Courses

Prince Edward Island · Grade 12

Physics, Grade 12 (PHY621A)

Prince Edward Island’s Grade 12 science course, from Working Like a Physicist to Electricity and Magnetism.

Learn thisPractice test
Units
4
Lessons
9
Skills
39
Provincial exam
None
Official curriculum
princeedwardisland.ca

Unit by unit

Every skill in the course, numbered by unit.

Unit 1 · 22 skills

Working Like a Physicist

Designing and Carrying Out Investigations

Physics, Evidence, and Society

  • Distinguishing scientific questions and technological problems

    I can distinguish a scientific question from a technological problem.

    1.16

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  • How a technology developed over time

    I can analyse why and how a technology was developed and improved over time.

    1.17

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  • Technologies developed from scientific understanding

    I can describe how technologies are developed from scientific understanding.

    1.18

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  • Canadian contributions to science and technology

    I can analyse examples of Canadian contributions to science and technology.

    1.19

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  • Evidence, theories, and paradigms

    I can explain the roles of evidence, theories, and paradigms in developing scientific knowledge.

    1.20

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  • The importance of peer review

    I can describe why peer review matters in developing scientific knowledge.

    1.21

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  • How a milestone revolutionized thinking

    I can explain how a major physics milestone revolutionized scientific thinking.

    1.22

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The official wording · 22 outcomes
1.1
construct and test a prototype of a device or system and troubleshoot problems as they arise
1.2
evaluate a personally designed and constructed device on the basis of criteria they have developed themselves
1.3
design an experiment, identifying and controlling major variables
1.4
carry out procedures, controlling the major variables and adapting or extending procedures where required
1.5
use instruments effectively and accurately for collecting data
1.6
compile and organize data, using data tables and graphs to facilitate interpretation of the data
1.7
compile and display evidence and information, by hand or computer, in a variety of formats, including diagrams, flow charts, tables, graphs, and scatter plots
1.8
interpret patterns and trends in data, and infer or calculate linear and non-linear relationships among variables
1.9
select and use appropriate numeric, symbolic, graphical, and linguistic modes of representation to communicate ideas, plans, and results
1.10
define and delimit problems to facilitate investigation
1.11
state a prediction and a hypothesis based on available evidence and background information
1.12
design an experiment and identify specific variables
1.13
estimate quantities
1.14
select and use apparatus and materials safely
1.15
communicate questions, ideas, and intentions, and receive, interpret, understand, support, and respond to the ideas of others
1.16
distinguish between scientific questions and technological problems
1.17
analyse why and how a particular technology was developed and improved over time
1.18
analyse and describe examples where technologies were developed based on scientific understanding
1.19
analyse examples of Canadian contributions to science and technology
1.20
explain the roles of evidence, theories, and paradigms in the development of scientific knowledge
1.21
describe the importance of peer review in the development of scientific knowledge
1.22
explain how a major scientific milestone revolutionized thinking in the scientific communities

Key ideas

  1. A prototype is a working model built to test a design idea.

  2. A scientific question asks how or why nature behaves and is answered with evidence.

  3. Testing reveals what works and what fails.

  4. A technological problem asks how to build or achieve something and is solved by design.

  5. Troubleshooting fixes problems found during testing.

Watch out for

  • Thinking the first prototype is the final design - it is refined through testing.
  • Thinking science and technology are the same activity.
  • Skipping testing and assuming a build works.

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

Unit 2 · 3 skills

Application of Vectors

Projectile Motion

  • Horizontal and vertical motion of a projectile

    I can analyse the horizontal and vertical motion of a projectile quantitatively.

    2.1

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The Dynamics Extension: Systems, Equilibrium, and Torque

  • Two-dimensional vector analysis of masses and relative motion

    I can resolve forces and velocities into components to analyse connected-mass systems and relative motion in two dimensions.

    2.2

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  • Static equilibrium and static torque

    I can apply the two equilibrium conditions - net force zero and net torque zero - to solve static-equilibrium and static-torque problems.

    2.3

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The official wording · 3 outcomes
2.1
analyse quantitatively the horizontal and vertical motion of a projectile
2.2
systems involving two or more masses including horizontal situations, inclined planes, and the Atwood machine
2.3
static equilibrium applications, such as clotheslines and cranes

Key ideas

  1. Projectile motion separates into independent horizontal and vertical components.

  2. Any vector can be resolved into perpendicular (x and y) components; forces are added by summing components, not by adding magnitudes directly.

  3. Horizontal motion is at constant velocity (ignoring air resistance).

  4. For connected masses (an Atwood machine or a mass on an incline linked over a pulley), the objects share one acceleration magnitude; apply Newton's second law to each mass and solve the equations together for tension and acceleration.

  5. Vertical motion is uniformly accelerated by gravity.

Watch out for

  • Thinking horizontal motion affects vertical motion - they are independent.
  • Adding force or velocity magnitudes directly instead of adding their x- and y-components (vectors at an angle do not add arithmetically).
  • Thinking a projectile's horizontal velocity changes in flight (ignoring air resistance).

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

Unit 3 · 4 skills

Circular and Planetary Motion

Uniform Circular Motion

Simple Harmonic Motion and Kepler's Laws

  • Simple harmonic motion: displacement, velocity, acceleration

    I can explain how displacement, velocity, and acceleration relate in simple harmonic motion.

    3.3

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  • Energy in SHM and Kepler's laws

    I can explain the kinetic-potential energy exchange in SHM and Kepler's laws of planetary motion.

