NSW HSC Physics

Modules 1-8 (Years 11-12)

0.1 Purpose

Modules 1-8 Baseline

This book is a syllabus-aligned baseline for NSW HSC Physics Modules 1-8 (Years 11-12). It is designed to be complete enough to present as a coherent textbook site + PDF, and structured so each topic can be incrementally deepened.

Scope

The priority is correctness, consistency, and exam-readiness. Where a topic is simplified, the simplifying assumptions are stated explicitly.

0.2 Contents

0.2.1 Year 11 Preliminary Course

• Module 1: Kinematics
• Module 2: Dynamics
• Module 3: Waves and Thermodynamics
• Module 4: Electricity and Magnetism

0.2.2 Year 12 HSC Course

• Module 5: Advanced Mechanics
• Module 6: Electromagnetism
• Module 7: The Nature of Light
• Module 8: From the Universe to the Atom

0.3 Course Structure (Stage 6)

Stage 6 Physics is taught across two years. Modules 1-4 (Year 11) establish core models and representations. Modules 5-8 (Year 12) extend those foundations to more complex systems and applications.

• Module 1: Kinematics — describing motion with vectors, graphs, and models.
• Module 2: Dynamics — forces, momentum, and energy in interactions.
• Module 3: Waves and Thermodynamics — oscillations, wave behaviour, and energy transfer.
• Module 4: Electricity and Magnetism — electric fields, circuits, and magnetic effects.
• Module 5: Advanced Mechanics — projectile motion, circular motion, and gravitational fields.
• Module 6: Electromagnetism — fields, forces on charges/currents, induction, and applications.
• Module 7: The Nature of Light — wave model, quantum model, and special relativity.
• Module 8: From the Universe to the Atom — astrophysics links to nuclear and particle physics.

0.4 How To Use This Book

Physics mastery is built by combining (1) a model, (2) a representation, and (3) practice under constraints.

• Read for the model first. Each section begins with a statement of assumptions (what is ignored and why).
• Translate representations. Move between words, diagrams, graphs, and equations until they agree.
• Practise like an exam. Use the quick checks to verify concepts, then attempt extended-response prompts with full working.
• Use the margins. Write down sign conventions, units, and “trigger steps” (e.g. resolve components before substituting).

0.5 Exam Readiness Checklist

Before the exam block, ensure you can do each of the following without prompts:

• Identify a suitable model and list its assumptions.
• Choose and justify a coordinate system and sign convention.
• Carry units through working and sanity-check magnitude.
• Convert between “explain” (concept) and “calculate” (quantitative) responses.
• Write a full-response solution with a final statement tied to the question.

0.6 Notation and Constants

Use SI units unless explicitly stated.

Quantity	Symbol	Value
Acceleration due to gravity	\(g\)	\(9.8\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-2}}\)
Speed of light	\(c\)	\(3.00\times10^8\,\mathrm{m\,s^{-1}}\)
Planck constant	\(h\)	\(6.63\times10^{-34}\,\mathrm{J\,s}\)
Elementary charge	\(e\)	\(1.60\times10^{-19}\,\mathrm{C}\)

0.7 Notes

• Each section includes links to relevant past HSC exam questions.
• Practice questions include marking criteria and sample answers based on 2019-2025 HSC exams.