Robert Farr Contributing

Kate Wilson authors

YEAR 11 Philip Young

Darren Goossens
2ND EDITION
Neil Champion
Geoff Cody
Megan Mundy
Physics in Focus Year 11 © 2017 Cengage Learning Australia Pty Limited
2nd Edition
Rob Farr Copyright Notice
Kate Wilson This Work is copyright. No part of this Work may be reproduced, stored in a
Philip Young retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior
Darren Goossens written permission of the Publisher. Except as permitted under the
Copyright Act 1968, for example any fair dealing for the purposes of private study,
research, criticism or review, subject to certain limitations. These limitations
Publishing editor: Eleanor Gregory include: Restricting the copying to a maximum of one chapter or 10% of this
Project editor: Simon Tomlin book, whichever is greater; providing an appropriate notice and warning with the
Editor: Monica Schaak copies of the Work disseminated; taking all reasonable steps to limit access to
Proofreader: Jane Fitzpatrick these copies to people authorised to receive these copies; ensuring you hold the
Indexer: Don Jordan, Antipodes Indexing appropriate Licences issued by the Copyright Agency Limited (“CAL”), supply a
Cover design: Chris Starr (MakeWork) remuneration notice to CAL and pay any required fees. For details of CAL licences
Text design: Watershed Design and remuneration notices please contact CAL at Level 15, 233 Castlereagh Street,
Art direction: Aisling Gallagher Sydney NSW 2000, Tel: (02) 9394 7600, Fax: (02) 9394 7601
Cover image: iStock.com/Brostock Email: [email protected]
Permissions researcher: Kaitlin Jordan Website: www.copyright.com.au
Production controller: Erin Dowling
Typeset by: MPS Limited For product information and technology assistance,
in Australia call 1300 790 853;
Any URLs contained in this publication were checked for currency during the in New Zealand call 0800 449 725
production process. Note, however, that the publisher cannot vouch for the
ongoing currency of URLs. For permission to use material from this text or product, please email
[email protected]

Acknowledgements National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

Any sample examination papers or model answers accompanying the NESA A catalogue record for this book is available from the National Library of
Materials are not part of the NESA Materials and are in no way endorsed or Australia.
authorised by the NESA.
NESA takes no responsibility for any errors in the reproduction of the NESA Cengage Learning Australia
Materials. Level 7, 80 Dorcas Street
South Melbourne, Victoria Australia 3205

Cengage Learning New Zealand

Unit 4B Rosedale Office Park
331 Rosedale Road, Albany, North Shore 0632, NZ

For learning solutions, visit cengage.com.au

Printed in China by 1010 Printing International Limited.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 21 20 19 18 17
 CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
AUTHOR AND REVIEWER TEAMS. . . . . . . . . .viii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .viii
USING PHYSICS IN FOCUS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
OUTCOME GRID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii

1 Working scientifically and depth studies 1

1.1 The nature of physics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2 Solving scientific problems: depth studies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.3 Planning your depth study. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
1.4 Conducting your investigation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
1.5 Communicating your understanding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

MODULE ONE » KINEMATICS 29

2 Motion in a straight line 30

2.1 Motion along a straight line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
2.2 Acceleration along a straight line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
2.3 Equations for straight-line motion with constant acceleration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Chapter summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Chapter review questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

3 Motion on a plane 57
3.1 Analysing vectors in one and two dimensions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
3.2 Distance and displacement in a plane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
3.3 Describing motion using vectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
3.4 Relative motion in a plane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Chapter summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Chapter review questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Module 1 review questions 85

9780170409063 iii
 MODULE TWO » DYNAMICS 87

Forces 88 4
4.1 Forces are interactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
4.2 Net force in one and two dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
4.3 Zero net force: equilibrium in one and two dimensions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
4.4 Investigating the motion of objects on inclined planes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Chapter summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Chapter review questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Forces, acceleration and energy 116 5

5.1 Newton’s laws and friction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
5.2 Acceleration of an object subject to a constant net force. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
5.3 Energy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
5.4 Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Chapter summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Chapter review questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

Momentum, energy and simple systems 152 6

6.1 Momentum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
6.2 Momentum and energy in elastic collisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162
6.3 Impulse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
6.4 Momentum and energy in inelastic collisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Chapter summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Chapter review questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

Module 2 review questions 181

MODULE THREE » WAVES AND THERMODYNAMICS 184

Wave characteristics 185 7

7.1 The mechanical wave model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
7.2 Transverse and longitudinal waves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
7.3 Electromagnetic waves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
7.4 Graphical representations of waves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
7.5 Frequency, period, wavelength and velocity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Chapter summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Chapter review questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206

iv CONTENTS 9780170409063
 8 Wave behaviour 208
8.1 Reflection of waves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
8.2 Refraction of waves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
8.3 Diffraction of waves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
8.4 Wave superposition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
8.5 Standing waves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
8.6 Resonance in mechanical systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Chapter summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Chapter review questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232

