Marlborough Boys’ College Marlborough Boys’ College

NCEA L3 Physics - Mātai Ahupūngao

PHY3
Course Description Recommended Prior Learning

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


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 mechanical systems, electronic systems, nuclear and atomic physics, socio-scientific implications of physics and much more. Below is an example of the course content with regard to electrical systems.

You will gain an understanding of how society makes decisions about scientific issues, as well some of the ways in which the scientific community contributes to the success of the economy and society.

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.

Important Links

No Brain Too Small

Level 3 Mechanics

Level 3 Electrical Systems

Physics - University of Otago

Physics - University of Canterbury

Physics - VUW

Physics - University of Auckland


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 a practical Investigation relating two variables in a non-linear relationship, which extends the level 2 standard and incorporates the treatment of experimental error and uncertainty in Physics.

We will also begin the topic of electrical systems which extends the level 2 course and incorporates the following subtopics:

Kirchhoff's laws and internal resistance
Resistors and DC circuits
Capacitors and DC circuits
Nuclear and atomic Physics
Inductors and DC circuits

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

AC circuits with resistors, capacitors and inductors.
Phasor diagrams
RCL circuits and resonance

Finally, we will explore nuclear and atomic physics as the modern physics standard.

Term 4
Revision for externals

Learning Areas:

Year 13 (NCEA Level 3), Science - Pūtaiao


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