Info Bulletin Physics 30 2009-2010 - McCoy High School

Examination Specifications and DesignEach Physics 30 diploma examination is constructed as closely aspossible to the following specifications. Adjustments in theemphasis may be necessary because the examination includesmachine-scored scenarios or contexts that cover more than onegeneral outcome. Questions on the diploma examination will requirestudents to demonstrate knowledge of physics concepts and to applyskills in a context that supports making Science, Technology, andSociety (STS) connections.The design supports the integration of all Physics 30 generaloutcomes (GOs) as outlined in the Physics 20–30 Program ofStudies, 2007. As a result, the examination is not necessarilyarranged sequentially by units but is instead built around scenarios orcontexts that support STS connections; a set of questions may assessstudents’ ability to integrate several GOs.Emphasis(Curricular Fit)General Outcomes GO A Momentum and Impulse: 10–20%Students will explain how momentumis conserved when objects interact inan isolated system.GO B Forces and Fields: 25–35%Students will explain the behaviour of electriccharges using the laws that govern electricalinteractions. They will describe electricalphenomena using the electric field theory.They will explain how the properties ofelectric and magnetic fields are applied innumerous devices.GO C Electromagnetic Radiation: 25–35%Students will explain the nature and behaviourof electromagnetic radiation using the wavemodel. They will explain the photoelectriceffect using the quantum model.GO D Atomic Physics: 20–30%Students will describe the electrical nature ofthe atom. They will describe the quantizationof energy in atoms and nuclei. They willdescribe nuclear fission and fusion as powerfulenergy sources in nature. They will describethe ongoing development of models of thestructure of matter.4