WELCOME WONDERFUL STUDENTS

TO THE EXCITING WORLD OF

PHYSICS

Introduction to Preliminary Physics

This material can be used as the basis of a first lesson to Year 11:

1.  Write down three things you know about physics or about
     what physicists do.

2.  Name three famous physicists (and say what they did).

3.  Is physics the same as maths?  What’s the relationship?

WHAT IS PHYSICS?

To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour.

from William Blake’s “Songs of Innocence”

Picture Above: A beautiful frangipani flower in my garden at home.

"Science asks the why and how questions and therefore is the process of questioning, not the acquisition of information.  We must always begin by asking questions, not by giving answers.  We must create interest in things, phenomena and processes."

from Victor F. Weisskopf "The Privilege of Being a Physicist", W.H. Freeman & Co., New York, 1989.

Picture Above: The Globular Cluster called Omega Centauri

Physicists look at our universe with open minds and hearts and strive to describe and understand the intricate interrelationships that exist therein.

Picture Above: Buzz Aldrin on the Moon July 1969 (I watched the Moon walk on a black and white TV as a Year 4 student at East Maitland Primary School).

WHERE?

The realm of physics is endless!

From the very big:

• energy production in stars

• galaxy formation

• theories of how the universe began

To the very small:

• studies of surface structure and nano-technology

• interactions of atomic, sub-atomic, sub-nuclear particles

• basic theories of matter (QED, QCD, GUTs)

WHY?

PURPOSE - pure knowledge & better standards of life for all - both of which can bring humanity closer to GOD.

HOW?

QUESTION - always be curious, imaginative, creative

PONDER - think logically, think laterally, make predictions

INVESTIGATE - observe, measure, test, record

SYNTHESIZE - develop theories that accurately reflect reality

STRIVE - do your best, be positive, never give up

Physics uses mathematics to express and describe the relationships between the various aspects of the universe that come under its scrutiny.

But always remember, Albert Einstein once said that:

“So far as the laws of mathematics refer to reality, they are not certain.  And so far as they are certain, they do not refer to reality.”

When you use maths to describe or solve a problem in the real world always ask does my description or solution make good physical sense?

			Your Journey

In Year 11 you will study the following topics: The World Communicates; Electrical Energy in the Home, Moving About & The Cosmic Engine.

In the HSC Course you will focus on Space, Motors & Generators and From Ideas to Implementation and then do ONE of the following topics: Geophysics, Medical Physics, Astrophysics, From Quanta to Quarks & The Age of Silicon.

			Expectations

Throughout the course you are expected to do all set homework and Assessment Tasks.  Laboratory Reports must be completed and submitted on time.  Answering practice questions & solving problems which get you to apply the theory is the best way to study physics.  Learn the meanings of the verbs used in the Syllabus points and learn what is expected in answer to each verb.  Use the Syllabus as your Study Guide.  Ask your Teacher how to do this.

Use a loose-leaf folder system for notes and lab reports.

Keep all work up to date, revise what you do in class on a regular basis and ASK your Teacher for help if you are having difficulty!!!

Your Teacher will inform you which text book to obtain from Book Hire.  It is your responsibility to get this text during Week 1.

There are many good texts, specifically written for the Stage 6 Physics Course.  You may like to check out the Physics Texts page on this site.

Finally, remember that all senior science courses are distinctly different from and much harder than junior science.  Achieving good marks takes a great deal of determination, practice and stamina.

Best wishes for your success.

Mr R Emery

25/1/13

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