Physics is the study of matter, energy, and the interaction between them. Studying physics means you are asking fundamental science questions and trying to answer them by observation and experimentation. Leaving Certificate Physics provides a deeper, more quantitative treatment of physics. Students are expected to develop an understanding of the fundamental physics laws and principles and their application to everyday life.
There are 10 major topics within the Leaving Cert Physics course to be completed over 2 years
Mechanics
Motion
Forces
Energy
Temperature
Concept of temperature
Thermometric properties
Thermometers
Heat
Quantity of heat
Heat transfer
Wave motion
Properties of waves
Wave phenomena
Doppler Effect
Electricity
Charges
Electric field
Capacitance
Electric current
Resistance
Potential
Effects of electric current
Domestic circuits
Electromagnetism
Modern Physics
The Electron
THE NUCLEUS
Structure of the atom
Structure of the nucleus
Radioactivity
Nuclear energy
Ionising radiation and health hazards
Light
Reflection
Refraction
Laws of refraction
Total internal reflection
Lenses
Wave Nature of Light
Vibrations and Sound
Wave nature of sound
Characteristics of notes
Resonance
Vibrations in strings and pipes
Sound intensity level
OPTION 1: PARTICLE PHYSICS
Conservation of energy and momentum in nuclear reactions
Acceleration of protons
Converting mass into other forms of energy
Converting other forms of energy into mass
Fundamental forces of nature
Families of particles
Anti-matter
Quark model
OPTION 2: APPLIED ELECTRICITY
Current in a solenoid
Current in a magnetic field
Electromagnetic induction
Alternating current
Applications of diode
The transistor
Logic gates
ASSESSMENT
The syllabus will be assessed under the headings knowledge, understanding, skills, and competence. All material within the syllabus is examinable. There is currently no practical assessment component.
The exam paper is split into 2 sections, Section A and Section B.
Section A examines the mandatory experiments and is worth a total of 30%.
Section B examines all definitions, demonstrations, derivations and calculations from the course and is worth 70%
Department Members: Mr G. Nash
