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WESLEY COLLEGE DUBLIN

The Complete Co-Educational Day and Boarding School

Physics

Physics

Introduction

Physics is the basic science.  It deals with the fundamental laws of nature and how they impact on our daily lives. The course provides a good basis for further science study and also for any course where ability to think logically is required.  Science, technology and society (STS) is an integral part of the syllabus so that students can be aware of the principles of the applications of physics in the everyday world. Physics forms some part of the following courses at third level: Engineering, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary, Science, Meteorology, Sports Science, Electronics and Computing.

 

Higher level Mathematics is not required for Physics although the course does include some calculations and the use of formulas.

Students follow a course of practical work, with prescribed experiments in each of the main sections of the syllabus. 

Assessment

Leaving Certificate Physics is assessed by means of terminal examination paper at each level. Students are required to keep a record of their practical work over the two years of the course.

5th Year

Term 1 Term 2 & 3

Optics

  • Introduction
  • Geometrical Optics
  • Reflection of Light from Spherical Mirrors
  • Refraction
  • Lenses

Temperature - Heat

  • Temperature and Thermometers
  • Quantity of Heat and Heat Transfer

Waves

  • Waves and Wave Motion
  • Vibrations and Sound
  • The Wave Nature of Light

Mechanics

  • Speed, Displacement and Velocity
  • Acceleration
  • Vectors and Scalars
  • Force, Mass and Momentum
  • Pressure, Gravity and Moments
  • Work, Energy and Power

6th Year

Term 1 Term 2 & 3

Static Electricity

  • Static Electricity
  • Potential Difference, Capacitance

Magnetism and Semiconductors

  • Semiconductors
  • Magnets and Magnetic Fields
  • Current in a Magnetic Field
  • Electromagnetic Induction

Current Electricity

  • Current and Charge
  • Electromotive Force and Potential Difference
  • Resistance
  • Effects of Current, Domestic Circuits

Mechanics

  • Circular Motion
  • Simple Harmonic Motion
  • Hooke’s Law

Modern Physics

  • The Electron
  • The Atom, the Nucleus and Radioactivity
  • Fission, Fusion and Nuclear Energy
  • Particle Physics

Useful Links

https://www.curriculumonline.ie/Senior-cycle/Senior-Cycle-Subjects/Physics/ 

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