9 Sound waves 234

9.1 Pitch and loudness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
9.2 Sound in air is a longitudinal wave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
9.3 Relationship between distance and intensity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
9.4 Reflection, diffraction and resonance of sound waves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
9.5 Standing waves in strings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
9.6 Vibration in air columns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
9.7 Beats and the Doppler effect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Chapter summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Chapter review questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264

10 Ray model of light 267

10.1 Images in mirrors and lenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
10.2 Refraction, Snell’s law and total internal reflection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
10.3 Dispersion of light. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
10.4 Light intensity and the inverse square law. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Chapter summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Chapter review questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298

11 Thermodynamics 300
11.1 Heat, work and energy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
11.2 Thermal equilibrium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
11.3 Specific heat capacity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
11.4 Conservation of energy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
11.5 Energy transfer models. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Chapter summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Chapter review questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331

Module 3 review questions 333

9780170409063 CONTENTS v
 MODULE FOUR » ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM 335

Electrostatics 336 12
12.1 Electric charge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
12.2 Electric fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
12.3 The electrostatic force and the electric field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
12.4 Potential energy and work in an electric field. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Chapter summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Chapter review questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365

Electric circuits 368 13

13.1 Electric current. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
13.2 Current–voltage relationships. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
13.3 Energy and power in electric circuits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
13.4 Circuits and circuit diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Chapter summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
Chapter review questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400

Magnetism 402 14
14.1 Magnetism and magnetic materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403
14.2 Magnetic field lines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408
14.3 Magnetic fields produced by current-carrying wires and solenoids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412
14.4 Magnetisation: making magnets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 418
14.5 Modelling magnetic fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 421
Chapter summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 426
Chapter review questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 426

Module 4 review questions 428

APPENDICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430
NUMERICAL ANSWERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440
GLOSSARY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 451
INDEX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 456

vi CONTENTS 9780170409063
 INTRODUCTION
Physics in Focus Year 11 (2nd edition) has been written to meet the the level of depth and interest necessary to pursue tertiary
requirements of the NESA NSW Physics Stage 6 Syllabus (2017). The studies in physics, engineering, technology and other STEM
text has been written to enable students to meet the requirements related courses. Physics taken for the Higher School Certificate
of achieving a Band 6 in the Higher School Certificate. It also provides opportunities for students to arrive at a deeper
allows all students to maximise their learning and results. understanding of their world whether they are intending to
Physics deals with the wonderfully interesting and pursue STEM related careers or take a different pathway.
sometimes strange Universe. Physicists investigate space Each chapter of the Physics in Focus text follows a consistent
and time (and space–time), from the incredibly small to pattern. Learning outcomes from the syllabus appear on
the incredibly large, from nuclear atoms to the origin of the the opening page. The text is then broken into manageable
Universe. They look at important, challenging and fun puzzles sections under headings and sub-headings. Question sets are
and try to work out solutions. found at the end of each section within the chapter. Relevant
Physicists deal with the physical world where energy diagrams which are easy to interpret and illustrate important
is transferred and transformed, where things move, where concepts support the text. New terms are bolded and defined
electricity and magnetism affect each other, where light and in a glossary at the end of the book. Important concepts are
matter interact. As a result, physics has been responsible summarised to assist students to take notes.
for about 95% of the world’s wealth – including electricity Worked examples, written to connect important ideas and
supply and distribution, heating and cooling systems, solution strategies, are included throughout the text. Solutions
computers, diagnostic and therapeutic health machines, are written in full, including algebraic transformations with
telecommunications and safe road transport. substitution of values with units and significant figures. In
Physicists are not just concerned with observing the order to consolidate learning, students are challenged to try
Universe. They explain these observations, using models, laws similar questions on their own.
and theories. Models are central to physics. Physicists use There is a comprehensive set of review questions at the
models to describe, explain, relate and predict phenomena. end of each chapter which expand on the questions sets
Models can be expressed in a range of ways – via words, for further revision and practice. Questions have been set to
images, mathematics (numerical, algebraic, geometric, accommodate the abilities of all students. Complete worked
graphical), or physical constructions. Models help physicists to answers appear on the teacher website.
frame physical laws and theories, and these laws and theories Investigations demonstrate the high level of importance
are also models of the world. Models are not static – the authors attach to understanding-by-doing physics.
as scientific understanding of concepts or physical data or These activities introduce, reinforce and enable students to
phenomena evolves, so too do the models scientists use practise first hand investigation skills, especially experimental
to describe, explain, relate and predict these. Thus, the text design, data collection, analysis and conclusions. Chapter 1
emphasises both the observations and quantitative data explores the concepts of reliability, validity and the nature
from which physicists develop the models they use to explain of scientific investigation using the scientific method in
the data. Central to this is the rigorous use of mathematical detail and provides valuable information for performing and
representations as a key element of physics explanations. analysing investigations. Detailed information is provided that
Physics in Focus Year 11 (2nd edition) is written by academic is designed to enhance students’ experiences and to provide
and classroom teaching experts. They were chosen for their them with information that will maximise their marks in this
comprehensive knowledge of the physics discipline and fundamental area which is reinforced throughout the course.
best teaching practice in physics education at secondary Système Internationale d’Unités (SI) units and conventions,
and tertiary levels. They have written the text to make it including accuracy, precision, uncertainty and error are also
accessible, readable and appealing to students. They have introduced in the first chapter. This invaluable chapter supports
included numerous, current contexts to ensure students gain student learning through questions and investigations.
a wide perspective on the breadth and depth of physics. This Physics in Focus Year 11 (2nd edition) provides students with a
mathematically rigorous and methodological approach is comprehensive study of modern physics that will fully prepare
designed to ensure students can reach the highest possible them for exams and any future studies in the area.
standard. The intention is to ensure all students achieve Robert Farr (lead author)

