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Apex Academy Courses

Physics, Grade 11

cost-effective way to learn and earn credit for SPH3U
SPH3U

Physics, Grade 11

This course develops students’ understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students will explore kinematics, with an emphasis on linear motion; different kinds of forces; energy transformations; the properties of mechanical waves and sound; and electricity and magnetism. They will enhance their scientific investigation skills as they test laws of physics. In addition, they will analyse the interrelationships between physics and technology, and consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.

Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic

Course Outline

Module 1 Overview: Kinematics

Guiding Question:
How can motion be described with more than just words?

In this first module, we begin our study of physics with the branch called mechanics. Mechanics is the study of motion of objects and it is one of the most important topics in physics. Kinematics is the study of motion without regard to the forces that influence the object. In this module, you will focus on kinematics in one and two dimensions. The formulas for kinematics will allow you to analyze the motion of object, such as baseballs and cars, which you encounter in your day-to-day life.

Module 2 Overview: Forces

Guiding Question:
How are forces and motion related?

Dynamics is the branch of mechanics that deals with both motion and the forces that produce it. A force is simply a pull or a push. We spend our whole lives living under the influence of various forces. You exert a force when you push and open a door. The force of gravity exerted by Earth keeps us on the ground. The force of friction between our shoes and the floor allows us to move forward. Sometimes your sweater might exert a force on a sock after you take them out of the dryer, resulting in what is called “static cling”.

Forces exert an influence on objects, sometimes causing them to move and sometimes causing them to stop. Let’s explore these forces in detail!

Module 3 Overview: Energy and society

Guiding Question:
What is energy and how does it transform from one form another? 

In this module, you will learn about the physics of mechanical work, energy, power and efficiency. Humans as a society consume a huge amount of energy. You will explore various forms of energy, particularly heat and nuclear energy. What the difference is between heat, thermal energy and temperature? How nuclear energy generated? How do these different sources of energy compare in terms of how they are generated and the impact they have on the environment and society? What happens when energy is transformed from one form to another?

You will have opportunities to carry out simulations, group discussions and mathematical problems solving to answer these questions and form your own opinions on issues of energy generation.

Module 4 Overview: Waves and Sound

Guiding Question:
What is sound?

In this module, you will explore the physics of mechanical waves. Through simulations, you will have the opportunity to visualize the behavior of waves and extend your knowledge to analyze sound waves qualitatively and mathematically. You will also study technologies that depend on understanding the physics of waves such as music, building construction, airplane safety, oil exploration, and animal communication.

Module 5 Overview: Electricity and magnetism

Guiding Question:
How are electricity and magnetism related?

In this module, you will start by examining the basics of electricity and how it is produced. You will then learn about the properties that we need to understand (quantities such as electric potential difference, electric current and electrical resistance) to be able to produce, transfer, and use electricity efficiently. You will analyze electric circuits and solve related problems. Through simulations and practical exercises, you will have the opportunity to examine the relationships between electricity and magnetism (electromagnetism and induction) and technologies that rely on these relationships such as electric motors, generators and transformers. You will also analyze the social, economic and environmental impact of electrical energy production and technologies related to electromagnetism.

Assessment Breakdown

Course Work, Assignments, and Proctored Tests: 70%
Culminating Independent Study Project: 10%
Final Exam: 20%