Module 5: Advanced Mechanics

Module 5: Advanced Mechanics is the first module of Year 12 HSC Physics. In this module, students build upon their knowledge of rectilinear and 2-dimensional motion from Year 11.

Students begin to examine applications of projectile and circular motion in various situations as well as mechanics in the context of space.

Projectile Motion

Inquiry question: How can models that are used to explain projectile motion be used to analyse and make predictions? 

• Introduction to Projectile Motion

• Initial Velocity and Launch Angle

• Maximum Height, Time of Flight and Range

Circular Motion

Inquiry question: Why do objects move in circles? 

• Introduction to Circular Motion

• Cars Moving on Horizontal Circular Bends

• Circular Motion on Banked Surfaces Without Friction

• Circular Motion on Banked Surfaces With Friction

• Mass Moving in Circular Motion on a String

• Circular Motion Involving Normal Force

• Quantitative Analysis of Circular Motion

• Torque

Motions in Gravitational Fields

Inquiry question: How does the force of gravity determine the motion of planets and satellites? 

• Newton's Law of Gravitation & Orbital Motion of Satellites

• Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion

• Gravitational Potential Energy, Changes in Energy in Space and Escape Velocity

• Low Earth and Geostationary Satellites