Physics, Grade 12, College Preparation
Curriculum Policy
Science, The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12, 2008 (Revised)

Course Description:
This course enhances students’ comprehension of fundamental physics concepts. It covers various topics, including motion, mechanical systems, electrical systems, electromagnetic systems, energy transformations, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and the operation of everyday tools and machines. Students will refine their scientific investigation skills by testing the laws of physics and solving both assigned problems and those that arise during their explorations. Additionally, the course encourages students to evaluate the societal and environmental implications of technological applications of physics.

Chapters and Descriptions:

• Understanding Motion and Its Impact
  Students will develop an understanding of how all motion involves a change in the position of an object over time and describe this concept using mathematical relationships. Many technologies that utilize the principles of motion will be assessed for their impact on society and the environment.
• Exploring Mechanical Systems
  Students will demonstrate an understanding of how mechanical systems use force to do work. They will develop skills to describe the operation of mechanical systems using mathematical relationships. The influence that friction as a force has on the design, use, and effectiveness of mechanical systems will be explored. Finally, students will assess the ways in which mechanical systems can be used to address social and environmental challenges.
• Investigating Electricity and Magnetism
  In this unit, students will understand the predictability of the relationships between electricity and magnetism, as well as their many technological applications. They will further explore both the positive and negative effects on society and the environment of technological applications that use electricity and magnetism.
• Analyzing Energy Transformations
  Students will demonstrate an understanding of how energy can be transformed from one type to another and that systems that involve energy transformations are never entirely efficient. They will evaluate the responsible use of technological applications that involve energy transformations based on both the negative and positive effects these processes can have on society and the environment.
• Examining Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems
  Students will develop an understanding of how fluids under pressure can be used to do work and have predictable properties that make them useful in many technological applications. They will also assess the social and economic consequences of the uses of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.