and use of photonic devices are introduced. The detailed study offer examples of theoretical and practical applications of these technologies. Students continue to have regular experience in experimental investigation in the laboratory. They design and carry out an extended practical investigation. They collect accurate data, evaluate the quality of data and measurement processes, and make conclusions based on the data.
Mathematical modelling, including calculations, is applied to all areas of study to organise first-hand and second-hand data, make predictions and link concepts. Students analyse and solve more complex qualitative and quantitative problems. Computer and/or graphics calculator programs are used to collect and analyse first-hand and second-hand data, and to present investigation findings. In this unit, students select focused research questions and formulate a quantitatively testable hypothesis. They identify variables of significance to an investigation and decide the appropriate variables to be controlled. They adapt or extend given methods, and design their own methods, for the control of variables and the systematic collection of sufficient relevant data for focused investigations.
Students record raw qualitative and quantitative data accurately and present processed data, including correct use of units, symbols and formulas, to ensure that relationships between variables are evident. They select and use appropriate materials, apparatus and measurement procedures to ensure a high degree of reliability and accuracy in the data. Students interpret their results to draw relevant conclusions from their investigations. They identify sources of error and estimate uncertainties in, and reliability of, data and derived quantities. They analyse procedures and results, taking into account limitations of, and weaknesses and errors in, techniques and equipment. Alternative interpretations of data and results are identified and explained. They identify and apply safe and responsible practices when designing and completing independent and collaborative investigations. Students select and use appropriate information sources to assess risk.

AREA OF STUDY 1

Motion in one and two dimensions

Newtonian theories give important insights into a range of motions and contribute towards safety considerations. This study should focus on everyday motion that is relevant, familiar and interesting to students.
Newton’s insight into gravity has led to understanding of the motion of the solar system, the achievements of space travel, and satellite technology. Students will use the Newtonian laws of motion in the contexts of transport and safety on Earth, and motion in space.

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to investigate motion and related energy transformations experimentally, and use the Newtonian model in one and two dimensions to analyse motion in the context of transport and related aspects of safety, and motion in space.

AREA OF STUDY 2

Electronics and photonics

Photonics is the science of using light to manipulate information and energy and involves all facets of visible, ultraviolet and infrared radiation; this includes its detection, transport, storage and manipulation. Photonics is the basis of much of modern communication technology. Photonic devices are used with electronic components in smoke detectors, burglar alarms, safety interlocks, televisions, cathode ray oscilloscopes, relative position sensors, communication devices including fibre optic cables, modulators and demodulators, CD readers and writers, and computer networks. Some phenomena which characterise the interface between electronics and photonics are introduced.
Students will use electronic and photonic devices and systems in domestic and industrial contexts.

Outcome 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to investigate, describe, compare and explain the operation of electronic and photonic devices, and analyse their use in domestic and industrial systems.

Detailed study 3.3 Further Electronics

An understanding of electronic systems may be approached through the study of the functions of the basic building blocks of such systems, both separately and combined.
The construction project to be used for the development of understanding of component principles and demonstration of practical skills is a low voltage AC to DC voltage regulated power supply system. Knowledge and understanding of the role of the transformer in the power supply system is required. The project will require the connection of components into a functional electronic system, as well as the use of appropriate test and measuring equipment. Students will use electronic devices, circuits, test and measuring equipment in the context of the design and evaluation of a low voltage AC to DC smoothed voltage regulated power supply system.

Outcome 3

On completion of this unit the student should be able to design and investigate an AC to DC voltage regulated power supply system, and describe and explain the operation of the system and its components, and the effects of test equipment on the system.

ASSESSMENT

The student’s level of achievement in Unit 3 will be determined by School-assessed Coursework and an end-of-year examination.

Contribution to final assessment

• School-assessed Coursework for Unit 3, including assessment of the detailed study, will contribute 24 per cent to the study score.
• The level of achievement for Units 3 and 4 is also assessed by an end-of-year examination, which will contribute 60 per cent to the study score.

Unit 4

Unit 4 consists of two prescribed areas of study: Electric power and Interactions of light and matter. This unit focuses on the development and limitations of models in explaining physical phenomena. A field model of electromagnetism is applied to the generation of electricity, and the development of models that explain the complex interactions of light and matter are considered. Students continue to undertake extensive and regular experimental work in the laboratory. They design and carry out investigations, collect accurate data, evaluate the quality of data and measurement processes and make conclusions based on the data. Mathematical modelling, including calculations, continues to be used to organise first-hand and second-hand data, to link concepts, to make predictions and to identify trends. Students analyse and solve more complex qualitative and quantitative problems. Computer and/or graphical calculator programs are used to collect and analyse first-hand and second-hand data, and to present investigation findings.
In this unit, students develop conceptual understanding by investigating practical activities and demonstrations. Students record raw qualitative and quantitative data and present processed data, including correct use of units, symbols and formulas, accurately and to ensure that relationships between variables are evident. They select and use appropriate materials, apparatus and measurement procedures to ensure a high degree of reliability and accuracy in the data. Students analyse their results to draw relevant conclusions. They identify sources of error and uncertainties to determine the reliability of data and derived quantities. Alternative interpretation of data and results are identified and explained. They identify and apply safe and responsible practices when completing independent and collaborative investigations.

AREA OF STUDY 1

Electric power

The generation, transmission, distribution and use of electric power are crucial to modern life. Students will use evidence and models of electrical, magnetic and electromagnetic effects in the contexts of electric motors, generators, alternators and transformers, and electric power transmission and distribution.

Outcome 1

On completion of this unit the student should be able to investigate and explain the operation of electric motors, generators and alternators, and the generation, transmission, distribution and use of electric power.

AREA OF STUDY 2

Interactions of light and matter

Light has been described both as a particle and as a wave. The electron has wave-like properties too. This has led to different ways of thinking, not only about light, but also about matter. These ideas are explored using experimental evidence and conceptual models so that the development of the ideas can be followed alongside developments in technology. Students will use models and explanations to interpret evidence about the interactions of light and matter.

Outcome 2

On completion of this unit the student should be able to use wave and photon models to analyse, interpret and explain interactions of light and matter and the quantised energy levels of atoms.

ASSESSMENT

The student’s level of achievement for Unit 4 will be determined by School-assessed Coursework and an end-of-year examination.

Contribution to final assessment

• School-assessed Coursework for Unit 4 will contribute 16 per cent to the study score.
• The level of achievement for Units 3 and 4 is also assessed by an end-of-year examination, which will contribute 60 per cent to the study score.

Web links

http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority
Further information, complete study design, examination advice, past camination papers and examiners reports, etc
http://www.vicphysics.org/index.html Vic Physics, the Victorian branch of the Australian Institute of Physics, includes events and resources for students