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11–12Physics 11–12 Syllabus (2025)

Record of changes
Implementation from 2027
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OverviewRationaleAimOutcomesContentAssessmentGlossaryTeaching and learning support

Content

Year 12

Electromagnetism

Relevant Working scientifically outcomes and content must be integrated with each focus area. All the Working scientifically outcomes and content must be addressed by the end of Year 12.

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Charged particles in electric and magnetic fields

  • Apply conventions to determine the direction of electrostatic forces on charges in an electric field

  • Analyse the motion of a charged particle in a uniform electric field using E=Vd, F⃗=qE⃗, W=qV=ΔKE, and equations for uniformly accelerated motion
  • Analyse the energy changes of a charged particle in a uniform electric field using W, ΔU and ΔKE

  • Solve problems involving the trajectories of charged particles projected into uniform electric fields

  • Identify factors affecting the magnitude of the magnetic field produced by a moving charge

  • Account for the force experienced by a charged particle moving in a magnetic field

  • Predict the direction of the force acting on a charged particle moving in a magnetic field

  • Analyse the force on a charged particle in a uniform magnetic field by applying F=qv⊥B=qvBsinθ
  • Derive the relationship r=mvqB by equating the centripetal force and the magnetic force

  • Solve problems involving the uniform circular motion of charged particles in uniform magnetic fields

  • Account for the similarities and differences between the paths of masses in uniform gravitational fields, satellites in orbit, charged particles in electric fields, and moving charged particles in magnetic fields

  • Outline the functions and effects of electric fields and magnetic fields in mass spectrometers and electron guns

The motor effect and electric motors

  • Use magnetic field interactions to explain why a current-carrying conductor experiences a force in a magnetic field

  • Determine the direction of a force acting on a current-carrying conductor in a uniform magnetic field

  • Analyse how the magnitude of a force acting on a current-carrying conductor varies by changing the conductor length, current, magnetic field strength, and angle between the current-carrying conductor and magnetic field

  • Conduct a laboratory experiment to demonstrate the motor effect

  • Solve problems involving the motor effect using F=lI⊥ and B=lIBsinθ
  • Analyse factors that affect the magnitude of torque using τ=rFsinθ, where θ is the angle between the radius and the direction of the applied force
  • Analyse the factors that affect the magnitude of torque on a current-carrying loop using τ=nIA⊥B=nIABsinθ

  • Solve problems involving torque on a conducting loop in a magnetic field

  • Analyse the structure and function of the components of simple direct current (DC) motors and simple alternating current (AC) motors, including rotor coils, field magnets, brushes, and split-ring commutators and slip rings

  • Analyse factors that can increase torque in a brushed electric motor

Electromagnetic induction

  • Describe magnetic flux as the measure of the total magnetic field passing through a given area

  • Analyse the relationships between magnetic flux, magnetic field strength, and the angle between the magnetic field and the plane of a loop, using Φ=BAcos⁡θ, where θ is the angle between the magnetic field and the area vector (normal) of the loop
  • Analyse the relationship between generated electromotive force (emf) and the change in magnetic flux per unit time, using the law of electromagnetic induction and |ε|=N|ΔϕΔt|

  • Analyse how the size of generated emf is affected by factors, including the number of turns in a coil of wire, and the change in magnetic flux over time

  • Explain how |ε|=N|ΔϕΔt| and the direction of an induced current are consistent with the law of conservation of energy
  • Solve problems involving emf by applying the law of conservation of energy and using |ε|=N|ΔϕΔt|

  • Account for the production of eddy currents in conductive materials

  • Explain the effects of electromagnetic induction in straight conductors, metal plates and solenoids experiencing a change in magnetic flux

  • Conduct a scientific investigation to examine the factors affecting electromagnetic induction in a solenoid

Applications of electromagnetic induction

  • Relate the structure of simple step-up transformers and step-down transformers to their functions

  • Explain why a primary coil requires an AC input to induce an AC output in the secondary coil of a transformer

  • Analyse the relationships between the primary and secondary voltages and number of turns in the primary and secondary coils of step-up and step-down transformers using VpVs=NpNs
  • Solve problems involving ideal transformers using P=VI, the law of conservation of energy, and VpIp=VsIs

  • Explain the differences in power output between ideal and real transformers in terms of incomplete flux linkage, eddy currents and resistive heating

  • Explain how the components of an AC induction motor are designed to support its function and operation

  • Explain how electromagnetic induction causes a torque on the armature of a brushless DC motor

  • Explain how a force opposing motion is generated during electromagnetic braking

  • Outline the differences between a motor and a generator in terms of energy transformation

  • Explain the production of back emf in simple DC motors

  • Explain the effects of back emf on the current flowing through and speed of a simple DC motor

  • Outline the structure and function of components in a simple AC generator and a simple DC generator, including rotor coils, stator magnets, brushes, and slip rings and split-ring commutators

  • Explain the variations in current produced by AC generators and DC generators

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