PHY2B

NCEA L2 Physics - Mātai Ahupūngao B

Course Description

Physics is a fascinating subject because of its history, the beauty of its logic and its multitude of applications. 

Physics is the study of the physical world through experiment. We do experiments to describe the physical world and make predictions about how the physical world behaves.

This course is for students who wish to develop their thinking skills, their ability to engage in logical argument, experimental technique, and their understanding of the physical world in particular, electricity and the atom.

Topics you will learn about include:

Static electricity which is when electric charge does not move.  The principles of DC electricity which is the electricity we use in simple circuits with batteries. Electric fields which the electric force charged particles experience and move in. Using electrical components to build circuits like electric motors and generators. Electromagnetism where electricity creates magnetic force and also the other way round. What makes up the atom and how that relates to nuclear radiation.

By the end of the course, you will know about the principles of

Building simple circuits where electrons are used to different tasks. Electric charge of particles and how they form. Creating electricity with magnets and magnetic forces with electricity. What voltage, current and resistance means when discussing electrical circuits. 

Circuit Lab

You will also develop and understanding of how atoms break up to create radiation and what is inside an atom.

So if you are interesting about the physical world and how theories can be applied in real life, then physics is the course for you! 

Important Links

No Brain Too Small

Level 2 Electricity and Magnetism

Level 2 Nuclear Physics

Course Overview

Semester B
Electricity
Static Electricity
Charge and Field Lines
Circuits, Series and Parallel. Voltage, current and power
Electromagnetism
Magnetic Effects, force on current carrying conductor
Induced voltage. Simple generator
Nuclear Physics
Radiation
Atomic Models
Nuclear Transformations

Recommended Prior Learning

We recommend that you have achieved 14 credits in Science at Level 1, or higher. As well as Level 1 credits in mathematics, especially algebra. However, if you are really keen and are willing to work hard, we will consider you. Studying Physics Semester A would be a good idea, although it is not essential.  

If you want advice on whether Physics is for you, see Dr. Harvey

Pathway

Career Pathways

Assessment Information

Nuclear 3 Credits Internal
Practical Investigation 4 Credits Internal
Mechanics 6 Credits External
Electricity 6 Credits External

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.

Total Credits Available: 9 credits.
Externally Assessed Credits: 6 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 3 credits.

Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 91172 v2
NZQA Info
Physics 2.5 - Demonstrate understanding of atomic and nuclear physics
Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91173 v2
NZQA Info
Physics 2.6 - Demonstrate understanding of electricity and electromagnetism
6
6
6
Level: 2
Internal or External: External
Credits: 6
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
Credit Summary
Total Credits: 9
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Total Numeracy Credits: 0