Level 2 Physics

Physics tries to explain how nature behaves. It aims to ask every question that can be asked about how absolutely everything works, and then search for the answer to these questions. It looks at the unimaginably big universe and the tiniest particles in an atom. This is what makes Physics so exciting.

This course forms the foundation for any future study in Physics. It relates aspects of Motion, Electricity, Magnetism and Atomic Physics to everyday experiences both inside and outside the classroom. Studying Physics in real life situations is the focus of this course and we will discuss many different ideas, big and small, such as:

• What are the principles behind airbags and crumple zones in cars, and how do they help to protect the passengers in the event of a crash?

• Why did the astronauts of Apollo 15 take a hammer and a feather with them to the moon?

• In what ways are Einstein’s theories from a hundred years ago used in modern nuclear power plant design?

• How can magnets be used to make electric motors and electric generators?