A.

Space, time and motion

A.1 Kinematics

Guiding questions

How can the motion of a body be described quantitatively and qualitatively?

How can the position of a body in space and time be predicted?

How can the analysis of motion in one and two dimensions be used to solve real-life problems?

Understandings

Standard level and higher level: 9 hours

Students should understand:

• that the motion of bodies through space and time can be described and analysed in terms of
position,

velocity, and acceleration

• velocity is the rate of change of position, and acceleration is the rate of change of velocity

• the change in position is the displacement

• the difference between distance and displacement

• the difference between instantaneous and average values of velocity, speed and acceleration, and

how to determine them

s=

• the equations of motion for solving problems with uniformly accelerated motion as given by

u +v

2t

v =u+at

s = ut + 1

2 at2

v2 = u2+2as

• motion with uniform and non-uniform acceleration

• the behaviour of projectiles in the absence of fluid resistance, and the application of the equations
of

motion resolved into vertical and horizontal components

• the qualitative effect of fluid resistance on projectiles, including time of flight, trajectory, velocity,

acceleration, range and terminal speed.

Additional higher level

There is no additional higher level content in A.1

Guidance

A quantitative approach to projectile motion will be limited to situations where fluid resistance is
absent or

can be neglected.

The trajectory of projectile motion is parabolic in the absence of fluid resistance, but the equation of
the

trajectory is not required.

Familiarity with projectiles launched horizontally, at angles above, and at angles below the horizontal
is

required.

33

Physics guide

Syllabus content

close to the surface of the Earth.

Projectile motion will only involve problems using a constant value of

Fluid resistance refers to the effects of gases and liquids on the motion of a body.

Linking questions

How does the motion of a mass in a gravitational field compare to the motion of a charged particle in
an

electric field?

How are the equations for rotational motion related to those for linear motion?

When can certain types of problems on projectile motion be solved by applying conservation of
energy

instead of kinematic equations?

How effectively do the equations of motion model Newton’s laws of dynamics?

How does a gravitational force allow for orbital motion?

How does the motion of an object change within a gravitational field?

How does graphical analysis allow for the determination of other physical quantities? (NOS)

A.2 Forces and momentum

Guiding questions

How can forces acting on a system be represented both visually and algebraically?
How can Newton’s laws be modelled mathematically?

How can knowledge of forces and momentum be used to predict the behaviour of interacting
bodies?

Understandings

Standard level and higher level: 10 hours

Students should understand:

• Newton’s three laws of motion

• forces as interactions between bodies

• that forces acting on a body can be represented in a free-body diagram

• that free-body diagrams can be analysed to find the resultant force on a system

• the nature and use of the following contact forces

◦ normal force

FN

is the component of the contact force acting perpendicular to the surface that

counteracts the body

◦ surface frictional force

μs

Ff

and

acting in a direction parallel to the plane of contact between a body

and a surface, on a stationary body as given by Ff ≤ μsFN or a body in motion as given by

Ff = μdFN where

μd

◦ tension

◦ elastic restoring force

FH

are the coefficients of static and dynamic friction respectively

following Hooke’s law as given by FH =–kx where

constant

◦ viscous drag force

Fd
k

is the spring

acting on a small sphere opposing its motion through a fluid as given by

Fd = 6πηrv where

is the fluid viscosity,

sphere through the fluid

◦ buoyancy

Fb

is the radius of the sphere and

is the velocity of the

acting on a body due to the displacement of the fluid as given by Fb = ρVg where

is the volume of fluid displaced

• the nature and use of the following field forces

◦ gravitational force

◦ electric force

Fe

◦ magnetic force

34

Fm

Fg

is the weight of the body and calculated is given by

Fg = mg

Physics guide

p =mv

Syllabus content

• that linear momentum as given by

resultant external force

remains constant unless the system is acted upon by a

• that a resultant external force applied to a system constitutes an impulse

is the average resultant force and

Δt

is the time of contact

as given by

• that the applied external impulse equals the change in momentum of the system

• that Newton’s second law in the form

F =ma

assumes mass is constant whereas

F=

J =FΔt

Δp

Δt

where

allows for

situations where mass is changing

• the elastic and inelastic collisions of two bodies

• explosions

• energy considerations in elastic collisions, inelastic collisions, and explosions

• that bodies moving along a circular trajectory at a constant speed experience an acceleration that
is

directed radially towards the centre of the circle—known as a centripetal acceleration as given by

a=

v2

r =ω2r =

4π2r

T2

• that circular motion is caused by a centripetal force acting perpendicular to the velocity
• that a centripetal force causes the body to change direction even if its magnitude of velocity may

remain constant

• that the motion along a circular trajectory can be described in terms of the angular velocity

related to the linear speed

Additional higher level

by the equation as given by v =

There is no additional higher level content in A.2.

Guidance

2πr

T =ωr.

which is

Sketches and interpretations of free-body diagrams and a determination of the resultant force are for
one-

and two-dimensional situations only.

Forces should be labelled using commonly accepted names or symbols.

Newton’s first law will be applied to problems involving translational equilibrium.

Examples of Newton’s third law will include the identification of force pairs in various situations.

The use of simultaneous equations involving conservation of momentum and energy in collisions is
not

required.

A quantitative approach to collisions and explosions is for one-dimensional situations for standard
level

students and for two-dimensional situations for higher level students.

Situations should involve both uniform and non-uniform circular motion in both horizontal and
vertical

planes.

Analysis of forces on bodies in non-uniform circular motion in a vertical plane at points other than
the top

or bottom is not required.

Quantitative treatment of problems involving banked surfaces is not required.

Linking questions
How do collisions between charge carriers and the atomic cores of a conductor result in thermal
energy

transfer?

How can knowledge of electrical and magnetic forces allow the prediction of changes to the motion
of

charged particles?

How does the application of a restoring force acting on a particle result in simple harmonic motion?

How are concepts of equilibrium and conservation applied to understand matter and motion from
the

smallest atom to the whole universe?

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Physics guide

Syllabus content

Why is no work done on a body moving along a circular trajectory?

In which way is conservation of momentum relevant to the workings of a nuclear power station?

If experimental measurements contain uncertainties, how can laws be developed based on

experimental

evidence? (NOS)

What assumptions about the forces between molecules of gas allow for ideal gas behaviour? (NOS)

A.3 Work, energy and power

Guiding questions

How are concepts of work, energy and power used to predict changes within a system?

How can a consideration of energetics be used as a method to solve problems in kinematics?

How can transfer of energy be used to do work?

