Grade 12 Physics Curriculum Summary (U.S.)

Key Concepts:

• Electric Fields and Potential

  • Point charges and continuous distributions

  • Equipotential surfaces and energy transfer

• Capacitors

  • Capacitance: C=QVC = \frac{Q}{V}C=VQ​

  • Energy stored: U=12CV2U = \frac{1}{2}CV^2U=21​CV2

  • Dielectrics

• Magnetic Fields

  • Field due to current-carrying wire: B=μ0I2πrB = \frac{\mu_0 I}{2\pi r}B=2πrμ0​I​

  • Magnetic force: $F=qvB\sin \theta$

• Electromagnetic Induction

  • Faraday’s Law: ε=−dΦBdt\varepsilon = -\frac{d\Phi_B}{dt}ε=−dtdΦB​​

  • Lenz’s Law, inductors, transformers

• Maxwell’s Equations (Intro level)

Skills Developed:

• Solving problems involving changing magnetic fields

• Understanding electric-magnetic field interactions

• Exploring practical uses: motors, generators, transformers

Key Concepts:

• Series and Parallel Circuits (reviewed in depth)

• RC Circuits

  • Charging and discharging capacitors

  • Time constants: $\tau =RC$

• AC Circuits (introductory)

  • Alternating voltage and current

  • Peak vs. RMS values

  • Reactance and impedance (qualitative)

• Diodes and Transistors (Intro level)

Skills Developed:

• Analyzing transient behavior in RC circuits

• Using oscilloscopes, multimeters, and simulations

• Basic understanding of circuit components in technology

Key Concepts:

• Wave Interference

  • Double-slit experiment: Δx=mλLd\Delta x = \frac{m\lambda L}{d}Δx=dmλL​

  • Thin film interference

• Diffraction and Huygens’ Principle

• Doppler Effect

  • For sound: f′=f(v±vov∓vs)f' = f \left(\frac{v \pm v_o}{v \mp v_s}\right)f′=f(v∓vs​v±vo​​)

  • For light (redshift/blueshift)

• Polarization

  • Linear, circular, and effects of filters

• Resonance and Standing Waves

Skills Developed:

• Explaining phenomena like diffraction and superposition

• Applying wave optics to lasers, soundproofing, and telescopes

• Solving quantitative problems involving interference and diffraction

Key Concepts:

• Snell’s Law

  • n1sin⁡θ1=n2sin⁡θ2n_1 \sin\theta_1 = n_2 \sin\theta_2n1​sinθ1​=n2​sinθ2​

• Lens and Mirror Equations

  • 1f=1do+1di\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{d_o} + \frac{1}{d_i}f1​=do​1​+di​1​

  • Ray tracing for concave/convex mirrors and lenses

• Total Internal Reflection

  • Fiber optics and critical angle

• Dispersion and Chromatic Aberration

Skills Developed:

• Designing optical systems

• Interpreting image formation quantitatively and graphically

• Exploring applications like telescopes, microscopes, corrective lenses

Key Concepts:

• Photoelectric Effect

  • Einstein’s equation: $E=hf=\varphi +KE$

• Wave-Particle Duality

  • de Broglie wavelength: λ=hp\lambda = \frac{h}{p}λ=ph​

• Atomic Models

  • Bohr model, electron energy levels

• Quantum Mechanics (Intro)

  • Uncertainty principle

  • Probability and wavefunctions (qualitative)

• Special Relativity (Intro)

  • Time dilation, length contraction

  • E=mc2E = mc^2E=mc2, mass-energy equivalence

Skills Developed:

• Interpreting quantum and relativistic effects

• Applying photon and electron behavior to real-world devices (e.g., solar cells, lasers)

• Differentiating classical and modern models of physics

Key Concepts:

• Nuclear Decay Types

  • Alpha, beta, gamma radiation

  • Half-life and decay equations

• Fission vs. Fusion

  • Binding energy and mass defect

  • Nuclear reactors and chain reactions

• Radiation Safety and Detection

  • Geiger counters, shielding materials

Skills Developed:

• Solving problems involving decay and half-life

• Understanding nuclear power generation

• Evaluating radiation risks and medical uses

Key Concepts:

• Life cycle of stars, fusion processes

• Redshift and expansion of the universe

• Hubble’s Law: v=H0dv = H_0 dv=H0​d

• Cosmic microwave background, Big Bang Theory

Core Skills:

• Experiment design and hypothesis testing

• Measurement and error analysis

• Graphing, linearization, trend identification

• Formal lab reporting

Advanced Labs May Include:

• RC circuits and time constant experiments

• Induction and Faraday’s Law demos

• Diffraction and double-slit experiments

• Energy loss in real systems

• Photoelectric effect simulation labs