Module 5: Advanced Mechanics

The first module of Year 12 HSC Physics expands on Year 11 motion studies, covering projectiles, circular motion, and space mechanics. Students apply these principles to analyze motion in real-world situations as well as in the context of space.

Projectile Motion

HSC Syllabus: How can models that are used to explain projectile motion be used to analyse and make predictions?

• Understanding Projectile Motion
• Initial Velocity and Launch Angle
• Maximum Height, Time of Flight, and Range
• Optimal Angle for Maximum Projectile Range
• Mastering Projectile Motion: Practice Problems and Solutions

Circular Motion

HSC Syllabus: Why do objects move in circles?

• Understanding Circular Motion
• Cars Navigating Horizontal Circular Bends
• Circular Motion on Banked Surfaces
• The Role of Friction on Banked Surfaces
• Circular Motion: Analysing Mass on a String
• The Normal Force in Circular Motion
• Quantitative Analysis of Uniform Circular Motion
• Torque in Circular Motion and Rotational Systems

Motions in Gravitational Fields

HSC Syllabus: How does the force of gravity determine the motion of planets and satellites?

• Newton's Law of Gravitation and Satellite Orbits
• Understanding Orbital Velocity
• Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion
• Gravitational Potential Energy and Energy Changes in Space
• Understanding Escape Velocity in Gravitational Fields
• Energy Changes in Orbital Motion
• Low Earth and Geostationary Orbits