Newfoundland & Labrador · Grade 12
Physics 3204
Newfoundland & Labrador’s Grade 12 science course, from Motion to Introduction to Quantum Physics.
- Units
- 4
- Lessons
- 6
- Skills
- 27
- Provincial exam
- 15% of the final mark
- Official curriculum
- Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Department of Education
Unit by unit
Every skill in the course, numbered by unit.
Unit 1 · 5 skills
Motion
Two-dimensional kinematics
Vectors in two dimensions
I can use vectors to represent displacement, velocity, acceleration, and force in two dimensions.
Skill 1.1
Frames of reference
I can identify the frame of reference for a given motion.
Skill 1.2
Motion in horizontal and vertical planes
I can analyze two-dimensional motion in horizontal and vertical planes quantitatively.
Skill 1.3
Projectile motion
I can analyze the horizontal and vertical motion of a projectile quantitatively.
Skill 1.4
Conservation of momentum in 2-D
I can apply conservation of momentum to two-dimensional collisions and explosions.
Skill 1.5
The official wording · 5 outcomes
- 1.1
- Use vectors to represent displacement, velocity, acceleration, and force
- 1.2
- Identify the frame of reference for a given motion
- 1.3
- Analyze quantitatively two-dimensional motion in a horizontal plane and a vertical plane
- 1.4
- Analyze quantitatively the horizontal and vertical motion of a projectile
- 1.5
- Apply quantitatively the laws of conservation of momentum to two dimensional collisions and explosions
Key ideas
A 2-D vector resolves into perpendicular x and y components.
Vectors add tip-to-tail or by adding components.
Magnitude and direction come from the components (Pythagoras and trig).
Independent components can be analyzed separately.
Motion is described relative to a chosen reference frame.
Watch out for
- That vector magnitudes add arithmetically regardless of direction.
- That the x and y motions affect each other.
- That there is a single absolute frame at rest.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 2 · 4 skills
Forces
Circular motion and equilibrium
Uniform circular motion
I can describe uniform circular motion using algebraic and vector analysis.
Skill 2.1
Circular motion and Newton's laws
I can explain circular motion quantitatively using Newton's laws.
Skill 2.2
Motion in parallel and perpendicular planes
I can analyze two-dimensional motion in parallel and perpendicular planes quantitatively.
Skill 2.3
Static equilibrium and torque
I can analyze 2-D systems involving mass, static equilibrium, and torque.
Skill 2.4
The official wording · 4 outcomes
- 2.1
- Describe uniform circular motion, using algebraic and vector analysis
- 2.2
- Explain quantitatively circular motion using Newton's laws
- 2.3
- Analyze quantitatively two dimensional motion in a parallel and perpendicular plane
- 2.4
- Analyze quantitatively two-dimensional systems involving mass, static equilibrium, and torques
Key ideas
In uniform circular motion, speed is constant but velocity changes direction.
Centripetal acceleration points toward the centre (a = v^2/r).
The velocity vector is tangent to the circle.
Period and frequency describe the timing of the revolution.
A net inward (centripetal) force is required for circular motion.
Watch out for
- That constant speed means no acceleration.
- That the velocity points toward the centre.
- That an outward 'centrifugal force' acts on the object.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 3 · 10 skills
Fields
Gravitational and electric fields
Gravitational fields
I can describe a gravitational field as a region of space that affects mass.
Skill 3.1
Newton's law of universal gravitation
I can apply Newton's universal law of gravitation quantitatively.
Skill 3.2
Electric fields
I can describe an electric field as a region of space that affects charge.
Skill 3.3
Coulomb's law
I can apply Coulomb's law quantitatively.
Skill 3.4
Analyzing electric circuits
I can analyze electric circuits in terms of energy, voltage, current, resistance, and power.
Skill 3.5
Magnetism and electromagnetic induction
Magnetic fields
I can describe magnetic fields as regions of space that affect moving charge.
Skill 3.6
Magnetic fields from currents
I can describe the magnetic field produced by current in a solenoid and a straight conductor.
Skill 3.7
Forces on moving charges and currents
I can analyze the forces on a moving charge and on a current in a uniform magnetic field.
Skill 3.8
Electromagnetic induction
I can analyze electromagnetic induction from a changing flux and a moving conductor.
Skill 3.9
Motors and generators
I can compare and contrast how a motor and a generator function using electromagnetism.
Skill 3.10
The official wording · 10 outcomes
- 3.1
- Describe gravitational field as regions of space that affect mass
- 3.2
- Apply Newton’s universal law of gravitation quantitatively
- 3.3
- Describe electric fields as regions of space that affect charge
- 3.4
- Apply Coulomb’s law quantitatively
- 3.5
- Analyze electric circuits with respect to energy, voltage, current, resistance, and power
- 3.6
- Describe magnetic fields as regions of space that affect mass and charge
- 3.7
- Describe the magnetic field produced by current in both a solenoid and a long, straight conductor
- 3.8
- Analyze, qualitatively and quantitatively, the forces acting on a moving charge and on an electric current in a uniform magnetic field
- 3.9
- Analyze, qualitatively and quantitatively, electromagnetic induction by both a changing magnetic flux and a moving conductor
- 3.10
- Compare and contrast the way a motor and a generator function, using the principles of electromagnetism
Key ideas
A gravitational field surrounds any mass and exerts force on other masses.