Understandings

Standard level and higher level: 8 hours

Students should understand:

• the principle of the conservation of energy

• that work done by a force is equivalent to a transfer of energy

• that energy transfers can be represented on a Sankey diagram

• that work

W
done on a body by a constant force depends on the component of the force along the

line of displacement as given by W = Fs cos θ

• that work done by the resultant force on a system is equal to the change in the energy of the
system

• that mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy and elastic

potential energy

• that in the absence of frictional, resistive forces, the total mechanical energy of a system is
conserved

• that if mechanical energy is conserved, work is the amount of energy transformed between
different

forms of mechanical energy in a system, such as:

◦ the kinetic energy of translational motion as given by Ek = 1

2mv2 =

p2

2m

◦ the gravitational potential energy, when close to the surface of the Earth as given by

ΔEp = mgΔh

◦ the elastic potential energy as given by EH =

• that power developed

k(Δx)2

is the rate of work done, or the rate of energy transfer, as given by

P=

ΔW

Δt =Fv

• efficiency

in terms of energy transfer or power as given by η =

• energy density of the fuel sources.

Additional higher level

There is no additional higher level content in A.3.

Guidance

useful work out

total work in =

useful power out

total power in

The change in the total mechanical energy of a system should be interpreted in terms of the work
done on

the system by any non-conservative force.

Linking questions

Which other quantities in physics involve rates of change?

36

Physics guide

Syllabus content

How is the equilibrium state of a system, such as the Earth’s atmosphere or a star, determined?

How do travelling waves allow for a transfer of energy without a resultant displacement of matter?

Why is the equation for the change in gravitational potential energy only relevant close to the surface
of the

Earth, and what happens when moving further away from the surface?

Where do the laws of conservation apply in other areas of physics? (NOS)

A.4 Rigid body mechanics

Guiding questions

How can the understanding of linear motion be applied to rotational motion?

How is the understanding of the torques acting on a system used to predict changes in rotational
motion?

How does the distribution of mass within a body affect its rotational motion?

Understandings

Standard level and higher level

There is no standard level content in A.4.

Additional higher level: 7 hours

Students should understand:

• the torque
τ

of a force about an axis as given by τ = Fr sin θ

• that bodies in rotational equilibrium have a resultant torque of zero

• that an unbalanced torque applied to an extended, rigid body will cause angular acceleration

• that the rotation of a body can be described in terms of angular displacement, angular velocity and

angular acceleration

• that equations of motion for uniform angular acceleration can be used to predict the body’s
angular

position

, angular displacement

Δθ =

ωf +ωi

2t

ωf = ωi+αt

Δθ =ωit + 1

2 αt2

ωf 2 = ωi 2 + 2αΔθ

• that the moment of inertia

Δθ

, angular speed

and angular acceleration

, as given by

depends on the distribution of mass of an extended body about an axis of

rotation

• the moment of inertia for a system of point masses as given by I = Σmr2

• Newton’s second law for rotation as given by

τ = Iα
where

is the average torque

• that an extended body rotating with an angular speed has an angular momentum

L =Iω

as given by

• that angular momentum remains constant unless the body is acted upon by a resultant torque

• that the action of a resultant torque constitutes an angular impulse

• the kinetic energy of rotational motion as given by Ek = 1

Iω2 =

ΔL

L2

2I .

Guidance

as given by ΔL = τΔt = Δ(Iω)

The vector nature of torque and angular momentum need not be addressed, but the sense
(clockwise or

counter-clockwise) of a torque should be included.

37

Physics guide

Syllabus content

A calculation of the centre of mass of bodies is not required; there should be an understanding that
when

considering linear motion, the mass of an extended body may be taken as concentrated at the centre
of

mass.

The equation for the moment of inertia of a specific mass distribution will be provided when
necessary.

Simultaneous rotational and translational motion will be restricted to rolling without slipping.

Angular speed will be used rather than angular velocity as a formal vector treatment.
The term angular velocity will be used although a formal vector treatment is not required.

Situations should involve change of moment of inertia in extended bodies and coupled pairs of
bodies.

Linking questions

How does rotation apply to the motion of charged particles or satellites in orbit?

How does conservation of angular momentum lead to the determination of the Bohr radius?

How does a torque lead to simple harmonic motion?

How are the laws of conservation and equations of motion in the context of rotational motion
analogous to

those governing linear motion?

How can rotation lead to the generation of an electric current?

A.5 Galilean and special relativity

Guiding questions

How do observers in different reference frames describe events in terms of space and time?

How does special relativity change our understanding of motion compared to Galilean relativity?

How are space–time diagrams used to represent relativistic motion?

Understandings

Standard level and higher level

There is no standard level content in A.5.

Additional higher level: 8 hours

Students should understand:

• reference frames

• that Newton's laws of motion are the same in all inertial reference frames and this is known as
Galilean

relativity

• that in Galilean relativity the position

x′

and time

t′

of an event are given by x′ = x–vt and

t′ = t

• that Galilean transformation equations lead to the velocity addition equation as given by u′ = u–v
• the two postulates of special relativity

t′ = γ t

• that the postulates of special relativity lead to the Lorentz transformation equations for the

coordinates of an event in two inertial reference frames as given by

x′ = γ(x–vt)

vx

c2

where γ =

u′ =

v2

c2

• that Lorentz transformation equations lead to the relativistic velocity addition equation as given by

u–v

uv

c2

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Physics guide

Δs

Syllabus content

• that the space–time interval

(Δs)2 = (cΔt)2–(Δx)2

between two events is an invariant quantity as given by

• proper time interval and proper length

• time dilation as given by Δt = γΔt0

• length contraction as given by

• the relativity of simultaneity

• space–time diagrams

L =L
0

• that the angle between the world line of a moving particle and the time axis on a space–time
diagram

is related to the particle’s speed as given by tan θ = v

• that muon decay experiments provide experimental evidence for time dilation and length
contraction.

Guidance

An inertial reference frame is non-accelerating.

The derivation of the Lorentz transformation equations and the relativistic velocity addition
equations are

not required.

The derivation of the time dilation and length contraction equations is not required.

The time axis on space–time diagrams will be labelled

ct

The discussion of world lines of moving particles will be limited to constant velocity.

Time dilation, length contraction and simultaneity can be visualized using space–time diagrams.

The scales on the time axes

ct

and

ct′

and on the space axes

and

x′

of two inertial reference frames

moving relative to one another are not the same and are defined by lines of constant space–time
interval.

Linking questions

How are equations of linear motion adapted in relativistic contexts?

Why is the equation for the Doppler effect for light so different from that for sound?