9780170409063 vii
AUTHOR AND REVIEWER TEAMS
Author team at UNSW (Kensington). Kate has published more than
30 research papers, including more than 20 in Physics
Rob Farr has taught Science for over 30 years, 20 of those as
education research. She is also an author of the first year
Head of Department. He has extensive experiencen as an HSC
university text Physics by Serway, Jewett, Wilson and Wilson,
marker in Physics and Chemistry, and is a past Supervisor of
and Nelson Physics Units 3&4 for the Australian Curriculum. 
Marking. Rob has co-authored the very successful Physics in
Philip Young is a former director of the National Space
Focus series and is a contributing author to the iScience for NSW
Society in Washington DC, and former President of the National
series and the Nelson Physics for the Australian Curriculum books.
Space Society of Australia. He was Coordinator for the Australian
He writes trial HSC examinations for Physics, used in over 120
Space Network run by the Australian Centre for Astrobiology,
schools across NSW, and leads workshops for the Broken Bay
a NASA-affiliated organisation hosted at Macquarie University.
Diocese Science teachers to help improve their HSC results.
For the last decade he has been teaching high school Science,
Rob maintains his passion for Science teaching through active
specialising in Physics, and writing textbook materials at
engagement with bodies such as the CSIRO and the STANSW,
both senior and junior levels for the Australian Syllabus in
as well as sitting on the experienced teacher accreditation
several states. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Physics and
assessment panel for the NSW Association of Independent
Mathematics) from the University of Sydney.
Schools (AIS). He is a BOSTES Board Curriculum Committee
Dr Darren Goossens has a PhD in Physics from Monash
(BCC) member for the new Stage 6 Science syllabuses about to
University and a Grad. Cert. in Professional Writing (Editing)
be introduced in NSW, representing the NSW AIS.
from the University of Canberra. He is currently a freelance
Dr Kate Wilson has a PhD in Physics from Monash
editor and writer, specialising in scientific writing. Darren
University and a Grad. Dip. Ed. (Secondary Teaching) from
has worked as a research scientist at the Australian Nuclear
the University of Canberra. She is currently a senior lecturer
Science and Technology Organisation, and as an educator
at UNSW Canberra (ADFA) in the School of Engineering and
and researcher at the University of New South Wales and
IT and the Learning and Teaching Group, where she teaches
the Australian National University, where he won several
first year engineering mechanics and the Graduate Teaching
awards for his teaching. He has published over 100 research
Program. Previously Kate was first year coordinator in Physics
papers, including work in education research. In 2012 he
at the ANU and Director of the Australian Science Olympiads
won the inaugural Sandy Mathieson Medal of the Society
Physics Program. She is a past member of the Sydney
of Crystallographers in Australia and New Zealand for
University Physics Education Research Group and has held an
distinguished contributions to crystallography.
Innovative Teaching and Educational Technology Fellowship

