SPH4C Physics – Grade 12 (College)

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT: Science, Grade 10, Academic or Applied

GRADE: 12 (College)

AVAILABILITY: Online

THE ONTARIO CURRICULUM: Science

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Course Overview

SPH4C online develops students’ understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students will explore these concepts with respect to motion; mechanical, electrical, electromagnetic, energy transformation, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems; and the operation of commonly used tools and machines. They will develop their scientific investigation skills as they test laws of physics and solve both assigned problems and those emerging from their investigations. In SPH4C online, students will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.

UNIT ONE
Motion and Its Applications

Essential Question: In what ways can an object change its velocity?

In this unit, students will be introduced to motion and the causes of motion. Students will first explore scientific notation, significant digits and rounding, motion equations and graphs used to analyze motion. Students will then explore the causes of motion by learning about forces. They will be introduced to different types of forces and investigate their net effects using diagrams, equations, and Newton’s three Laws of Motion.

UNIT TWO
Mechanical Systems

Essential Question: Does adding mass to your shoe affect the coefficient of friction?

In this unit, students will describe and apply concepts related to forces, Newtons laws of motion, static and kinetic friction, simple machines, torques, and mechanical advantage. There will be an opportunity to design and carry out experiments to investigate forces, coefficients of friction, and the operation of simple machines. Students will also identify and analyze applications of applied forces, friction, and simple machines in real-world machines and in the human body.

UNIT THREE
Electricity and Magnetism

Essential Question: How long does it take to charge an electric car?

In this unit, students will explain, describe and calculate magnetic fields and electric circuits arising from real-world problems both qualitatively and quantitatively. Students will also explain, describe and calculate the properties of; magnetic fields, current, electron flow. Students will then analyze the social, economic and environmental impact of electrical production and propose ways to improve sustainability.

UNIT FOUR
Energy Transformations

Essential Question: What does the gravitational energy of an object depend on?

In this unit, students will study forms of energy, work, energy sources, energy transformations, efficiency, and the operation of energy-transforming devices. Students will investigate devices involving energy sources, energy transformations, and energy losses and assess their efficiency. Students will also analyze various energy-transforming technologies and evaluate sources of renewable energy.

UNIT FIVE
Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems

Essential Question:How do car brakes use hydraulics?

In this unit, students will develop an understanding of the scientific principles related to fluids at rest and in motion. Students will design and carry out investigations on how fluids under pressure can be used to do work and have predictable properties that make them useful in many technological applications. Students will assess the social and economic consequences of the development of technological applications related to the motion and control of fluids.

Please consult our Frequently Asked Questions Page or the Exam section within your course for more details on final exams and the exam fee. More information can also be found in our Student Handbook. 
 
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