Special relativity places a limit on the speed of light. What other limits exist in physics? (NOS)

B. The particulate nature of matter

B.1 Thermal energy transfers

Guiding questions

How do macroscopic observations provide a model of the microscopic properties of a substance?

How is energy transferred within and between systems?

How can observations of one physical quantity be used to determine the other properties of a
system?

Understandings

Standard level and higher level: 6 hours

Students should understand:

• molecular theory in solids, liquids and gases

• density

as given by

ρ =m

• that Kelvin and Celsius scales are used to express temperature

• that the change in temperature of a system is the same when expressed with the Kelvin or Celsius

scales

39

Physics guide

Syllabus content

• that Kelvin temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles as given by

Ek =

kBT

• that the internal energy of a system is the total intermolecular potential energy arising from the
forces

between the molecules plus the total random kinetic energy of the molecules arising from their
random motion

• that temperature difference determines the direction of the resultant thermal energy transfer
between

bodies

• that a phase change represents a change in particle behaviour arising from a change in energy at

constant temperature

• quantitative analysis of thermal energy transfers

with the use of specific heat capacity

latent heat of fusion and vaporization of substances

as given by Q = mcΔT and

Q=mL

and specific

• that conduction, convection and thermal radiation are the primary mechanisms for thermal energy

transfer

• conduction in terms of the difference in the kinetic energy of particles

• quantitative analysis of rate of thermal energy transfer by conduction in terms of the type of
material

ΔQ

Δt =kA

and cross-sectional area of the material and the temperature gradient as given by

ΔT

Δx

• qualitative description of thermal energy transferred by convection due to fluid density differences

• quantitative analysis of energy transferred by radiation as a result of the emission of

electromagnetic

waves from the surface of a body, which in the case of a black body can be modelled by the Stefan

Boltzmann law as given by L = σAT4 where

absolute temperature of the body

• the concept of apparent brightness

• luminosity

of a body as given by b =

4πd2

is the luminosity,

is the surface area and

is the

• the emission spectrum of a black body and the determination of the temperature of the body using

Wien’s displacement law as given by λmaxT = 2.9 × 10−3m K where

λmax

emitted.

Additional higher level

There is no additional higher level content in B.1.

Guidance

is the peak wavelength

An elementary explanation of the physical differences between solids, liquids and gases in terms of
the

molecular model is required.

The conversion of Kelvin and Celsius scales is required.

The terms melting, freezing, boiling, condensing and evaporation should be familiar.

The luminosity of a star can be expressed in watts or in terms of the luminosity of the Sun

Linking questions

How is the understanding of systems applied to other areas of physics?

L⊙

How can the phase change of water be used in the process of electricity generation?
What applications does the Stefan-Boltzmann law have in astrophysics and in the use of solar
energy?

How can observations of one physical quantity allow for the determination of another? (NOS)

What role does the molecular model play in understanding other areas of physics? (NOS)

Where do inverse square law relationships appear in other areas of physics? (NOS)

How has international collaboration helped to develop the understanding of the nature of matter?
(NOS)

40

Physics guide

Syllabus content

B.2 Greenhouse effect

Guiding questions

How does the greenhouse effect help to maintain life on Earth and how does human activity enhance
this

effect?

How is the atmosphere as a system modelled to quantify the Earth–atmosphere energy balance?

Understandings

Standard level and higher level: 6 hours

Students should understand:

• the conservation of energy

• emissivity as the ratio of the power radiated per unit area by a surface compared to that of an ideal

black surface at the same temperature as given by emissivity =

power radiated per unit area

σT4

• albedo as a measure of the average energy reflected off a macroscopic system as given by

albedo =

total scattered power

total incident power

• that Earth’s albedo varies daily and is dependent on cloud formations and latitude

• the solar constant

• that the incoming radiative power is dependent on the projected surface of a planet along the
direction of the path of the rays, resulting in a mean value of the incoming intensity being S

• that methane CH4

, water vapour H2

O, carbon dioxide CO2

, and nitrous oxide N2

O, are the main

greenhouse gases and each of these has origins that are both natural and created by human activity

• the absorption of infrared radiation by the main greenhouse gases in terms of the molecular
energy

levels and the subsequent emission of radiation in all directions

• that the greenhouse effect can be explained in terms of both a resonance model and molecular

energy levels

• that the augmentation of the greenhouse effect due to human activities is known as the enhanced

greenhouse effect.

Additional higher level

There is no additional higher level content in B.2.

Guidance

Problems will include the estimation of equilibrium temperature of a body using energy balance
between

incoming and outgoing radiation intensity, including albedo, emissivity, and solar or other constants.

Energy balance problems will include energy exchanged between the surface and the atmosphere of
a

body.

The burning of fossil fuels is a primary cause of the enhanced greenhouse effect.

Linking questions

What relevance do simple harmonic motion and resonance have to climate change?

How do different methods of electricity production affect the energy balance of the atmosphere?

How are developments in science and technology affected by climate change?

What limitations are there in using a resonance model to explain the greenhouse effect?

41

Physics guide
Syllabus content

B.3 Gas laws

Guiding questions

How are the macroscopic characteristics of a gas related to the behaviour of individual molecules?

What assumptions and observations lead to universal gas laws?

How can models be used to help explain observed phenomena?

Understandings

Standard level and higher level: 6 hours

Students should understand:

• pressure as given by

P=

• the amount of substance

where

is the force exerted perpendicular to the surface

as given by

Avogadro constant

n=

NA

where

is the number of molecules and

NA

is the

• that ideal gases are described in terms of the kinetic theory and constitute a modelled system used
to

approximate the behaviour of real gases

• that the ideal gas law equation can be derived from the empirical gas laws for constant pressure,

constant volume and constant temperature as given by

PV

T =constant

• the equations governing the behaviour of ideal gases as given by PV = NkBT and PV = nRT

• that the change in momentum of particles due to collisions with a given surface gives rise to
pressure

in gases and, from that analysis, pressure is related to the average translational speed of molecules
as

given by P =

3 ρv2

• the relationship between the internal energy U of an ideal monatomic gas and the number of

molecules or amount of substance as given by U = 3

2NkBT or U = 3

2 RnT

• the temperature, pressure and density conditions under which an ideal gas is a good approximation
of

a real gas.

Additional higher level

There is no additional higher level content in B.3.

Guidance

The assumption of the kinetic model is of an ideal gas.

The differences between an ideal gas and a real gas should be understood.

Gas laws are limited to constant volume, constant temperature, constant pressure and the ideal gas
law.