    3.4

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The official wording · 4 outcomes
3.1
describe uniform circular motion, using algebraic and vector analysis
3.2
explain quantitatively circular motion, using Newton’s laws
3.3
explain qualitatively the relationship among displacement, velocity, time, and acceleration for simple harmonic motion
3.4
explain quantitatively the relationship between potential and kinetic energies of a mass in simple harmonic motion

Key ideas

  1. In uniform circular motion, speed is constant but velocity changes because direction changes.

  2. Simple harmonic motion (SHM) is a repeating back-and-forth motion about an equilibrium point.

  3. The acceleration points toward the centre (centripetal acceleration).

  4. The restoring force (and acceleration) is largest at maximum displacement and zero at equilibrium.

  5. Centripetal acceleration is v squared divided by the radius.

Watch out for

  • Thinking constant speed means no acceleration - direction change is acceleration.
  • Thinking velocity and acceleration peak at the same point - they peak at opposite points.
  • Thinking the acceleration points outward - it points toward the centre.

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

Unit 4 · 10 skills

Electricity and Magnetism

Static Electricity

Gravitational, Electric, and Magnetic Fields

  • Fields as regions that affect mass and charge

    I can describe gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields as regions of space.

    4.4

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  • Field lines: source and direction

    I can illustrate the source and direction of field lines for the three fields.

    4.5

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  • Electric fields by charge, magnetic fields by poles

    I can describe electric fields by charges and magnetic fields by poles.

    4.6

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  • Newton's law of gravitation and Coulomb's law

    I can compare and apply Newton's law of gravitation and Coulomb's law.

    4.7

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Electromagnetism and Induction

  • Electromagnetic induction

    I can analyse electromagnetic induction from a changing flux or a moving conductor.

    4.8

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  • Force on a moving charge and current

    I can analyse the magnetic force on a moving charge and on a current.

    4.9

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  • Magnetic field of a solenoid and conductor

    I can describe the magnetic field produced by a current in a solenoid and a straight conductor.

    4.10

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The official wording · 10 outcomes
4.1
explain the production of static electric charges in some common material
4.2
identify properties of static electric charges
4.3
compare qualitatively static electricity and electric current
4.4
describe gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields as regions of space that affect mass and charge
4.5
describe gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields by illustrating the source and direction of the lines of force
4.6
describe electric fields in terms of like and unlike charges, and magnetic fields in terms of poles
4.7
compare Newton’s universal law of gravitation with Coulomb’s law, and apply both laws quantitatively
4.8
analyse, qualitatively and quantitatively, electromagnetic induction by both a changing magnetic flux and a moving conductor
4.9
analyse, qualitatively and quantitatively, the forces acting on a moving charge and on an electric current in a uniform magnetic field
4.10
describe the magnetic field produced by current in both a solenoid and a long, straight conductor

Key ideas

  1. Static charge is produced when electrons transfer between materials.

  2. A field is a region of space where an object feels a force without direct contact.

  3. A changing magnetic flux through a loop induces a voltage (electromagnetic induction).

  4. Friction, contact, and induction can create a charge imbalance.

  5. A gravitational field affects any mass; an electric field affects any charge.

Watch out for

  • Thinking protons move to create static charge - only electrons move.
  • Thinking forces need direct contact - fields act at a distance.
  • Thinking a steady magnet near a coil induces a current - the flux must change.

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

Which course?

Prince Edward Island has 5 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 Prince Edward Island’s own curriculum for Physics, Grade 12 (PHY621A).

PEI Department of Education and Early Childhood Development - Physics 621A Curriculumprinceedwardisland.ca · Read August 7, 2026

Textbooks

The textbooks PEI Department of Education and Early Years lists for Physics, Grade 12 (PHY621A):

  • PhysicsMcGraw-Hill Ryerson

From Senior High Program of Studies and Authorized Materials, 2026-2027, read October 27, 2026. princeedwardisland.ca

Study it in MapleMind

MapleMind teaches Physics, Grade 12 (PHY621A) 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.

Biology 11 (BIO521A) in the MapleMind app on a tablet: its units, Unit 1 open, and the skills done so far with their starsBiology 11 (BIO521A) in the MapleMind app on a phone: its units, Unit 1 open, and the skills done so far with their stars
Pictured: Biology 11 (BIO521A), another Prince Edward Island course, partway through Unit 1.

Practise it

Course Companion

Your year in one workbook

A fun way to keep Physics, Grade 12 (PHY621A) 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
1,546
Price
$4.99
See the Course Companion

Questions about Physics, Grade 12 (PHY621A)

What is Physics, Grade 12 (PHY621A)?

Prince Edward Island’s Grade 12 science course: 4 units and 39 skills, from Working Like a Physicist to Electricity and Magnetism.

What units are in Physics, Grade 12 (PHY621A)?

1. Working Like a Physicist, 2. Application of Vectors, 3. Circular and Planetary Motion and 4. Electricity and Magnetism.

Is there a provincial exam for Physics, Grade 12 (PHY621A)?

No. Prince Edward Island gives no provincial exam for Physics, Grade 12 (PHY621A).

What textbook does Physics, Grade 12 (PHY621A) use?

The textbooks PEI Department of Education and Early Years lists for Physics, Grade 12 (PHY621A): Physics, McGraw-Hill Ryerson.

Can MapleMind help with Physics, Grade 12 (PHY621A)?

Yes. MapleMind teaches every skill of Physics, Grade 12 (PHY621A), 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.

Before this course

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