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Author acknowledgements particularly Skunkie, whose insistence on being fed kept him
grounded in reality.
Rob Farr would like to thank his wife Elisa and children Josh
Darren Goossens would like to thank his co-authors,
and Lauren for the use of their kitchen table, study and other
particularly Dr Kate Wilson, for their guidance and advice.
rooms in the house during the writing of this book. Without
their calming support it would not be possible to produce a Publisher acknowledgements
work such as this.
Eleanor Gregory sincerely thanks Rob, Kate, Philip and Darren
Kate Wilson would like to thank David Low for valuable
for their perseverance and dedication in writing this manuscript.
suggestions and feedback, and her students who have very
She also thanks Dr Elizabeth Angstmann, Dr Darren Goossens,
patiently been guinea pigs for her teaching experiments.
Bill Matchett and Megan Mundy for reviewing the manuscript
Philip Young would like to thank his wife Jennie
to ensure that it was of the best quality.
and children Sophie and Mark for their forbearance at
Also thanks to Dr Darren Goossens, Roger Walter, Anne
his distractedness. He would also like to thank the cats,
Disney and Gillian Dewar for authoring NelsonNet material.

viii 9780170409063
 USING PHYSICS IN FOCUS
Physics in Focus has been purposely crafted to enable you, the student, to achieve maximum understanding and success in
this subject. The text has been authored and reviewed by experienced Physics educators, academics and researchers to ensure
up-to-date scientific accuracy for users. Each page has been carefully considered to provide you with all the information you
need without appearing cluttered or overwhelming. You will find it easy to navigate through each chapter and see connections
between chapters through the use of margin notes. Practical investigations have been integrated within the text so you can see
the importance of the interconnectedness between the conceptual and practical aspects of Physics.

2 Motion in a straight line

» MODULE ONE

OUTCOMES
INQUIRY Students:
QUESTION • describe uniform straight-line (rectilinear) motion and uniformly accelerated motion through:

KINEMATICS
– qualitative descriptions
How is the motion of
– the use of scalar and vector quantities (ACSPH060)
an object moving in a
straight line described • conduct a practical investigation to gather data to facilitate the analysis of instantaneous and average
velocity through: ICT
and predicted?
– quantitative, first-hand measurements
– the graphical representation and interpretation of data (ACSPH061) N
2 Motion in a straight line • calculate the relative velocity of two objects moving along the same line using vector analysis
• conduct practical investigations, selecting from a range of technologies, to record and analyse the motion
of objects in a variety of situations in one dimension in order to measure or calculate: ICT N
3 Motion on a plane –
–
time
distance
– displacement
– speed
– velocity
– acceleration
• use mathematical modelling and graphs, selected from a range of technologies, to analyse and derive
relationships between time, distance, displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration in rectilinear motion,
including:
  1
– s = ut + at 2
2
  
– v = u + at
2 2 
– v = u + 2a s (ACSPH061) ICT N
Physics Stage 6 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2017

iStock.com/Cebas
Shutterstock.com/Jag_cz

9780170409063 29 30 9780170409063

WORKED EXAMPLE 2.5 The content is organised under four modules as set out in Learning across the curriculum content has been
the NESA Stage 6 Physics syllabus. Each module begins with a
A car is travelling along a road at 22 m s−1. A truck is travelling in the same direction 100 m ahead at identified by NESA as important learning for all students. This
18 m s−1.
Module
1 How long will opener.
it take for the car to overtake the truck? content provides you with
2 How far will the car have travelled in that time?
Each chapter begins with a Chapter opener. This the opportunity to develop Critical and
creative thinking
ANSWERS
presents
 
the learning outcomes LOGIC
from the NESA Stage 6
• Identify the appropriate formula to determine the
general capabilities beyond
1 Relative velocity = v − v car truck
Physics syllabus that will be •covered
−1 −1
in the chapter and also
difference in speed.
the Physics course, as well as
= 22 m s − 18 m s Substitute known values into the formula and calculate
gives
= 4 m s you the opportunity to relative
 
−1
monitor velocity.
your own progress links into areas that are important to Australia and beyond.
 s s • Identify the correct formula to determine the time taken
and t learning.
v = , so t = 
v
and rearrange to find the unknown. This content has been identified by a margin icon.
= To improve comprehension, a number of strategies Mathematical relationships are presented in context.
100 m • Substitute known values into the formula and calculate
−1 the time taken.
4 ms
have
= 25 s been applied to the preparation of our text to improve Step-by-step instructions on how to perform mathematical
2 Absolute distance travelled: • Identify the correct formula to determine the absolute
  literacy and understanding. One of these is the use of shorter
distance.
Average speed, vare shown in the Worked examples. The logic
calculations avg
s = vt
When you are travelling through the city in a car, your speed changes all the time. If you have travelled
= 22 × 25 sentences and paragraphs. This is coupled • Substitute known valueswith clearandand
into the formula calculate behind each
20 km in half an step
hour, you would issay explained andv you
that your average speed, can practice
, was 40 km h these
for that trip. It does avg
−1

the answer. not mean that you were always moving at 40 km h ; however, if you had been travelling at a constant −1
= 550 m
concise explanations and real-world examples. New terms steps
40 km h ,by
−1
attempting
the same the
trip would have taken therelated problems
same time. Average speed is the presented
would enable the car to cover the same distance in the same time interval:
one single speed that at the
are bolded as they are introduced and are consolidated in an
TRY THESE YOURSELF

