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Grade 12 Physics — SPH4U
Course name
Grade level
Ministry code
Teacher
Description
Expectations
12 Physics
Grade 12, University Prep
SPH4U
Rachel Baker
This course gives students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the concepts
and theories of physics. Students will revisit and develop further their appreciation of the
laws of dynamics and energy transformations, electromagnetic radiation, and fields
(electrical, gravitational, and magnetic). Using this knowledge, they will develop the
relationship between energy and matter. Throughout the course, students will further
develop their inquiry skills and look at the impact of physics applications on society and the
environment.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
 Laptop Computer
 Graphing Calculator
 Textbook
 Binder and paper
 Pens, pencils, eraser
 Ruler
ATTENDANCE:
You are responsible for completing the work covered during your absence. Any difficulties
should be discussed with your teacher immediately.
HOMEWORK/TESTS/ASSIGNMENTS:
 Homework is to be completed weekly, and will be checked at the beginning of the
first class in the week. If homework is not complete, you will be asked to attend
Homework Study Hall. If you have difficulty with homework, you should see your
teacher prior to class.

If an assignment is not submitted by the deadline, an agreement on an extended
deadline can be made between the student and teacher based on circumstance.
Assignments not handed in by the extended deadline will receive an incomplete
grade.

If you have a documented reason for missing a test, then the test should be
written prior to the next scheduled period for which you are present. You should
arrange this time with your teacher.

If you know that you will be absent for a test day, please advise your teacher in
advance. Arrangements will be made so that you can write your test prior to the
test day.

All students must perform and report all labs. Missed labs must be made up
OUTSIDE of class time. Lab reports must be written up individually.
Grade 12 Physics — SPH4U
Units of study
Unit 1: FORCES AND MOTION - DYNAMICS
 Kinematics
o Distance, Displacement, Speed, Velocity, Acceleration
o Free Fall & Acceleration Due to Gravity
o Graphical Analysis of Linear Motion
o Newton’s Laws (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
o Friction and the Normal Force
o Gravitational Force & Universal Gravitation

Dynamics
o Vectors
o Relative Motion
o Projectile Motion
o Inclined Plane Problems
o Circular Motion & Centripetal Force
o Statics
Unit 2: ENERGY AND MOMENTUM
 Work and Energy – Kinetic, Potential, Gravitational Potential, and Conservation of
Energy, Hooke’s Law

Momentum and Collisions
o Linear Momentum and Impulses
o Energy and Momentum
o Elastic and Inelastic Collisions

Energy Transfer, Orbits, and Planetary Motion
o Gravity and Energy
o Orbits & Keplar’s Laws of Planetary Motion
Unit 3: GRAVITATIONAL, ELECTRICAL, AND MAGNETIC FIELDS
 Electrostatic Forces and Electric Fields
o Coulomb’s Law and the Vector Nature of Electric Fields
o Field Mapping & Strength

Magnetic Forces and Magnetic Fields
o Domain Theory
o Magnetic Field Mapping & Strength
o Solenoids
o Motor Principle
o Electromagnetic Induction
Unit 4: THE WAVE NATURE OF LIGHT
 Electromagnetic Waves
o Properties & Types of Electromagnetic Waves
o Refraction of Electromagnetic Waves – Optics & Snell’s Law
o Polarization

The Interaction of Electromagnetic Waves
o Interference of Water Waves & Light in 2-Dimensions
o Young’s Double-Slit Experiment & Equation
o Thin-film Interference
o Diffraction – Single-slit and Diffraction Gratings
Unit 5: Revolutions in Modern Physics – Quantum Mechanics & Special Relativity
 Quantum Mechanics
o Classical Wave Problems
o The Quantum Idea & Black-body Radiation
Grade 12 Physics — SPH4U
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Course
Evaluation
Photoelectric Effect
Momentum & Photons
De Broglie & Matter Waves
The Bohr Atom & The Wave-Particle Duality of Light
Special Relativity and Einstein
o Inertial Frames of Reference
o Einstein’s Postulates of Special Relativity
o Time Dilation & Length Contractions
o Space-time
o Velocity Additions at Speeds Close to ‘c’
o Mass-Energy Equivalence (E = m c2)
o Impact of Einstein’s theories on modern physics and technologies
Course Work (70% of final grade)
Knowledge and Understanding
Inquiry (Thinking & Investigation)
Communication
Application
40 %
30 %
15 %
15 %
Culminating Tasks & Evaluation (30% of final grade)
1. Practical Physics Tasks
10% of final grade
- In-class Sling-Shot culminating activity
This task will involve a real-world problem that allows you to collect data, make predictions
based on this data, and then verify your predictions through a final trial. The topics covered
will be Hooke’s Law, projectile motion, energy transfer and dynamics.
2. Final Exam
- Written evaluation
20% of final grade