Course Outline Physics 11 extends the motion concepts explored in Science 10. Physics is the branch of knowledge that studies the processes and structures of the natural world at the most fundamental level. Objects as small as atoms and as large as galaxies are investigated to explain their underlying principles and structures. Physics is both descriptive and predictive: it can often explain how something works and predict how its related technologies can be improved. Kinematics Kinematics is the study of how objects move. Learners will experience kinematics in a kinesthetic way as they are provided with opportunities to create problem scenarios as well as feel the effects of different speeds and acceleration to see the difference these make in reference to their own motion. Motion will be explored in many contexts including abstract situations. Tools such as vector analysis and algebraic problem solving will be applied. Dynamics As in the kinematics unit, students should draw on their own experiences to describe and analyze forces. Activities with dynamics carts allows students to investigate, measure, manipulate, and predict relationships among force, mass, and acceleration. Concepts in this unit include Newton’s laws and an introduction to momentum. Momentum and Energy Learners will investigate the conservation of momentum as well as concepts such as work, power, and efficiency. Additionally, technological implications of energy transformation and conservation will be explored. Waves Fundamental properties of waves are investigated in this unit. Real-life examples could include resonance and earthquakes or the quest for energy. Because the study of waves is so broad, students have many opportunities to research and investigate different topics—musical instruments, optics, communications systems, electronics, medical imaging, non-destructive testing, and sound pollution, to suggest just a few. As they move from phenomena that can be observed directly, such as mechanical and water waves, to those less directly observable, such as sound and EM waves, students should be challenged to make inferences based on wave phenomena. They should increasingly recognize the power of physics in general, and wave concepts in particular, to convey information and permit exploration where the unaided human senses fail. The range of tools used to make indirect observations is vast—from simple hand lenses to compound microscopes to scanning electron microscopes, from radio telescopes to MRI, CAT, and PET scanning technology. However, in all scientific and technological endeavours, the tools to extend our senses were developed using the concepts and principles of physics. Updated March 10, 2022