Courses

Manitoba · Grade 12

Physics, Grade 12

  • 40S

Manitoba’s Grade 12 science course, from Unit 1: Mechanics to Unit 4: Medical Physics.

Learn thisPractice test
Units
4
Lessons
13
Skills
79
Provincial exam
None
Official curriculum
Manitoba Education

Unit by unit

Every skill in the course, with its official code.

Unit 1 · 33 skills

Unit 1: Mechanics

Kinematics

Dynamics

Momentum

Projectile Motion

Circular Motion

Work and Energy

The official wording · 33 outcomes
S4P-1-1
Derive the special equations for constant acceleration. Include:
S4P-1-2
Solve problems for objects moving in a straight line with a constant acceleration. Include:
S4P-1-3
Solve relative motion problems for constant velocities using vectors.
S4P-1-4
Solve vector problems for objects in equilibrium.
S4P-1-5
Calculate the forces acting on an object resting on an inclined plane. Include: normal force, friction, components of the gravitational force (mg)
S4P-1-6
Calculate the components of exerted on an object resting on an inclined plane.
S4P-1-7
Solve problems with for objects on a horizontal surface and on an inclined plane. Include: coefficient of friction
S4P-1-8
Solve problems using and using kinematics equations from above. Include: at an angle to horizontal motion; combined mass systems; on an inclined plane; forces acting at various angles on a body
S4P-1-9
Perform an experiment to investigate forces acting on an object.
S4P-1-10
Derive the impulse-momentum equation from Newton’s second law.
S4P-1-11
Determine impulse from the area under a force-time graph. Include: constant positive and negative force, uniformly changing force
S4P-1-12
Experiment to illustrate the Law of Conservation of Momentum in one and two dimensions.
S4P-1-13
Solve problems using the impulse-momentum equation and the Law of Conservation of Momentum.
S4P-1-14
Relate the impulse-momentum equation to real-life situations. Examples: hitting a ball, catching a ball
S4P-1-15
Solve simple free-fall problems using the special equations for constant acceleration. Include: horizontal and vertical components of motion of the curved path of a projectile (without air resistance).
S4P-1-16
Draw free-body diagrams for a projectile at various points along its path (with or without air resistance).
S4P-1-17
Calculate the horizontal and vertical components with respect to velocity and position of a projectile at various points along its path.
S4P-1-18
Solve problems for projectiles launched horizontally and at various angles to the horizontal to calculate maximum height, range, and overall time of flight of the projectile.
S4P-1-19
Explain qualitatively why an object moving at constant speed in a circle is accelerating toward the centre of the circle.
S4P-1-20
Discuss the centrifugal effects with respect to Newton’s laws.
S4P-1-21
Draw free-body diagrams of an object moving in uniform circular motion.
S4P-1-22
Experiment to determine the mathematical relationship between period and frequency and one or more of the following: centripetal force, mass, and radius.
S4P-1-23
Derive an equation for the constant speed and acceleration of an object moving in a circle
S4P-1-24
Solve problems for an object moving with a constant speed in a circle using
S4P-1-25
Define work as the product of displacement and the component of force parallel to the displacement when the force is constant.
S4P-1-26
Determine work from the area under the force-position graph for any force. Include: positive or negative force, uniformly changing force
S4P-1-27
Describe work as a transfer of energy. Include: positive and negative work, kinetic energy, conservation of energy
S4P-1-28
Give examples of various forms of energy and describe qualitatively the means by which they can perform work.
S4P-1-29
Derive the equation for kinetic energy using and kinematics equations.
S4P-1-30
Derive the equation for gravitational potential energy near the surface of the Earth (Ep = mgh).
S4P-1-31
Experiment to determine Hooke’s Law
S4P-1-32
Derive an equation for the potential energy of a spring, using Hooke’s law and a force-displacement graph.
S4P-1-33
Solve problems related to the conservation of energy. Include: gravitational and spring potential, and kinetic energy

Key ideas

  1. The constant-acceleration equations relate displacement, velocity, acceleration, and time.

  2. An object in equilibrium has zero net force, so the force vectors sum to zero.

  3. Impulse (force times time) equals the change in momentum: F·Δt = Δ(mv).

  4. A projectile's horizontal motion is constant velocity; its vertical motion is free fall under gravity.

  5. Velocity is a vector, so changing its direction is an acceleration even at constant speed.

Watch out for

  • Applying the equations to non-uniform acceleration.
  • Forgetting that both component directions must balance.
  • Confusing impulse with momentum.

Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit

Unit 2 · 22 skills

Unit 2: Fields

Exploration of Space

Low Earth Orbit

Electric and Magnetic Fields

The official wording · 22 outcomes
S4P-2-1
Identify and analyze issues pertaining to space exploration. Examples: scale of the universe, technological advancement, promotion of global co-operation, social and economic benefits, allocation of resources shifted away from other pursuits, possibility of disaster
S4P-2-2
Describe planetary motion using Kepler’s three laws. Examples: relate Kepler’s Third Law to objects other than planets, such as comets, satellites, and spacecraft
S4P-2-3
Outline Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation and solve problems using
S4P-2-4
State the gravitational potential energy as the area under the force-separation curve and solve problems using
S4P-2-5
Solve problems for the escape velocity of a spacecraft. Include: Law of Conservation of Energy, binding energy
S4P-2-6
Compare the Law of Universal Gravitation with the weight (mg) of an object at various distances from the surface of the Earth and describe the gravitational field as
S4P-2-7
Outline Newton’s thought experiment regarding how an artificial satellite can be made to orbit the Earth.
S4P-2-8
Use the Law of Universal Gravitation and circular motion to calculate the characteristics of the motion of a satellite. Include: orbital period, speed, altitude above a planetary surface, mass of the central body, and the location of geosynchronous satellites
S4P-2-9
Define microgravity as an environment in which the apparent weight of a system is smaller than its actual weight.
S4P-2-10
Describe conditions under which microgravity can be produced. Examples: jumping off a diving board, roller-coaster, free fall, parabolic flight, orbiting spacecraft
S4P-2-11
Outline the factors involved in the re-entry of an object into Earth’s atmosphere. Include: friction and g-forces
S4P-2-12
Describe qualitatively some of the technological challenges to exploring deep space. Examples: communication, flyby and the “slingshot” effect, Hohmann Transfer orbits (least- energy orbits)
S4P-2-13
Compare and contrast the inverse square nature of gravitational and electric fields.
S4P-2-14
State Coulomb’s Law and solve problems for more than one electric force acting on a charge. Include: one and two dimensions
S4P-2-15
Illustrate, using diagrams, how the charge distribution on two oppositely charged parallel plates results in a uniform field.
S4P-2-16
Derive an equation for the electric potential energy between two oppositely charged parallel plates (Ee = qE∆d).
S4P-2-17
Describe electric potential as the electric potential energy per unit charge.
S4P-2-18
Identify the unit of electric potential as the volt.
S4P-2-19
Define electric potential difference (voltage) and express the electric field between two oppositely charged parallel plates in terms of voltage and the separation between the plates
S4P-2-20
Solve problems for charges moving between or through parallel plates.
S4P-2-21
Use hand rules to describe the directional relationships between electric and magnetic fields and moving charges.
S4P-2-22
Describe qualitatively various technologies that use electric and magnetic fields. Examples: electromagnetic devices (such as a solenoid, motor, bell, or relay), cathode ray tube, mass spectrometer, antenna

Key ideas

  1. Space exploration brings technological advances and global cooperation but also high costs and risks.

  2. Near the surface, weight is mg; farther out, the force follows the inverse-square law and mg weakens.

  3. Both gravitational and electric fields weaken with the square of the distance from the source.

  4. Analyzing the issue means weighing these benefits and drawbacks.

  5. The gravitational field strength g = Gm_Earth/r² decreases with distance from Earth.

Watch out for

  • Considering only the benefits or only the costs.
  • Assuming g is constant at all altitudes.
  • Thinking only gravity follows the inverse-square law.

Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit

Unit 3 · 15 skills

Unit 3: Electricity

Electric Circuits

Electromagnetic Induction

The official wording · 15 outcomes
S4P-3-1
Describe the origin of conventional current and relate its direction to the electron flow in a conductor.
S4P-3-2
Describe the historical development of Ohm’s Law. Include: contributions of Gray, Ohm, Joule, and Kirchoff
S4P-3-3
Investigate the relationships among resistance and resistivity, length, cross- section, and temperature. Include:
S4P-3-4
Demonstrate the ability to construct circuits from schematic diagrams for series, parallel, and combined networks. Include: correct placement of ammeters and voltmeters
S4P-3-5
Calculate the total resistance for resistors in series and resistors in parallel.
S4P-3-6
Calculate the resistance, current, voltage, and power for series, parallel, and combined networks. Include:
S4P-3-7
Define magnetic flux
S4P-3-8
Demonstrate how a change in magnetic flux induces voltage.
S4P-3-9
Calculate the magnitude of the induced voltage in coils using
S4P-3-10
Outline Lenz’s Law and apply to related problems.
S4P-3-11
Describe the operation of an AC generator.
S4P-3-12
Graph voltage versus angle for the AC cycle.
S4P-3-13
Describe the operation of transformers.
S4P-3-14
Solve problems using the transformer ratio of
S4P-3-15
Describe the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity in Manitoba. Include: step-up and step-down transformers, power transfer, High Voltage Direct Current

Key ideas

  1. Conventional current is defined as the flow of positive charge, from the positive to the negative terminal.

  2. Magnetic flux is the amount of magnetic field passing through an area (Φ = B⊥·A).

  3. Electrons actually flow the opposite way, from negative to positive.

  4. It depends on the field strength, the area, and the angle between them.

  5. Ohm's Law (V = IR) emerged from the work of Ohm and contemporaries such as Joule and Kirchhoff.

Watch out for

  • Thinking conventional current is the electron flow direction.
  • Confusing flux with field strength.
  • Confusing the terminals for current direction.

Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit

Unit 4 · 9 skills

Unit 4: Medical Physics

Radioactivity and Half-Life

Radiation and Health

The official wording · 9 outcomes
S4P-4-1
Describe the nuclear model of the atom. Include: proton, neutron, nucleus, nuclear forces, stability, isotope, mass number, electron, ion
S4P-4-2
Define radioactivity as a nuclear change that releases energy. Include: Becquerel units, radioactive decay, half life
S4P-4-3
Perform decay calculations using integer numbers of half life.
S4P-4-4
Describe the following types of radiation: alpha, beta, and electromagnetic radiation. Include: particle radiation, wave radiation, electromagnetic spectrum, linear energy transfer
S4P-4-5
Compare and contrast sources and characteristics of ionizing radiation and non- ionizing radiation. Include: NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials), radon, background radiation, incandescent light bulb, hot objects
S4P-4-6
Describe various applications of non-ionizing radiation. Examples: communications, microwave oven, laser, tanning bed
S4P-4-7
Describe various applications of ionizing radiation. Examples: food irradiation, sterilization, smoke alarm
S4P-4-8
Describe the effects of non-ionizing and ionizing radiation on the human body. Include: equivalency of sievert (Sv) and rem units, solar erythema (sunburn)
S4P-4-9
Research, identify, and examine the application of radiation to diagnostic imaging and treatment techniques. Examples: nuclear medicine imaging techniques such as MRI, ultrasound, endoscopy, X-ray, CT scanning, PET, heavy isotopes such as Ba; nuclear medicine therapies such as brachitherapy, external beam, gamma knife

Key ideas

  1. An atom has a dense nucleus of protons and neutrons surrounded by electrons.

  2. Ionizing radiation carries enough energy to remove electrons from atoms; non-ionizing radiation does not.

  3. Isotopes differ in neutron number; an ion has gained or lost electrons; nuclear forces hold the nucleus together.

  4. Sources of ionizing radiation include radon and background radiation; non-ionizing sources include light bulbs and hot objects.

  5. Radioactivity is a nuclear change in which an unstable nucleus releases energy as radiation.

Watch out for

  • Confusing isotopes (different neutrons) with ions (different electrons).
  • Thinking all radiation is ionizing.
  • Thinking the nucleus contains electrons.

Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit

Which course?

Manitoba has 3 science courses for Grade 12. Here they are side by side.

What a university, college or program asks for is theirs to say: check its admission page, and your school’s course guide.

The official curriculum

This page follows Manitoba’s own curriculum for Physics, Grade 12.

Senior 4 Physics: A Foundation for ImplementationManitoba Education · edu.gov.mb.ca · Read August 1, 2026

Study it in MapleMind

MapleMind teaches Physics, Grade 12 one skill at a time. Each skill gets a short lesson, practice as you go and a check worth up to three stars. It remembers where you stopped.

Grade 9 Mathematics (10F) in the MapleMind app on a tablet: its units, Unit 2 open, and the skills done so far with their starsGrade 9 Mathematics (10F) in the MapleMind app on a phone: its units, Unit 2 open, and the skills done so far with their stars
Pictured: Grade 9 Mathematics (10F), another Manitoba course, partway through Unit 2.

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Course Companion

Your year in one workbook

A fun way to keep Physics, Grade 12 organized, get to know your child better and see early when they need a hand. Fill it in on a screen, or print it.

Pages
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Price
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See the Course Companion

Questions about Physics, Grade 12

What is Physics, Grade 12?

Manitoba’s Grade 12 science course: 4 units and 79 skills, from Unit 1: Mechanics to Unit 4: Medical Physics.

What units are in Physics, Grade 12?

1. Unit 1: Mechanics, 2. Unit 2: Fields, 3. Unit 3: Electricity and 4. Unit 4: Medical Physics.

Is there a provincial exam for Physics, Grade 12?

No. Manitoba gives no provincial exam for Physics, Grade 12.

Can MapleMind help with Physics, Grade 12?

Yes. MapleMind teaches every skill of Physics, Grade 12, step by step, with practice and checks, and its tutor answers questions about any of them. It’s free with daily limits, on iPhone, Android and the web.

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Get ready for Physics, Grade 12

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