Ontario Grade 11 SPH3U Physics (Grade 11, University Preparation)
Chapters: 6
1. A. Scientific Investigation Skills and Career Exploration
A1 Scientific Investigation Skills · A2 Career Exploration
- The Scientific Method – The scientific method is the careful way scientists find out how the world works. Observe something, ask a testable question, make a hypothesis (a clear, testable guess), test it with a fair experiment (change one variable, measure one, keep the rest the same), repeat and record data, analyse it, draw a conclusion and share it so others can check. Results that fail the test are useful too: they send you back to a new hypothesis.
2. B. Kinematics
B1 Relating Science to Technology, Society, and the Environment · B2 Developing Skills of Investigation and Communication · B3 Understanding Basic Concepts
- Motion in a Straight Line (Class 11) – To describe motion we first choose a frame of reference: an origin, a direction and a clock. Position x changes with time t. Velocity v = dx/dt is the slope of the x–t graph; acceleration a = dv/dt is the slope of the v–t graph, and the area under the v–t graph is the displacement. For constant a: v = u + at, x = ut + ½at², v² = u² + 2as.
3. C. Forces
C1 Relating Science to Technology, Society, and the Environment · C2 Developing Skills of Investigation and Communication · C3 Understanding Basic Concepts
- Inertia, First Law, Momentum, Second Law and Impulse – A body keeps its state of rest or uniform motion unless a net external force acts on it (first law). Inertia is this laziness to change, and mass measures it. Momentum p = mv. The rate of change of momentum equals the net force: F = dp/dt, which gives F = ma when mass is constant (second law). Impulse J = F × Δt = Δp; a longer stopping time means a smaller force.
4. D. Energy and Society
D1 Relating Science to Technology, Society, and the Environment · D2 Developing Skills of Investigation and Communication · D3 Understanding Basic Concepts
- Work, Kinetic Energy, Work–Energy Theorem and Power – Work is done when a force moves something along its direction: W = F·s = F s cos θ. For a changing force, work is the area under the F–x graph. A moving body has kinetic energy K = ½mv². The work–energy theorem says: net work done on a body = change in its kinetic energy. Power is how fast work is done: P = W/t = F·v.
5. E. Waves and Sound
E1 Relating Science to Technology, Society, and the Environment · E2 Developing Skills of Investigation and Communication · E3 Understanding Basic Concepts
- Progressive Waves: Types, Speed and Equation – A wave carries energy from place to place without carrying the matter along. In a transverse wave the particles move at right angles to the wave; in a longitudinal wave they move along it. Speed v = fλ. On a string v = √(T/μ); for sound in a gas v = √(γP/ρ). A wave moving along +x is y = A sin(kx − ωt), with k = 2π/λ and ω = 2πf.
6. F. Electricity and Magnetism
F1 Relating Science to Technology, Society, and the Environment · F2 Developing Skills of Investigation and Communication · F3 Understanding Basic Concepts
- Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor, Motor and Induction – A wire carrying current inside a magnetic field feels a push. The push is biggest when the wire is at 90° to the field and zero when it is parallel. Fleming's left-hand rule gives its direction. A motor uses this push to spin a coil; a generator does the reverse and makes current by moving a coil or magnet.