Physics
- Why is the sky blue and red in the evening?
- On a sunny day, why can you cool a warm can of soda wrapped with a wet towel?
- What is quantum physics and how does a quantum computer work?
- What makes an atom nucleus stable in place (protons are positive and repel)?
- Why are the astronauts at ISS feeling weightless even though they experience a gravitational force from Earth?
Physics is a branch of science that explores the fundamental principles governing the universe. It seeks to understand the nature of matter, energy, space, and time, utilizing mathematical models and empirical observations. From subatomic particles to cosmic phenomena, physics encompasses a wide range of scales.
All students follow the mandatory Physics course in S5, and students with a special interest in physics can choose the Advanced Physics course in S6 and S7.
Teaching
Physics is a practical science, and an important part of the course is obtaining knowledge through experimental work, such as observing and measuring using data acquiring software.
In S5, we cover the following topics:
- Electricity and magnetism
- Accelerated motion and forces
- Waves (sound, light and mechanical waves)
- Energy, work and power
- Matter and heat
- Nuclear physics
Example of practicals in S5
- Water rockets and motion
- Potato gun and energy
- Finding the acceleration at free fall
- Finding the speed of sound
- Investigating the half-life of a radioactive substance
In S6 and S7, we delve further into the topics from S5. The topics are studied both in S6 and in S7 (where the topics are connected):
- Electric-, magnetic and gravitational fields
- Uniform acceleration and circular motion
- Oscillations and waves
- Quantum physics
Example of practicals in S6-S7
- Electron beam – deflection in an electric field
- Investigating Earth´s magnetic field
- Projectile launcher – investigating motion in two dimensions
- Rotating bucket (with water) and loop-the-loop to study circular motion
- Investigating waves from music instruments
- Find the slit-width of a CD-disc
- Induction – Magnet falling through a coil
Exam
In S5, you will sit one B-test in the autumn/winter. The format is up to the teacher. You will also sit a written B-test in June. The duration of the test is 90 minutes.
If you choose to follow the Advanced Physics course as part of your baccalaureate program in S6-S7, you can choose to sit Physics at an oral or written exam (or not at all). The written exam is 3 hours. The oral exam is 20 minutes preparation followed by 20 minutes examination.