Changes of state of an ideal gas can be represented on pressure–volume diagrams.

A qualitative explanation of the macroscopic properties of an ideal gas in terms of molecular

behaviour is

required.

Linking questions

How does the concept of force and momentum link mechanics and thermodynamics?
How does a consideration of the kinetic energy of molecules relate to the development of the gas
laws?

How can gas particles of high kinetic energy be used to perform work?

What other simplified models are relied upon to communicate the understanding of complex
phenomena?

(NOS)

42

Physics guide

Syllabus content

B.4 Thermodynamics

Guiding questions

How can energy transfers and energy storage within a system be analysed?

How can the future evolution of a system be determined?

In what way is entropy fundamental to the evolution of the universe?

Understandings

Standard level and higher level

There is no standard level content in B.4.

Additional higher level: 8 hours

Students should understand:

• that the first law of thermodynamics as given by Q = ΔU + W results from the application of

conservation of energy to a closed system and relates the internal energy of a system to the transfer
of

energy as heat and as work

• that the work done by or on a closed system as given by W = PΔV when its boundaries are changed

can be described in terms of pressure and changes of volume of the system

• that the change in internal energy as given by ΔU =

change of its temperature

• that entropy

2NkBΔT = 3

2 nRΔT of a system is related to the

is a thermodynamic quantity that relates to the degree of disorder of the particles in a

system

temperature as given by ΔS =

• that entropy can be determined in terms of macroscopic quantities such as thermal energy and

ΔQ

T and also in terms of the properties of individual particles of the

system as given by S = kB ln Ω where

kB

microstates of the system

is the Boltzmann constant and

is the number of possible

• that the second law of thermodynamics refers to the change in entropy of an isolated system and
sets

constraints on possible physical processes and on the overall evolution of the system

• that processes in real isolated systems are almost always irreversible and consequently the entropy
of

a real isolated system always increases

• that the entropy of a non-isolated system can decrease locally, but this is compensated by an equal
or

greater increase of the entropy of the surroundings

• that isovolumetric, isobaric, isothermal and adiabatic processes are obtained by keeping one
variable

fixed

• that adiabatic processes in monatomic ideal gases can be modelled by the equation as given by

PV

3 =constant

• that cyclic gas processes are used to run heat engines

• that a heat engine can respond to different cycles and is characterized by its efficiency as given by

η=

useful work
input energy

reservoirs as given by ηCarnot = 1

• that the Carnot cycle sets a limit for the efficiency of a heat engine at the temperatures of its heat

Tc

Th

Guidance

A closed system is understood to be one in which no mass can be transferred in or out, but energy
can be

transferred in both directions as heat or as work.

An isolated system is understood to be one in which neither mass nor energy can be transferred in or
out.

43

Physics guide

Syllabus content

is the resultant thermal energy supplied to the

Problems will use the Clausius’ sign convention where

system and

is the resultant work done by the system.

The second law of thermodynamics should be described in Clausius form and Kelvin form, as well as
in

terms of entropy change in reversible and irreversible processes occurring in isolated systems.

Work done on a system is taken to be negative.

Work done by a system is taken to be positive.

In quantitative problems, systems will be limited to monatomic ideal gases, including situations
where

pressure is not constant.

The microstates of a system are equally probable and can be described in a simple combinatorial
model (for

example, based on coins).

Linking questions
What are the consequences of the second law of thermodynamics to the universe as a whole?

Why is there an upper limit on the efficiency of any energy source or engine?

How are efficiency considerations important in motors and generators?

What paradigm shifts enabling change to human society, such as harnessing the power of steam, can
be

attributed to advancements in physics understanding? (NOS)

B.5 Current and circuits

Guiding questions

How do charged particles flow through materials?

How are the electrical properties of materials quantified?

What are the consequences of resistance in conductors?

Understandings

Standard level and higher level: 6 hours

Students should understand:

• that cells provide a source of emf

• chemical cells and solar cells as the energy source in circuits

• that circuit diagrams represent the arrangement of components in a circuit

• direct current (dc)

as a flow of charge carriers as given by

• that the electric potential difference

I =Δ

Δt

is the work done per unit charge on moving a positive charge

between two points along the path of the current as given by

V =W

• the properties of electrical conductors and insulators in terms of mobility of charge carriers

• electric resistance and its origin

• electrical resistance

• resistivity as given by

• Ohm’s law

as given by

ρ=

RA

R=V

• the ohmic and non-ohmic behaviour of electrical conductors, including the heating effect of
resistors

• electrical power

dissipated by a resistor as given by P = IV = I2R =

• the combinations of resistors in series and parallel circuits

44

V2

Physics guide

Syllabus content

Series circuits

Parallel circuits

I = I1 = I2 = . . .

V =V1+V2+ . . .

Rs = R1+R2+ . . .

I = I1+I2+ . . .

V =V1=V2= . . .

Rp

=
1

R1

• that electric cells are characterized by their emf

and internal resistance

R2

+...

as given by ε = I(R + r)

• that resistors can have variable resistance.

Additional higher level

There is no additional higher level content in B.5.

Guidance

Advantages and disadvantages of difference sources of electrical energy are required.

Refer to the Physics data booklet for the electrical circuit symbols that are required.

Alternating current (ac) circuits are not required.

Unless otherwise stated, ammeters and voltmeters will be considered as ideal. In cases where non-
ideal

meters are used, the resistance will be constant.

A metal conductor at a constant temperature will be considered an ohmic device.

Variable resistors will be limited to thermistors, light-dependent resistors (LDR) and potentiometers.

Linking questions

In what ways can an electrical circuit be described as a system like the Earth’s atmosphere or a heat
engine?

How are the fields in other areas of physics similar to and different from each other?

How can the heating of an electrical resistor be explained using other areas of physics?

What are the advantages of cells as a source of electrical energy?

How does a particle model allow electrical resistance to be explained? (NOS)

What are the parallels in the models for thermal and electrical conductivity? (NOS)

C. Wave behaviour
C.1 Simple harmonic motion

Guiding questions

What makes the harmonic oscillator model applicable to a wide range of physical phenomena?

Why must the defining equation of simple harmonic motion take the form it does?

How can the energy and motion of an oscillation be analysed both graphically and algebraically?

Understandings

Standard level and higher level: 3 hours

Students should understand:

• conditions that lead to simple harmonic motion

• the defining equation of simple harmonic motion as given by a =–ω2x

• a particle undergoing simple harmonic motion can be described using time period

angular frequency

, amplitude, equilibrium position, and displacement

, frequency

• the time period in terms of frequency of oscillation and angular frequency as given by T = 1

ƒ=

2π

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Physics guide

Syllabus content

• the time period of a mass–spring system as given by T = 2π

• the time period of a simple pendulum as given by T = 2π

g
• a qualitative approach to energy changes during one cycle of an oscillation.