1 Two vehicles are approaching each other on opposite sides of a motorway. The first is moving at
end of the worked example. v =
∆d
∆t t
s
= (Units: m s ) avg
−1

end-of-book
100 km h , while the glossary.
−1 −1
other is travelling at 85 km h . If their initial separation is 2.0 km, how long
will it take them to pass each other?
Throughout
2 A dog theThetext,
is chasing a postman. important
dog sprints
−1
at 8.5 m s and ideas, concepts
starts 10 m −1
and The
behind the postman. WORKED EXAMPLE 2.3
postman sprints at 6 m s . The dog will stop 50 m from its starting point.
Concept boxes.
What was the average speed of the athlete in worked example 2.2?
theories are summarised
a Will the dog reach the postman? in This provides
ANSWER LOGIC
repetition and summary for improved assimilation of new ideas.
b How long will the pursuit take?
vavg =
∆d s
=
• Use the correct formula.
∆t t • The average speed is found by dividing the total distance
travelled by the total time interval taken for the entire event.
s = 20 km; Δt = 1.25 hours
KEY CONCEPTS

● A frame of reference is a spatial coordinate system for observing physical phenomena that 20
vavg = = 16 km h −1 • Substitute the correct values to find the correct answer and
allows for an origin. It enables the measurement of quantities involved in changing position. 1.25 units.
● The centre of mass is the average (mean) position of all matter in the system, weighted by
mass.
TRY THIS YOURSELF
● A scalar is a number that has only magnitude (size).
A car trip involves travelling at 60 km h−1 for 1 hour, and then at 100 km h−1 for the next 30 minutes. Find the
● Distance, d, is the actual length between two points. It has no direction and is therefore a scalar. average speed of the car for the entire trip.
● A vector is a number that has both magnitude and direction.

● Displacement, s , represents a change of position with respect to the starting point. It has both
magnitude (the distance) and direction, so it is a vector.
Instantaneous speed, vinst
● Movement is the change in position as time changes.
Glancing down at the speedometer of a car will give Position
● Any time interval can be shown as Δt, where: Δt = t2 − t1 (Unit: s).
9780170409063 ● Speed, v, relates to the distance covered in a time interval.

information about the vehicle’s speed at that moment. This is
the car’s instantaneous speed, vinst. When observing an object
Tangent
ix
● Velocity, v , specifically relates to the change in displacement during a time interval. in motion, it is often very difficult to measure its instantaneous Distance
speed. To find a speed, we need to measure the distance and travelled
the time intervals. This means that every measurement Time interval
 Physics is a science and you need to be given the Full understanding of a concept is often constructed from
opportunity to explore and discover the physical world many pieces of information. Due to the sequential nature of a
through practical investigations. Investigations introduce book, this information
You will learn more
and reinforce the Working scientifically skills listed in the NESA cannot always be about fluid transport
Stage 6 Physics syllabus. In some cases, the investigations presented together in Chapter 6.
are open-ended. These provide you with the opportunity as it is best placed in
to design and carry out your own scientific investigation, other chapters. Links between concepts that occur on other
either individually or in a group. At times you are prompted pages and chapters are indicated using the Margin notes.
to consider ideas for improvement to illustrate that science Regular opportunities to recall new terms and
is constantly undergoing review and improvement. At other review recent concepts are provided as short Check
times investigations are secondary-sourced, meaning that your understanding question sets throughout each
you need to research the subject using data and information chapter.
gained by other people. Further information on how to
conduct a scientific investigation can be found in the 1 Describe the difference between speed and velocity.
CHECK YOUR
UNDERSTANDING
Working scientifically and depth study chapter on page 1.
−
2 An aeroplane has a velocity of 500 km h 1 S50°E. Calculate the velocity’s components to the north, east,
west and south. A sketch may be useful. 3.3
3 A passenger on the aeroplane in question 2 takes 6.0 s to run 40 m along the aisle towards the tail of the
plane. Calculate the average velocity of the passenger during their run.
4 A rider on a horse takes an hour to ride 28 km N25°E.
a Calculate their average speed.
b Write down their average velocity.
c Calculate the northward and eastward components of their velocity.
INVESTIGATION 2.1 −
5 A child throws a ball of plasticine horizontally at a vertical wall. Initially, it is travelling at 10 m s 1 at an angle
−
of 35° to the wall. It does not bounce very well, so when it comes off the wall it is travelling at 3.0 m s 1,
The speeds of common objects again at 35° to the wall.
We can make objects move at different speeds. Some first-class cricketers can bowl a ball at speeds a Suggest the coordinate system you might use to tackle this problem. Draw a sketch, noting labels and
Numeracy
approaching 45 m s−1. The mechanical advantage conferred by a bat or racquet can increase or decrease quantities. Also draw a vector diagram.
ball speeds. 
Information and
communication b What is the change in velocity, ∆v , of the ball of plasticine?
AIM technology 
capability c If the plasticine hit the wall and stopped (i.e. stuck to it), what would ∆v be then?
To measure the speeds of some human-propelled objects

