NCEA L2 Physics - Mātai Ahupūngao

The study of nature and the properties of matter and energy, level 2 Physics explores the theories and principles involved in the physical world, in all its glory. We try to understand how the universe behaves so we can make predictions about our world.  

Topics you will learn about include:

The forces involved in the physical world. such as gravity and tension. Projectile motion involved in everything from the movement of rockets to rugby balls. Linear motion of vehicles and objects moving in a straight line, like you are running towards your physics lesson. Momentum and its applications like collisions and explosions. Conservation of energy between the two major forms of energy, stored energy and the energy of movement and torque or balancing forces on a beam or on bridges.

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.

All students experience using experimental data to explore and analyze the relationship between physical properties in the universe. Like the conservation of momentum like the skateboarder below.

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

Using equations to calculate how fast you are going, how far you are travelling and how your speed is changing. Energy conservation between different forms of energy like electricity and sound. Momentum conservation when objects collide or explode. Vectors calculations used for sailing or rocketry. Projectile motion to predict how rockets move, or objects fall and balancing forces like weight and tension on a bridge with torque and equilibrium.

Projectile Motion Simulation

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.

If you are interested in trying to understand the physical world through experiment, then this is your subject!