Additional higher level: 4 hours

Students should understand:

• that a particle undergoing simple harmonic motion can be described using phase angle

• that problems can be solved using the equations for simple harmonic motion as given by

x = x0 sin (ωt +ϕ)

v =ωx0 cos (ωt +ϕ)

v = ±ω

x0 2–x2

ET =

Ep =

2mω2x0 2

2mω2x2.

Guidance

The significance of the minus sign in the defining equation for simple harmonic motion should be

understood.

Energy changes during simple harmonic motion (kinetic, potential and total) should be described

qualitatively.

A quantitative approach to energy changes during simple harmonic motion is required at higher level
only.

Radians are used for phase angle calculations.

Linking questions

How can greenhouse gases be modelled as simple harmonic oscillators?

How can circular motion be used to visualize simple harmonic motion?

How does damping affect periodic motion?

How can the understanding of simple harmonic motion apply to the wave model? (NOS)

What physical explanation leads to the enhanced greenhouse effect? (NOS)

C.2 Wave model

Guiding questions
What are the similarities and differences between different types of waves?

How can the wave model describe the transmission of energy as a result of local disturbances in a
medium?

What effect does a change in the frequency of oscillation or medium through which the wave is
travelling

have on the wavelength of a travelling wave?

Understandings

Standard level and higher level: 3 hours

Students should understand:

• transverse and longitudinal travelling waves

• wavelength

v = ƒλ = λ

, frequency

, time period

• the nature of sound waves

46

, and wave speed

applied to wave motion as given by

Physics guide

Syllabus content

• the nature of electromagnetic waves

• the differences between mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves.

Additional higher level

There is no additional higher level content in C.2.

Guidance

Problems will involve describing the motion of particles of a medium when a wave passes through it
for
both transverse and longitudinal waves. This will be in terms of displacement with respect to the
position

along the wave and with time.

Travelling waves transfer energy, even if there is no resultant displacement of the medium.

Refer to the Physics data booklet for the approximate orders of magnitude of the wavelengths of
radio,

microwave, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays.

The wave model should be applied to both mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves.

Linking questions

How can light be modelled as an electromagnetic wave?

What happens when waves overlap or coincide?

How can the length of a wave be determined using concepts from kinematics?

Why does the intensity of an electromagnetic wave decrease with distance according to the inverse
square

law?

How are electromagnetic waves able to travel through a vacuum?

How were X-rays discovered? (NOS)

Can the wave model inform the understanding of quantum mechanics? (NOS)

How are waves used in technology to improve society? (NOS)

C.3 Wave phenomena

Guiding questions

How are observations of wave behaviours at a boundary between different media explained?

How is the behaviour of waves passing through apertures represented?

What happens when two waves meet at a point in space?

Understandings

Standard level and higher level: 5 hours

Students should understand:

• that waves travelling in two and three dimensions can be described through the concepts of

wavefronts and rays

• wave behaviour at boundaries in terms of reflection, refraction and transmission

• wave diffraction around a body and through an aperture

• wavefront-ray diagrams showing refraction and diffraction

• Snell’s law, critical angle and total internal reflection

• Snell’s law as given by

normal and the ray

n1

n2

sin θ2

sin θ1

v2

v1

where

• superposition of waves and wave pulses

is the refractive index and

• that double-source interference requires coherent sources

• the condition for constructive interference as given by path difference = nλ

is the angle between the

47

Physics guide

Syllabus content

• the condition for destructive interference as given by path difference = (n +

• Young’s double-slit interference as given by

s=

λD

where

2
)λ

is the separation of fringes,

separation of the slits, and

Additional higher level: 6 hours

Students should understand:

is the distance from the slits to the screen.

• single-slit diffraction including intensity patterns as given by

θ=λ

where

is the

is the slit width

• that the single-slit pattern modulates the double slit interference pattern

• interference patterns from multiple slits and diffraction gratings as given by nλ = d sin θ.

Guidance

Problems may involve sketching and interpreting wavefronts and rays. These will be limited to
incident,

reflected, and transmitted waves.

Interference and diffraction patterns will be limited to those produced at normal incidence.

The effect of slit width on the intensity of the single-slit diffraction pattern should be considered

qualitatively.

The discussion of single-slit diffraction will be limited to monochromatic light and rectangular slits.

Multiple slit and diffraction grating patterns produced from white light and a range of
monochromatic light

wavelengths should be discussed.

Linking questions

What can an understanding of the results of Young’s double-slit experiment reveal about the nature
of

light?
What evidence is there that particles possess wave-like properties such as wavelength? (NOS)

C.4 Standing waves and resonance

Guiding questions

What distinguishes standing waves from travelling waves?

How does the form of standing waves depend on the boundary conditions?

How can the application of force result in resonance within a system?

Understandings

Standard level and higher level: 4 hours

Students should understand:

• the nature and formation of standing waves in terms of superposition of two identical waves
travelling

in opposite directions

• nodes and antinodes, relative amplitude and phase difference of points along a standing wave

• standing waves patterns in strings and pipes

• the nature of resonance including natural frequency and amplitude of oscillation based on driving

frequency

• the effect of damping on the maximum amplitude and resonant frequency of oscillation

• the effects of light, critical and heavy damping on the system.

Additional higher level

There is no additional higher level content in C.4.

48

Physics guide

Syllabus content

Guidance

The formation of standing waves from the superposition of more than two waves should not be
considered.

Pipes will be referred to as open or closed.

End corrections for open pipes are not required.

Boundary conditions for strings include two fixed boundaries, one fixed and one free boundary, and
two

free boundaries.
Boundary conditions for air in pipes include two closed ends, one closed and one open end, and two
open

ends.

Vibration modes of air in pipes will be discussed in terms of displacement nodes and antinodes.

For standing waves in air, pressure nodes and antinodes are not required.

The lowest frequency mode of a standing wave will be referred to as the first harmonic. The terms

fundamental and overtone are not to be used in this course.

A determination of the wavelength and the frequency of the nth harmonic given the length of the
string or

pipe and the speed of the wave is required.

Only a qualitative analysis is required concerning the impact of damping on the frequency response
of a

driven oscillator.

Knowledge of the useful and destructive effects of resonance is required.

