SCIENCE

YEAR 11 PHYSICS: THERMAL AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF MATTER

VCE Physics is an opportunity to explore many common phenomena and technologies in everyday life: Why and how do rainbows form? Why do objects in a pond look closer to the surface than they really are? Why do objects glow when they get hot? Why do we put out a fire with water and not other liquid like oil? How can optical fibers transmit data around the world? 

APPARENT DEPTH AND THE REFRACTIVE INDEX OF WATER

Year 11 Physics students recently completed a practical activity using the difference between the true and apparent depth of an object submerged in water to estimate the refractive index of water – a measure of how much light will slow down and bend in the water. The students submerged a small object in a measuring cylinder filled with water, looked down upon it from above, and manually adjusted the height of an identical object next to the cylinder until they appeared to be the same distance away.

It was clear from a side view that although they looked the same from above, the water was changing the apparent depth. By measuring the distances to the bottom of the cylinder compared to the position of the object outside of the cylinder, a value for the refractive index of water was obtained. By conducting this experiment, students gained insight into the nature of light and the way it is often distorted by water and other materials.  

Mr Grantham-Smith

Physics Teacher

THERMAL PROPERTIES OF WATER

Students also took time to investigate the efficiency of a kettle by measuring the energy transfer to water. This work relates to the heat capacity of water. It indirectly explains how it takes a lot of heat energy to raise the temperature of water by 1 degree, making it a prime candidate for cooling (or putting out a non-chemical fire). Water is the most abundant and useful substance on Earth, being able to understand its properties, allow us to harness its powers to improve our lives.

Dr Law

Physics Teacher

YEAR 11 PHYSICS STUDENT’S REFLECTIONS

The subject is very interesting to learn about and can give you cool insights into everyday things you would normally never notice. Finding out about the heat capacity and being able to calculate is also fairly interesting and can get answers you would have never expected.

Ishaan Tiwari

The concepts are quite intuitive and fascinating. The way light behaves when reflecting and refracting, the concept of specific heat capacities, black body radiation etc. Plus how the *law* furthers physics.  

Wesley Mu

Physics isn't always about mathematical equations, it (also requires) understanding why….

Beau Asbreuk

An interesting topic but…. (it) requires a lot of effort to understand the questions.

Raynor Aranjo

Interesting subject, love the calculations and applying theory and law when solving problems; but not a big fan of experiment and data analysis….. Overall, it is still an important subject that builds a link between math and creativity.

Kakada Chhun

Physics makes me a better human being. I wake up every single day and dream about physics. Year 11 Physics is the singular best experience of my life.

Peter Hempel

It is really great to learn about heat and light in Physics because this topic explains a lot of things in daily life. And for sure, a lot of thinking is required along with some really interesting pracs. 

Cecelia Hong