A magnetic field surrounds magnets and moving charges.
Field strength g = force per unit mass (N/kg).
Field lines run from north to south outside a magnet.
Field lines point toward the mass; strength falls with distance.
Watch out for
- That there is no gravity in orbit (there is; it provides the centripetal force).
- That magnetic fields act on stationary charges.
- That the field needs a medium to exist.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 4 · 8 skills
Introduction to Quantum Physics
The quantum of light
Blackbody radiation and the photoelectric effect
I can describe how the quantum energy concept explains blackbody radiation and the photoelectric effect.
Skill 4.1
The photoelectric effect quantitatively
I can explain the photoelectric effect qualitatively and quantitatively.
Skill 4.2
The Compton effect
I can explain the Compton effect using mechanics, momentum conservation, and the nature of light.
Skill 4.3
The atom and matter waves
The Bohr atomic model
I can explain the Bohr atomic model as a synthesis of classical and quantum ideas.
Skill 4.4
Energy levels and emitted photons
I can relate Bohr energy levels, level differences, and emitted photon energies.
Skill 4.5
Quantum explanation of luminous phenomena
I can use the quantum model to explain natural luminous phenomena.
Skill 4.6
Wave and particle models of light
I can summarize the evidence for both the wave and particle models of light.
Skill 4.7
The de Broglie hypothesis
I can explain the de Broglie hypothesis that matter has wave properties.
Skill 4.8
The official wording · 8 outcomes
- 4.1
- Describe how the quantum energy concept explains blackbody radiation and the photoelectric effect
- 4.2
- Explain qualitatively and quantitatively the photoelectric effect
- 4.3
- Explain the Compton effect using the laws of mechanics, the conservation of momentum, and the nature of light
- 4.4
- Explain quantitatively the Bohr atomic model as a synthesis of classical and quantum concepts
- 4.5
- Explain the relationship between the energy levels in Bohr’s model, the energy difference between the levels, and the energy of the emitted photons
- 4.6
- Use the quantum mechanical model to explain natural luminous phenomena
- 4.7
- Summarize the evidence for the wave and particle models of light
- 4.8
- Explain the de Broglie hypothesis
Key ideas
Energy is quantized: light carries energy in packets (photons), E = hf.
Electrons occupy fixed energy levels (orbits) around the nucleus.
Blackbody radiation is explained by quantized energy (Planck).
Energy levels are quantized — only certain orbits are allowed.
The photoelectric effect needs photons above a threshold frequency.
Watch out for
- That brighter light of low frequency ejects electrons.
- That electrons can occupy any orbit at any energy.
- That light energy is continuous rather than quantized.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Plan the term
Pick your term and the days you study. Each unit gets its share of the weeks and comes back a week later for a review. The last two weeks go over the whole course.
The mark you need
Your class mark counts for 85% of the final mark, the exam for 15%.
You need
42% on the exam
With 75% in class, your final mark lands between 63.8% (0 on the exam) and 78.8% (100% on it).
Which course?
Newfoundland & Labrador has 6 science courses for Grade 12. Here they are side by side.
- Biology 32013 units · 30 skillsBiology 3201 Public ExamWhat it coversCell Reproduction and the Continuity of Life · Genetic Basis of Heredity · Evolutionary Change and Biodiversity
- Chemistry 32024 units · 36 skillsChemistry 3202 Public ExamWhat it coversFrom Kinetics to Equilibrium · Acids and Bases · Thermochemistry · Electrochemistry
- Earth Systems 32095 units · 41 skillsEarth Systems 3209 Public ExamWhat it coversIntroduction to Earth Science · Historical Geology · Earth Materials · The Forces within Earth · Earth Resources: Real-Life Applications
- Environmental Science 32055 units · 53 skillsNo provincial examWhat it coversIntroduction to Environmental Science · Recreation and The Environment · Land Use and the Environment · Water Use and the Environment · The Atmosphere and the Environment
- Physics 3204This course4 units · 27 skillsPhysics 3204 Public ExamWhat it coversMotion · Forces · Fields · Introduction to Quantum Physics
- Science 32002 units · 30 skillsNo provincial examWhat it coversPhysical Science: Matter and Chemical Change · Physical Science: Motion
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 Newfoundland & Labrador’s own curriculum for Physics 3204.
Study it in MapleMind
MapleMind teaches Physics 3204 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.
Course Companion
Your year in one workbook
A fun way to keep Physics 3204 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
- 29
- Fillable fields
- 1,360
- Price
- $4.99
Questions about Physics 3204
What is Physics 3204?
Newfoundland & Labrador’s Grade 12 science course: 4 units and 27 skills, from Motion to Introduction to Quantum Physics.
What units are in Physics 3204?
1. Motion, 2. Forces, 3. Fields and 4. Introduction to Quantum Physics.
Is there a provincial exam for Physics 3204?
Yes. The Physics 3204 Public Exam counts for 15% of the final mark. Next sitting: January 25, 2027.
Can MapleMind help with Physics 3204?
Yes. MapleMind teaches every skill of Physics 3204, 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.
Get ready for Physics 3204
Practise every skill of Physics 3204 in MapleMind, free with daily limits.