Linking questions

How does the amplitude of vibration at resonance depend on the dissipation of energy in the driven

system?

What is the relationship between resonance and simple harmonic motion?

How can resonance be explained in terms of conservation of energy?

How can the idea of resonance of gas molecules be used to model the greenhouse effect? (NOS)

C.5 Doppler effect

Guiding questions

How can the Doppler effect be explained both qualitatively and quantitatively?

What are some practical applications of the Doppler effect?

Why are there differences when applying the Doppler effect to different types of waves?

Understandings

Standard level and higher level: 2 hours

Students should understand:

• the nature of the Doppler effect for sound waves and electromagnetic waves

• the representation of the Doppler effect in terms of wavefront diagrams when either the source or
the

observer is moving
Δ

• the relative change in frequency or wavelength observed for a light wave due to the Doppler effect

where the speed of light is much larger than the relative speed between the source and the observer

as given by v

Δƒ

ƒ=

λ≈

• that shifts in spectral lines provide information about the motion of bodies like stars and galaxies in

space.

Additional higher level: 2 hours

Students should understand:

• the observed frequency for sound waves and mechanical waves due to the Doppler effect as given
by:

49

Physics guide

Syllabus content

moving source ƒ′ = ƒ

v ±us

where

moving observer ƒ′ = ƒ

us

v ±uo

v where

Guidance

is the speed of the source

uo

is the speed of the observer.

Problems will not include situations where both source and observer are moving.
Problems can involve the determination of the velocity of the source/observer.

The use of the Doppler effect in medical physics and in radars should be considered as examples.

Linking questions

What are the similarities and difference between light and sound waves?

How can the Doppler effect be utilized to measure the rotational speed of extended bodies?

What happens if the speed of light is not much larger that the relative speed between the source and
the

observer?

What gives rise to emission spectra and how can they be used to determine astronomical distances?

How can the use of Doppler effect for light be used to calculate speed? (NOS)

D. Fields

D.1 Gravitational fields

Guiding questions

How are the properties of a gravitational field quantified?

How does an understanding of gravitational fields allow for humans to explore the solar system?

Understandings

Standard level and higher level: 5 hours

Students should understand:

• Kepler’s three laws of orbital motion

• Newton's universal law of gravitation as given by F = G

m1m2

r2 for bodies treated as point masses

• conditions under which extended bodies can be treated as point masses

• that gravitational field strength

at a point is the force per unit mass experienced by a small point

mass at that point as given by g =

• gravitational field lines.

Additional higher level: 7 hours

Students should understand:

F
m =G

• that the gravitational potential energy

Ep

r2

of a system is the work done to assemble the system from

infinite separation of the components of the system

• the gravitational potential energy for a two-body system as given by Ep =–G

separation between the centre of mass of the two bodies

• that the gravitational potential

Vg

m1m2

where

is the

at a point is the work done per unit mass in bringing a mass from

infinity to that point as given by Vg =–G

50

Physics guide

Syllabus content

• the gravitational field strength

• the work done in moving a mass

as the gravitational potential gradient as given by g =

in a gravitational field as given by W = mΔVg

• equipotential surfaces for gravitational fields

• the relationship between equipotential surfaces and gravitational field lines

• the escape speed

• the orbital speed

vesc

at any point in a gravitational field as given by vesc =

vorbital

of a body orbiting a large mass as given by vorbital =

2GM

GM

ΔVg

Δr

• the qualitative effect of a small viscous drag force due to the atmosphere on the height and speed
of

an orbiting body.

Guidance

For calculations involving orbital motion the orbits will be assumed to be circular.

Newton’s universal law of gravitation should be extended to spherical masses of uniform density by

assuming that their mass is concentrated at their centre.

Determination of the resultant gravitational field strength will be restricted to points along a line
joining

two bodies.

Sketching and interpretation of gravitational field lines is required.

Gravitational potential is defined as being zero at infinity.

Problems may include, but are not limited to, determining the:

• speed to maintain orbit

• changes in energy when a satellite changes orbit

• energetics of a satellite going into orbit around a non-rotating planet starting from rest on its
surface

• energy conditions for an orbiting satellite to escape the gravitational influence of a planet.

Gravitational fields will include the radial fields around point or spherical masses and the (assumed)
uniform
field close to the surface of massive celestial bodies and planetary bodies.

The orbital motion of a satellite around a planet is restricted to a consideration of circular orbits.

An ability to map fields using potential is required.

Linking questions

What measurements of a binary star system need to be made in order to determine the nature of
the two

stars?

How is uniform circular motion like—and unlike—real-life orbits?

How is the amount of fuel required to launch rockets into space determined by considering energy?

How can air resistance be used to alter the motion of a satellite orbiting Earth?

What are the benefits of using consistent terminology to describe different types of fields? (NOS)

How can the motion of electrons in the atom be modelled on planetary motion and in what ways
does this

model fail? (NOS)

Physics utilizes a number of constants such as

determined? (NOS)

. What is the purpose of these constants and how are they

D.2 Electric and magnetic fields

Guiding questions

Which experiments provided evidence to determine the nature of the electron?

How can the properties of fields be understood using both an algebraic approach and a visual

representation?

51

Physics guide

What are the consequences of interactions between electric and magnetic fields?

Understandings

Standard level and higher level: 8 hours

Students should understand:

• the direction of forces between the two types of electric charge

• Coulomb’s law as given by F=kq1q2

r2 for charged bodies treated as point charges where k= 1

4πε0

• the conservation of electric charge

• Millikan’s experiment as evidence for quantization of electric charge

• that the electric charge can be transferred between bodies using friction, electrostatic induction
and

by contact, including the role of grounding (earthing)

• the electric field strength as given by E= F

• electric field lines

• the relationship between field line density and field strength

• the uniform electric field strength between parallel plates as given by E= V

• magnetic field lines.

Additional higher level: 6 hours

Students should understand:

• the electric potential energy Ep in terms of work done to assemble the system from infinite
separation

• the electric potential energy for a system of two charged bodies as given by Ep=kq1q2

• that the electric potential is a scalar quantity with zero defined at infinity

• that the electric potential Ve at a point is the work done per unit charge to bring a test charge from

infinity to that point as given by Ve= kQ

• the electric field strength E as the electric potential gradient as given by E=–ΔVe

Δr

• the work done in moving a charge q in an electric field as given by W=qΔVe

• equipotential surfaces for electric fields

• the relationship between equipotential surfaces and electric field lines.

Guidance

Electric fields will include:

• the radial field around single point charge

• inside and outside a single spherical conducting body

• the field between two point charges

• two oppositely charged parallel plates, including edge effects.

