Physics 12, version 03 (4 credits)
(Provincial Exam Required for Some Post-Secondary Entry—exam worth 40% of final grade)


It is recommended that students complete:

  1. Grade 10
  2. Physics 11 and Principles of Mathematics 11 or equivalent

Students who have not completed Math 12 are strongly urged to take Math 12 concurrently with Physics 12.
This course has two components:

  1. a basic component using text and print material only
  2. a video component

For students who do not have access to a VCR and/or laboratory, please order the Physics 12 Supplement. This supplement is a “bare bones” summary of the course labs and the video tapes.

Module 1: Linear Motion and Energy

Section 1: One-Dimensional Kinematics; Falling Bodies; Graphical Analysis of Linear Motion
Section 2: Addition and Subtraction of Vectors; Navigation; Projectile Motion; the Vector Nature of Acceleration
Section 3: Vector Dynamics; the Force of Gravity; Force as a Vector Quantity; The Inclined Plane
Section 4: Momentum and Impulse; Impulse; Oblique Collisions; Solving Problems Related to Momentum; Impulse; and the Conservation of Momentum
Section 5: Development of Energy; Energy: Types of Transformations; Conservation of Energy; Power; Momentum and Kinetic Energy in Collisions
Section 6: Equilibrium; The Equilibrant, Dynamic Equilibrium
Module 1 Test covers the work of Module 1.

Module 2: Circular Motion and Electricity

Section 7: Rotational Equilibrium; Investigation 4: Equilibrium of a Loaded Beam; Conditions for Equilibrium; Solving Equilibrium Problems
Section 8: Circular Motion; Video: Moving in Circles; Investigation 5: Circular Motion; Centripetal Force; Kepler’s Laws Describing Planetary Motion
Section 9: Newton’s Law of Gravitation; Gravitational Potential Energy; Video: Falling Bodies; Video: The Apple and the Moon; Video: Navigating in Space
Section 10: Electrostatics; Investigation 7; Coulomb’s Law; Electric Field
Section 11: Electric Potential Energy; Potential Difference Between Two Parallel Plates; Investigation 8: Deflection of an Electron Beam by an Electric Field; Electric Deflection; Circuitry
Section 12: Electric Current; Kirchhoff’s Rules; Ohm’s Law; Investigation 9: Series and Parallel Circuits; Analyzing Circuits
Module 2 Test covers the work of Module 2.

Module 3: Electricity and Magnetism

Section 13: Electric Circuits; How Ammeters and Voltmeters are Used; The Potential Divider; A Review of Magnetism and Magnetic Fields
Section 14: Electromagnetism; The Current Balance; Deflection of an Electron Beam by a Magnetic Field; Magnetic Deflection of an Electron Beam
Section 15: The Mass of an Electron; Meters; Electric Motors; The Strength of Magnetic Fields; Definition of the Ampere From Measured Quantities
Section 16: Electromagnetic Induction; Magnetic Flux; The Electric Generator; Investigation 13; Motors, Transformers. and the Transmission of Power
Section 17: Review; Equilibrium, Circular Motion, and Gravitation; Electrostatics and Circuitry; Electromagnetism, Quantum Mechanics, and Inquiry

Module 3 Test covers the WHOLE COURSE.


There are optional videos available for this course. While it is not compulsory for students to view
the video, they will get a better understanding of the principles underlying the course if they do. If you wish to obtain the video, you complete the rental form and forward the form and your deposit to the Distance Education School.

Supplies provided by students:

  • transparent metric ruler
  • protractor
  • geometry set (useful but not required)

A scientific calculator is required. It may be a graphing calculator and it may be programmable, although the course and exams do not make any use of these features. The calculator must NOT have a QWERTY keyboard, nor any external devices like memory cards or a printer.

 The textbooks and resources for this course are:

Physics: Principles with Applications
(Giancoli) (Pearson Education)
(5th edition) (PY1202J) (7540001549) $150.00
Video Tapes (Set of 3) Optional (JPH12E)
(7540001662) 100.00

Physics 12 Student Laboratory Manual