MATERIALS

• Stopwatch
• Measuring tape
• Various bats, racquets and balls
• Optional: video camera or motion data-logger
Relative
3.4 The motionreview
end-of-chapter in a plane
provides:

WHAT ARE THE RISKS IN DOING THIS INVESTIGATION? HOW CAN YOU MANAGE THESE RISKS TO STAY SAFE?
!
RISK
ASSESSMENT
•
The• relative
a Summary  an objectof
position of theon the
depends important concepts
position of the observer. If an object isthat have
at position d been 1
A ball hit with a bat could hit a person or break a window. Perform the experiment in an open space, such as a school and an observer is at d , then 2
 
covered in the chapter.

= This
d − d will be a valuable tool when
oval, and keep bystanders well back.
s 1 relative to 2 1 2
What other risks are associated with your investigation, and how can you manage them?  
For example, if a dog is at d , 3 m from a wall, and a cat is at d , 6 m from the wall in the same
METHOD you
direction, aredogrevising
then the is (3 – 6) = –3 mfor
fromtests
1
and
the cat. The minusexams
sign comes in because the distance
2

1 Measure out an appropriate length (e.g. 20 m) between two lines on the school oval or in a clear area.
away from the wall is positive. From the cat’s point of view, the dog is towards the wall, which is the
2 By either throwing or hitting a ball with a bat or racquet, reproduce the actions of several different
ball sports (e.g. cricket, tennis, hockey, golf ) that propel a ball from one line past the other. negative direction.  

3 Measure the time it takes for the ball to travel the designated distance. For this, use a stopwatch or you may s1 relative to 2 is also the displacement that needs to be applied to the cat at d2 to bring it to d1 . This is a
be able to video the motion and use the clock on the video. You might also have access to a motion data- one-dimensional example. We have already looked at subtraction of displacement vectors ( for example,
logger that is able to measure speed directly.  
4 Repeat step 3 for the same sport several times.
Worked
 example 3.3), and this is another application. Sometimes, s1 relative to 2 may be written as s1,2 or
5 Repeat steps 3 and 4 for a different sport. d1,2, but this notation11 CHAPTER SUMMARY
2 does not make it very clear what is relative to what. It is generally preferable to be
RESULTS
as clear as possible, even if it means using more words.
Record the results of your timing measurements for each sport in a table. The relative motion of an object depends on the motion of the observer. It might be said that it
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
depends on what the object’
• A frame of references velocity
is a spatial is being system
coordinate measured
for against.
• The Inarea
Worked
under theexample 3.4, whengraph
curve on a speed–time Mario
shows
observing physical phenomena that allows for an origin. the distance travelled.
1 Find the average speed of the ball for each sport. Include an estimate of the uncertainty in each value.
was sitting down,It enables his velocity relativeof to
the measurement the carriage
quantities involved in was zero. Relative to the tracks, his velocity was
• A graph of v versus t shows that the area under the line
2 Convert the results from m s−1 to km h−1. 60 km h−1. A passenger changingin the same carriage (the ‘carriage frame ofequals
position. reference’)
s, which is saw Mariotravelled.
the distance as stationary. A
• The centre of mass is the average (mean) position of all Relative velocity
• would depends on the frame of reference.
DISCUSSION
passenger standing beside the tracks (‘track frame of reference’)
matter in the system, weighted by mass.
see Mario moving.
  When Mario
• Relative velocity is given by v o − v d .
Discuss the difficulties encountered during this experiment and suggest ways in which the data collection changed seats,•the passenger
A scalar is a number inthat
thehascarriage saw (size).
only magnitude his movement relative to the carriage – they saw only
• Using vector addition, the resultant vector from the point
could be made to be more accurate. one aspect of his motion.
• Distance, d, is the actual length between two points. It has of view of one object is with respect to the other object,
no direction and is therefore a scalar.
CONCLUSION In Figure 3.17 (page 78), car A is moving 2 m s−1 faster than carnot
• A vector is a number that has both magnitude and
B.theTofixed
an external
observer frame of reference.
standing still on the
• Acceleration is defined as the change in velocity divided by
With reference to the data obtained and its analysis, write a conclusion based on the aim of this investigation. roadside (lookingdirection.into the page), 
both cars are moving to the right. If the
the time observer
interval. was seated in car B, still
• Displacement, s , represents a change of position with Acceleration −1
looking into the page, car A would seem to be moving to the right
respect to the starting point. It has both magnitude (the
• at 2 m s . Car Bline
in a straight wouldcan bebe
positive or negative,
stationary
depending on whether the object is speeding up or
relative to the observer.distance) and If the observer
direction, so it is awas
vector.a passenger in car A, slowingcar B down.
would seem to be moving to the
left. This shows• that Movement is the changelooks
the situation in position as time changes.
different for different frames
• On aof reference.
speed–time The
graph, cars are
the average in motion
acceleration is the
• Any time interval can be shown as Δt, where Δt = t2 − t1 gradient of the line drawn covering the time interval Δt.
relative to each other (Unit: s).and relative to the road. They have positions, velocities and accelerations relative
• The instantaneous acceleration is found as the time interval
9780170409063 CHAPTER 2 » MOTION IN A STRAIGHT LINE 35 to each other and relative
• Speed, to
v, relates the
to theroad.
distanceFor now,
covered inwe are
a time looking
interval. at velocities.
becomes small enough to be negligible.

