Physics Unit 3 AOS 3 - How fast can things go?

This unit is composed of four different modules that can be completed individually (approximately 4 hours each). The modules include:

Physics Unit 3 AOS 3: 3.1 - Newton’s laws of motion

Students will use interactive activities including simulations, videos and apps, to:

• Apply Newton's three laws of motion.

• Analyse the uniform circular motion of an object moving in a horizontal plane.

• Model natural and artificial satellite motion as uniform circular motion.

• Apply Newton's second law to circular motion in a vertical plane.

• Study the motion of projectiles near the Earth's surface.

• Apply the laws of energy and momentum conservation.

Physics Unit 3 AOS 3: 3.2 - Einstein’s theory of special relativity

Students will use interactive activities including simulations, videos and apps, to:

• Compare Einstein's theory of special relativity with the principles of classical physics.

• Describe Einstein's two postulates for his theory of special relativity.

Physics Unit 3 AOS 3: 3.3 - Time Dilation & Length Contraction

Students will use interactive activities including simulations, videos and apps, to:

• Describe time in a frame of reference where the two events occur at the same point in space.

• Describe length as measured in the frame of reference in which objects are at rest.

• Model mathematically time dilation and length contraction at speeds approaching c.

• Explain the behaviour of muons

Physics Unit 3 AOS 3: 3.4 - Relationships between force, energy and mass

Students will use interactive activities including simulations, videos and apps, to investigate the:

• Impulse in an isolated system for collisions

• The concept of work done by a constant force

• The transformations of energy between kinetic energy, potential energy and energy dissipated to the environment

• Interpretation of Einstein's prediction that energy and mass are interchangeable

• The conversion of matter to energy by nuclear fusion in the Sun