Sketching and interpretation of electric field lines is required.

Magnetic field patterns will be restricted to a bar magnet, a current-carrying straight wire, a current

carrying circular coil and an air-core solenoid.

Sketching and interpretation of magnetic field lines is required.

The determination of the direction of the magnetic field based in the current direction in a current-
carrying

straight wire is required.

Work done in electric fields can be expressed in both joules and electronvolts.

Syllabus content

52 Physics guide

Syllabus content

A range of permittivity values for Coulomb’s law are required.

Electric potential is defined as being zero at infinity.

No work is done in moving charge or mass on an equipotential surface.

Equipotential surfaces should be recognized:

• for a point charge

• for a collection of up to four point charges

• inside and outside a solid charged conducting sphere

• inside and outside a hollow charged conduction sphere

• between two oppositely charged parallel plates.

Linking questions

How are electric and magnetic fields like gravitational fields?

What are the relative strengths of the four fundamental forces?

How can moving charges in magnetic fields help probe the fundamental nature of matter?

Charge is quantized. Which other physical quantities are quantized? (NOS)

D.3 Motion in electromagnetic fields

Guiding questions

How do charged particles move in magnetic fields?

What can be deduced about the nature of a charged particle from observations of it moving in
electric and
magnetic fields?

Understandings

Standard level and higher level: 6 hours

Students should understand:

• the motion of a charged particle in a uniform electric field

• the motion of a charged particle in a uniform magnetic field

• the motion of a charged particle in perpendicularly orientated uniform electric and magnetic fields

• the magnitude and direction of the force on a charge moving in a magnetic field as given by

F =qvB sin θ

• the magnitude and direction of the force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field as
given

by F = BΙL sin θ

• the force per unit length between parallel wires as given by

between the two wires.

Additional higher level

There is no additional higher level content in D.3.

Guidance

L =μ0

I1I2

2πr where

is the separation

The kinetic energy of a charged particle stays constant in a magnetic field.

The determination of the charge to mass ratio for a charged particle by investigating its path in a
uniform

magnetic field is required.

The determination of the direction of the magnetic field based in the current direction in a current-
carrying

straight wire is required.

For parallel current carrying wires, the force is attractive when the current is flowing in the same
direction.
53

Physics guide

Syllabus content

Linking questions

What causes circular motion of charged particles in a field?

How can the orbital radius of a charged particle moving in a field be used to determine the nature of
the

particle?

How can conservation of energy be applied to motion in electromagnetic fields?

How are the concepts of energy, forces and fields used to determine the size of an atom?

How are the properties of electric and magnetic fields represented? (NOS)

D.4 Induction

Guiding questions

What are the effects of relative motion between a conductor and a magnetic field?

How can the power output of electrical generators be increased?

How did the discovery of electromagnetic induction effect industrialization?

Understandings

Standard level and higher level

There is no standard level content in D.4.

Additional higher level: 6 hours

Students should understand:

• magnetic flux

as given by Φ = BA cos θ

• that a time-changing magnetic flux induces an emf

ε = −N

ΔΦ

Δt

ε = BvL

as given by Faraday’s law of induction

• that a uniform magnetic field induces an emf in a straight conductor moving perpendicularly to it
as

given by

• that the direction of induced emf is determined by Lenz’s law and is a consequence of energy

conservation

• that a uniform magnetic field induces a sinusoidal varying emf in a coil rotating within it

• the effect on induced emf caused by changing the frequency of rotation.

Guidance

Examples of production of an induced emf should include:

• time-varying magnetic fields

• coils rotating within a uniform magnetic field

• relative motion between a conductor and a magnetic field (for example, a magnet oscillating on a

spring above a conducting coil, or a coil moved in or out of the region of a magnetic field).

A quantitative treatment of induced emf will be restricted to straight conductors moving at right
angles to

magnetic fields and rectangular coils moving in and out of fields and rotating in fields.

Only a qualitative treatment of self-induction is required.

A discussion of inductance and resistance-inductor (RL) circuits is not required.

Linking questions

How is the efficiency of electricity generation dependent on the source of energy?

Faraday’s law of induction includes a rate of change. Which other areas of physics relate to rates of
change?

(NOS)

54

Physics guide

Syllabus content

E. Nuclear and quantum physics

E.1 Structure of the atom

Guiding questions

What is the current understanding of the nature of an atom?

What is the role of evidence in the development of models of the atom?

In what ways are previous models of the atom still valid despite recent advances in understanding?
Understandings

Standard level and higher level: 6 hours

Students should understand:

• the Geiger–Marsden–Rutherford experiment and the discovery of the nucleus

• nuclear notation

symbol

where

is the nucleon number

is the proton number and

is the chemical

• that emission and absorption spectra provide evidence for discrete atomic energy levels

• that photons are emitted and absorbed during atomic transitions

• that the frequency of the photon released during an atomic transition depends on the difference in

energy level as given by

E =hƒ

• that emission and absorption spectra provide information on the chemical composition.

Additional higher level: 3 hours

Students should understand:

• the relationship between the radius and the nucleon number for a nucleus as given by R = R0A

implications for nuclear densities

• deviations from Rutherford scattering at high energies

• the distance of closest approach in head-on scattering experiments

• the discrete energy levels in the Bohr model for hydrogen as given by E = −

13.6

n2 eV
1

3 and

• that the existence of quantized energy and orbits arise from the quantization of angular
momentum in

the Bohr model for hydrogen as given by mvr =

Guidance

nh

2π .

Recall of chemical symbols is not required.

Only a qualitative approach to the Geiger–Marsden–Rutherford experiment is required for standard

level.

Rutherford’s simple energy conservation considerations can be used to determine the distance of
closest

approach.

For scattering experiments, energy values will be low enough so as only to consider the particle being

repelled by the electric force.

Linking questions

How can emission spectra allow for the properties of stars to be deduced?

How is the distance of closest approach calculated using conservation of energy?

How can emission spectra be used to calculate the distances and velocities of celestial bodies?

Under what circumstances does the Bohr model fail? (NOS)

How have observations led to developments in the model of the atom? (NOS)

55

Physics guide

Syllabus content

E.2 Quantum physics

Guiding questions

How can light be used to create an electric current?

What is meant by wave–particle duality?

Understandings

Standard level and higher level

There is no standard level content in E.2.