• Velocity, v , specifically relates to the change in • On a speed–time graph, the area under the line drawn
displacement during a time interval. covering the time interval Δt represents the distance
9780170409063
• Speed is the magnitude of the velocity. Velocity also travelled during that interval. CHAPTER 3 » MOTION ON A PLANE 77
includes direction. • A graph of a versus t shows that the area under the line

The Risk assessment table occurs • Change in distance, called the distance interval, is given the equals the change in speed, Δv.

!

 v  
symbol s, where s = d2 − d1 (Unit: m). • For uniformly accelerated motion, a = , implying v = at .
t
• Speed is measured as distance travelled over time (Unit:    

within the investigations. The table highlights m s−1). • If we include an initial velocity u , then v = u + at .

RISK • Average speed is the one single speed that would enable
an object to cover a specified distance in a given time
• If we know the initial velocity, acceleration and time of
  1
travel, then the distance covered is given by s = ut + at 2.

ASSESSMENT
2
the risks of the investigation and provides interval.
• Instantaneous speed is the rate at which distance is
covered over a time interval that is so brief as to be
• If we do not have the time interval, the relationship
between initial velocity, final velocity, acceleration and
2 2
distance travelled is given by v = u + 2as .


suggestions on how to minimise these risks –

negligible.
• For constant speed, the gradient on a distance–time graph
is the same at all points. The graph is a straight line.

they are not to be considered comprehensive. Teachers are

expected to amend this table in the case of substitutions or in
the case of any additional risks. This may mean obtaining and
following Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for certain chemicals. All
teachers are required to follow the safety guidelines of their
specific school and associated government legislation when 54 CHAPTER ONE
MODULE 11 » »CHEMISTRY
KINEMATICS 9780170409063

students are in their care.

x USING PHYSICS IN FOCUS 9780170409063

 •• Chapter review questions that review understanding The Depth study provides you with the opportunity
and provide opportunities for application and analysis of to pursue a topic of interest from within the course. It
concepts and how they interrelate. enables you to study a topic in more depth and present your
findings in a format of your choice. Advice and support to
assist you in undertaking your depth study can be found
2 CHAPTER REVIEW QUESTIONS Qz

Review quiz
in chapter 1, and there are suggestions for topics provided
1 Write down the symbols for acceleration, initial velocity, 9 Show that the unit used for the area under a velocity
final velocity, time interval and displacement.
2 Describe the difference between:
versus time graph is the same as the unit of displacement.
10 In a 100 m sprint race, the winning time is 10.6 s.
at the end of each module review. Refer to the NESA
10 Two girls are misbehaving on a train (train 1) and throwing this tell us about the velocities of train 1, train 2 and
a distance and displacement. a What was the winner’s average speed?
a basketball back and forth along the aisle of a carriage. the basketball?
b speed and velocity.
3 What is the difference between instantaneous and
b Do you think that the runner’s average speed was the
same as their instantaneous speed during the race?
Explain your reasoning.
Stage 6 Physics syllabus for the full details on scoping and
While they do this, the carriage passes under a bridge
and another train (train 2) passes them, going the same
c From the frame of reference of the bridge, are the two
trains moving in the same or different directions?
average:
direction but faster.
a speed?
b velocity?
11 A robot takes three paces forwards and then two paces
back, taking 6.0 s for this motion. Use calculations to
explain why the robot’s average speed is not the same as
completion of your depth study.
a List four frames of reference that might be used to
describe this situation.
d From the frame of reference of train 1, are the two
trains moving in the same or different directions? Are
c acceleration? they moving at all?
its average velocity.
b An observer in train 2 looks across at train 1, and for a
4 Draw vector diagrams to show change of:
Shutterstock.com/Early Spring moment sees the basketball as stationary. What does
a displacement.
b velocity. Total time 5 6.0 s

