Grade 12: Physics

Here is a comprehensive contents outline for Grade 12 Physics, aligned with the British Columbia (BC) curriculum in Canada.

The BC Grade 12 Physics course is formally called Physics 12. It is a rigorous course that delves deeper into the fundamental concepts of physics, with a strong emphasis on calculus-based problem-solving (though the curriculum is primarily algebra-based, the concepts lay the groundwork for calculus). It is essential for students pursuing STEM fields at the university level.

The following outline breaks down the content into the core units as they are typically presented.

Physics 12 – Course Contents Outline

Big Ideas of the Course:

• The force of gravity causes objects to orbit other objects in predictable paths.

• Electric and magnetic forces are both components of the electromagnetic force.

• Energy is transferred through waves and matter by interactions involving fields and forces.

• Light has properties of both particles and waves.

Unit 1: Two-Dimensional Dynamics & Equilibrium

• Key Concepts:

  • Vector Review: Resolving vectors into components, adding vectors algebraically.

  • Statics (Equilibrium): Analyzing situations where the net force and net torque are zero. Solving problems involving objects at rest.

  • Inclined Planes: Analyzing forces (gravity, normal force, friction) acting on objects on slopes.

  • Relative Motion: Analyzing motion from different frames of reference.

• Curricular Competencies Focus: Problem-solving, Applying and innovating.

Unit 2: Momentum and Energy (in Two Dimensions)

• Key Concepts:

  • Momentum in 2D: The law of conservation of momentum applied to collisions in two dimensions. Vector nature of momentum.

  • Work & Energy Review (from Physics 11): Work-energy theorem, kinetic and potential energy.

  • Conservation of Energy: Applying the principle to complex systems involving motion in two dimensions (e.g., roller coasters, pendulums with large angles).

• Curricular Competencies Focus: Processing and analyzing data, Evaluating.

Unit 3: Circular Motion and Gravitation

• Key Concepts:

  • Uniform Circular Motion: Centripetal acceleration and centripetal force.

  • Applications: Vertical circles, banked curves, satellites in orbit.

  • Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation: Fg=Gm1m2r2Fg​=Gr2m1​m2​​

  • Gravitational Fields: Concept of a field, calculating field strength.

  • Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion.

• Curricular Competencies Focus: Applying and innovating, Communicating.

Unit 4: Electrostatics and Electric Fields

• Key Concepts:

  • Coulomb’s Law: Fe=kq1q2r2Fe​=kr2q1​q2​​; calculating the electric force between point charges.

  • Electric Fields: Concept of a field, field lines, calculating electric field strength ($E=F/q$).

  • Electric Potential Energy & Electric Potential (Voltage): Work done in electric fields, potential difference.

  • Millikan’s Oil Drop Experiment: Determining the charge of an electron.

• Curricular Competencies Focus: Questioning, Predicting, Planning, and Conducting.

Unit 5: Electric Circuits

• Key Concepts:

  • Ohm’s Law: $V=IR$

  • Circuit Components: Resistors, capacitors, switches, power supplies.

  • Series and Parallel Circuits: Analyzing current, voltage, and resistance in complex circuits.

  • Energy and Power in Circuits: $P=IV$

• Curricular Competencies Focus: Processing and analyzing data, Evaluating.

Unit 6: Electromagnetism

• Key Concepts:

  • Magnetic Fields: Field lines around magnets and current-carrying wires.

  • Electromagnetism: Oersted’s experiment, the magnetic force on a moving charge (Fm=qvBsin⁡θFm​=qvBsinθ) and on a current-carrying wire (Fm=IlBsin⁡θFm​=IlBsinθ).

  • Motors and Generators: Principles of electromagnetic induction (Faraday’s Law and Lenz’s Law), AC/DC current.

• Curricular Competencies Focus: Applying and innovating, Communicating.

Additional Potential Topics (Varies by School/Teacher)

• Special Relativity (Introductory): Time dilation, length contraction.

• Quantum Mechanics (Introductory): Photoelectric effect, wave-particle duality.

• Nuclear Physics: Radioactive decay, half-life, nuclear reactions.

Curricular Competencies (The “Doing” of Science)

Throughout all units, students will be expected to develop these skills:

• Questioning and Predicting

• Planning and Conducting

• Processing and Analyzing Data and Information

• Evaluating

• Applying and Innovating

• Communicating

This outline provides a solid foundation for what a student can expect to learn in BC’s Physics 12 course. The emphasis is on abstract reasoning, complex problem-solving involving vectors and multiple concepts simultaneously, and understanding field theories (gravity and electromagnetism) that are central to modern physics.