Unit 2 Overview

This module looks at three different aspects of physics, Mechanics, Materials, and Waves. 

Mechanics is about forces and their effects on objects.  For forces, we will look at their directional nature, their turning effects, and their effects on objects.   We will look at how objects move in straight lines, and the independence of object movement in uniform gravity fields.  We will look at Isaac Newton's three laws of motion, formulated three hundred years ago, but still valid today.  We then go on to study how energy and forces are linked, and the important principle of conservation of energy.  Momentum has gone to Unit 4 (A2).  Heat, Gas Laws, and Kinetic Theory are now in Unit 5 (A2)

Then we go on to study the behaviour of materials when subjected to forces.  We consider other properties.  We then go on to the Young Modulus, and important property of materials.

The third section covers wave behaviour, considering light as a wave, as opposed to a particle, as shown in the previous unit.  Oscillations that cause waves are considered.  Then we study the way that waves propagate.  We look at the wave phenomenon of refraction.  Superposition of waves is a phenomenon that allows us to explain standing waves, which, in turn, are important for musical instruments.  Then we will look at interference of waves, the reason why your car radio loses the signal.  And finally we go on to look at diffraction effects, which explains why you can pick up a radio signal without seeing the transmitter.

1. Mechanics
Scalars and vectors

Go
Moments Go
Motion along a straight line Go
Projectile motion Go
Newton's laws of motion Go
Work, energy and power Go
Conservation of energy Go
2. Materials
Bulk properties of solids Go
The Young modulus Go
3. Waves
Progressive Waves Go
Longitudinal and transverse waves Go
Refraction at a plane surface Go
Superposition of waves, stationary waves Go
Interference Go
Diffraction Go
   
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