Additional higher level: 8 hours

Students should understand:

• the photoelectric effect as evidence of the particle nature of light

• that photons of a certain frequency, known as the threshold frequency, are required to release

photoelectrons from the metal

• Einstein’s explanation using the work function and the maximum kinetic energy of the
photoelectrons

as given by Emax = hƒ–Φ where

is the work function of the metal

• diffraction of particles as evidence of the wave nature of matter

• that matter exhibits wave–particle duality

• the de Broglie wavelength for particles as given by

λ=h

• Compton scattering of light by electrons as additional evidence of the particle nature of light

• that photons scatter off electrons with increased wavelength

• the shift in photon wavelength after scattering off an electron as given by λf–λi = Δλ =

Guidance

mec (1–cos θ).

A discussion of which features of the photoelectric effect cannot be explained using the classical
wave

theory of light is required.

A description of a scattering experiment including the location of minimum intensity for the
diffracted

particles based on their de Broglie wavelength is required.

The derivation of the Compton formula is not required

Linking questions

How can particles diffract?

What are the defining features and behaviours of waves?

What evidence indicates the diffraction of a wave?

How is photon scattering off an electron similar to and how is it different from the collision of two
solid

balls?

Can the Bohr model help explain the photoelectric effect? (NOS)

How did the explanation of the photoelectric effect lead to the falsification that light was purely a
wave?

(NOS)

Why is Compton scattering more convincing evidence for the particle nature of light than that from
the

photoelectric effect? (NOS)

E.3 Radioactive decay

Guiding questions

Why are some isotopes more stable than others?

56

Physics guide

Syllabus content

In what ways can a nucleus undergo change?

How do large, unstable nuclei become more stable?

How can the random nature of radioactive decay allow for predictions to be made?

Understandings

Standard level and higher level: 7 hours

Students should understand:

• isotopes

• nuclear binding energy and mass defect

• the variation of the binding energy per nucleon with nucleon number

• the mass-energy equivalence as given by

E =mc2

in nuclear reactions

• the existence of the strong nuclear force, a short-range, attractive force between nucleons

• the random and spontaneous nature of radioactive decay

• the changes in the state of the nucleus following alpha, beta and gamma radioactive decay

• the radioactive decay equations involving

• the existence of neutrinos

β−

and antineutrinos

β+

• the penetration and ionizing ability of alpha particles, beta particles and gamma rays

• the activity, count rate and half-life in radioactive decay

• the changes in activity and count rate during radioactive decay using integer values of half-life

• the effect of background radiation on count rate.

Additional higher level: 5 hours

Students should understand:

• the evidence for the strong nuclear force

• the role of the ratio of neutrons to protons for the stability of nuclides

• the approximate constancy of binding energy curve above a nucleon number of 60

• that the spectrum of alpha and gamma radiations provides evidence for discrete nuclear energy
levels

• the continuous spectrum of beta decay as evidence for the neutrino

• the decay constant

and the radioactive decay law as given by N = N0e−λt

• that the decay constant approximates the probability of decay in unit time only in the limit of

sufficiently small

λt

• the activity as the rate of decay as given by A = λN = λN0e−λt

• the relationship between half-life and the decay constant as given by T

Guidance

An interpretation of binding energy curves is required.

Nuclear masses will be expressed in kg, in

MeVc−2

ln2

λ.

and in (unified) atomic mass units u.

Real-life contexts for this topic should include the choice of isotope in medical use, leaks in
underground

pipes, thickness of materials, and radioactive dating based on the penetration of the decay particle
and

half-life.

The weak nuclear force is not considered in this course.

An application of the radioactive decay equations for arbitrary time intervals is required for
additional

higher level.

The determination of the half-life of a nuclide is required.

57

Physics guide

Syllabus content

Linking questions

Are there differences between the photons emitted as a result of atomic versus nuclear transitions?

How does equilibrium within a star compare to stability within the nucleus of an atom?

Would a nucleus be able to exist if only gravitational and electric forces were considered?

How did conservation lead to experimental evidence of the neutrino? (NOS)

Which areas of physics involve exponential change? (NOS)

E.4 Fission

Guiding questions

In which form is energy stored within the nucleus of the atom?

How can the energy released from the nucleus be harnessed?

Understandings

Standard level and higher level: 4 hours

Students should understand:

• that energy is released in spontaneous and neutron-induced fission

• the role of chain reactions in nuclear fission reactions

• the role of control rods, moderators, heat exchangers and shielding in a nuclear power plant

• the properties of the products of nuclear fission and their management.

Additional higher level

There is no additional higher level content in E.4.

Guidance

Calculations to determine the energy released in fission reactions are required.

The impact of the long-term storage of nuclear waste should be considered.

Linking questions

In which form is energy released as a result of nuclear fission?

How is binding energy used to determine the rate of energy production in a nuclear power plant?

To what extent is there a role for fission in addressing climate change? (NOS)

E.5 Fusion and stars

Guiding questions

How are elements created?

What physical processes lead to the evolution of stars?

Can observations of the present state of the universe predict the future outcome of the universe?

Understandings

Standard level and higher level: 6 hours

Students should understand:

• that the stability of stars relies on an equilibrium between outward radiation pressure and inward

gravitational forces

• that fusion is a source of energy in stars

• the conditions leading to fusion in stars in terms of density and temperature

• the effect of stellar mass on the evolution of a star

58
Physics guide

Syllabus content

• the main regions of the Hertzsprung–Russell (HR) diagram and how to describe the main properties
of

stars in these regions

• the use of stellar parallax as a method to determine the distance

d(parsec) =

p(arc‐second)

• how to determine stellar radii.

Guidance

to celestial bodies as given by

Energy release calculations are required.

The conversion between astronomical units (AU), light years (ly) and parsecs (pc) is required.

The sketching and interpretation of HR diagrams, including the location of main sequence stars, red
giants,

super giants, white dwarfs, the instability strip and lines of constant radius, is required.

HR diagrams will be labelled with luminosity on the vertical axis and temperature on the horizontal
axis.

The surface temperature and composition of a star can be determined from the stellar spectrum.

The determination of stellar radii using luminosity and surface temperature is required.

Cepheid variables are not required.

Linking questions

How is fusion like—and unlike—fission?

How can the understanding of black-body radiation help determine the properties of stars?

How do emission spectra provide information about observations of the cosmos?

HR diagrams have been helpful in the classification of stars by finding patterns in their properties.
Which

other areas of physics use classification to help our understanding? (NOS)

In which ways has technology helped to collect data from observations of distant stars? (NOS)
How can gas laws be used to model stars? (NOS) I have 108 days until my final exam for physics this is
my syllabus sheet taking into consideration the length and difficulty of each syllbus question make a
detailed plan for each day