SCIENCE

YEAR 12 PHYSICS: FROM MAGNETOS TO TRANSFORMERS, THE POWERS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

Electricity powers our daily routines, from the lights that illuminate our homes to the devices that connect us to the world. Yet, few of us stop to consider the intricate power generation and transmission systems that make these modern conveniences possible. Recently in Year 12 physics, we have had the opportunity to explore these fascinating and intricate systems through hands-on experiments and demonstrations that deepened our understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of electrical energy transmission. Xuen Wong & Kevin Zhou Year 12

Recently, the Year 12 physics students (under the careful supervision of their teacher) took a close look at a mysterious “giant green metal box” that is stationed behind A-block. Normally, passersby may not even notice such a dull-looking object, not to say, interested in its impressive functionality and importance to the entire school’s power network. But as part of their Year 12 Physics course, students have been studying AC power generation and transmission. 

During our doubles, we were sent outside of the classroom to find the school’s very own transformer… Hadyn Collier Year 12

They have discovered that the device hidden inside the “giant green metal box” is in fact an AC transformer rated at a million watts! It relays energy from the main power grid in the suburb to every powerplugs, light bulbs, and other electrical devices in the entire school.

Using the knowledge we had learned in class we were able to find … the transformer and its switchboard….and the solar panel boards!, Hadyn Collier Year 12

Human’s ability to harness the powers in magnets, magnetic fields and moving electrical charges is the reason we have electricity in our modern society.

Back in the lab, students constructed small-scale models of the AC transformers, magnetos, and other devices using essentially just coils of wires and magnets. They have demonstrated the physics of an AC transformer, turned an iron core into a magnet by putting an AC current through it, and operated a basic motor that is powered by changing magnetic fields.

We’ve learned the physics behind transformers and why they’re so important to the world with our need for electricity,.... (through our Physics course), we can understand not only how it works but also why it works. Hadyn Collier Year 12

Physics is a natural science with the purpose of finding quantitative explanations for phenomena occurring from the smallest of particles through to the gigantic space of the Universe. VCE Physics provides students the opportunity to explore some of these ideas in an interactive environment with active questionings, hands-on activities and excursions.

Dr Law & Mr Grantham-Smith

Year 12 Physics Teachers

SCIENCE TALENT SEARCH 2023

The Science faculty are inviting students to participate in the Science Talent Search (STS). STS is an annual competition that aims to challenge and reward students with an interest in Science. In previous years McKinnon students have had enormous success, winning bursaries up to $250 each.  

This years theme:

This is a suggestion for your project, while you are encouraged to use it, it is not a requirement (except for Creative Writing and Poster Categories).

Students can enter individually or in pairs.  There is a small cost associated with each entry.

Categories include, (but are not limited to):

• Computer Programming
• Photography
• Creative Writing
• Videos
• Inventions
• Experimental Research 

See link below for more categories and information.  (To access the link you will need a McKinnon email.)

Science Talent Search Category Information 

Contact Ms Sweeney (swt@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au) for more information or to register your interest.

Ms Sweeney

Science Teacher