PHY3

NCEA L3 Physics - Mātai Ahupūngao

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Dr M. Harvey.

The study of the universe itself, level 3 Physics builds upon level 2 exploring the theories and principles involved in the physical world, in all its intricate beauty. Topics you will learn about include simple harmonic motion, as well as practical experimental and research skills.  By the end of the course, you will gain a deeper understanding about the principles of wave, mechanical systems, electronic systems, nuclear and atomic physics and much more. Below is an example of the course content with regard to electrical systems.

You will gain an understanding of modern physics and the real reason Einstein got his PhD!

Capacitor Lab

If you are interested in the application of scientific theories in the physical world, understanding how the world works, finding out how about interaction between physical concepts like magnetism and electricity as well as how this has impacted the world, then this is your subject.


Course Overview

Term 1
In term one we will explore mechanical systems, which extends what was covered in level 2. This will involve the following topics:

Momentum and Centre of Gravity.
Rotational Motion with constant angular acceleration.
Rotational Inertia, Momentum and Energy.
Gravity and Satellite motion
Simple Harmonic Motion

Term 2
In term 2 we will focus on waves, and this will give you understanding when it comes to the Modern physics internal and the non-intuitive world of quantum physics.

The topic of waves incorporates the following subtopics:

Interference of electromagnetic and sound waves, including multi-slit interference and diffraction gratings.
Standing waves in strings and pipes.
Harmonics
Resonance
Beats
The Doppler Effect

Term 3
We will begin the electrical systems topic, looking at:

Kirchhoff's laws and internal resistance
Resistors and DC circuits
Capacitors and DC circuits
Nuclear and atomic Physics
Inductors and DC circuits
AC circuits with resistors, capacitors and inductors.
Phasor diagrams
RCL circuits and resonance

Term 4
Revision for externals

Recommended Prior Learning

12 credits in Physics at Level 2 or higher. The majority of Physics exams at Level 2 must have been passed.

Pathway

University courses are the next logical step if you want to progress with your Physics qualifications.

Career Pathways

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.

This course is approved for University Entrance.

Total Credits Available: 19
Internal Assessed Credits: 0
External Assessed Credits: 19
Optional Credits Available: 0
Optional Internal Assessed Credits: 0
Optional External Assessed Credits: 0
Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 91523 v2
NZQA Info

Physics 3.3 - Demonstrate understanding of wave systems


Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91524 v2
NZQA Info

Physics 3.4 - Demonstrate understanding of mechanical systems


Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 6
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91525 v2
NZQA Info

Physics 3.5 - Demonstrate understanding of Modern Physics


Level: 3
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91526 v2
NZQA Info

Physics 3.6 - Demonstrate understanding of electrical systems


Level: 3
Internal or External: External
Credits: 6
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0 *
Numeracy Credits: 0
Credit Summary
Total Credits: 19
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Total Numeracy Credits: 0

Approved subject for University Entrance

Number of credits that can be used for overall endorsement: 19

Only students engaged in learning and achievement derived from Te Marautanga o Aotearoa are eligible to be awarded these subjects as part of the requirement for 14 credits in each of three subjects.