5 For a velocity versus time graph, what quantity is found by

calculating the:
a area under the graph?
b gradient?
6 Consider how the speed of an object that is dropped from ▻ Research engine design for chemically-propelled spacecraft. When are constant-thrust engines
a height changes over time. appropriate, and list three spacecraft that have used them. When might variable-thrust engines be
a Describe this in words. deployed?
b Describe this on a v versus t graph.
7 Explain the positive horizontal line for the acceleration ▻ The Centre for Plasmas and Fluids at the Australian National University developed the Dual-Stage
versus time graph shown in Figure 2.18 on page 48. 4-Grid (DS4G) thruster. What is its purpose, how is it accomplished, and what performance could it
8 Explain why the position versus time graph in Figure 2.24
achieve?
cannot be a completely true graph of an object’s actual
3 paces
motion. ▻ Bullets, artillery shells and cannon balls all use chemical propulsion. What are the strengths and
2 paces
weaknesses of chemical propulsion in this context, and how does it compare to electrical propulsion
of ammunition?
12 As a blue car moving at a constant 18 m s−1 passes a
1ve stationary red car, the red car begins to move in
▻ Drag racing uses a standard quarter-mile course. Research the final velocities of dragsters since the
the same direction with a constant acceleration
Displacement

of 3.0 m s−2. 1960s.
a Show the motion of the two cars on a velocity versus
0 time graph. ▻ Research the value of the acceleration due to gravity on the Moon and the planets in the solar
Time −1
b From your graph in part a, find the time when the two system. In each case, if a projectile is fired straight upwards at 300 m s , draw a table of the distance
2ve
cars are next to each other again. it would travel to the point where its velocity is zero.
c Check your answer to part b using appropriate
equations of motion. ▻ Investigate vectors in three dimensions. Vector decomposition becomes a bit trickier, but show some
FIGURE 2.24
examples of how it can be done.

▻ Using GPS, maps, and actual journeys, compare the distance you actually travel to the net
displacement for some journeys you commonly take, such as the trip to your school or the shops.

NelsonNet ▻ Trace the use of vectors back through the history of science, looking at other attempts to tackle
quantities with magnitude and direction.

▻ Assemble a spreadsheet that can plot two vectors and their sum, or can resolve a vector into

NelsonNet is your protected portal to the premium

components.
9780170409063 CHAPTER 2 » MOTION IN A STRAIGHT LINE 55
▻ Using skateboards, tennis balls tossed back and forth, and an open space such as a basketball court,
explore some aspects of relative motion.
digital resources for Nelson textbooks, located at www.
Each module concludes with a Module review. This nelsonnet.com.au. Once your registration is complete
contains short-answer questions that provide you with the you will have access to a helpful suite of digital
opportunity to assimilate content from across the chapters resources for each chapter to further enhance and
that fall within that module. 86reinforce learning.
MODULE ONE » KINEMATICS 9780170409063

Each chapter will be supplemented with the

following digital resources.
» END-OF-MODULE REVIEW MODULE 1 : KINEMATICS •• Worksheets to review concepts and to practice
Answer the following questions.
applying understanding to new examples
•• A review quiz containing 20 auto-correcting
−1
1 A vehicle travels west at 100 km h for 45 minutes. It 6 Chen has ridden his bike east for 30 km and north
stops for 15 minutes, and then resumes its journey west at for 12 km.
−1
80 km h for 20 minutes. After stopping for another half a Explain why it is necessary to provide distance and
−1
an hour, it returns to its first rest stop at 85 km h . direction information to describe his movements.
a What distance did the vehicle travel?
b What is its final displacement?
b If the first leg of his journey took 1 hour and the
second leg took 20 minutes, calculate the average
multiple-choice questions to review understanding
c What is its average speed? speed for each leg of the journey.

•• Links to websites that contain extra information. These

d What is its average velocity? c Given the times in part b, calculate the average
velocity for the entire ride, including the direction.
2 A spacecraft accelerates from 0 to 1000 km h−1 at 9.8 m s−2.
a How far does the spacecraft travel while doing this? 7 A student is adding vectors by plotting them on graph
b How long does it take?
paper.
a Explain why the student has to draw the vectors all to
are hotspotted within the ebook and they can also be
3 At exactly 3:00 p.m., a stationary motorcycle begins to the same scale.
−1
accelerate to 110 km h , achieving this velocity in 15 s.
A car that had been travelling at a constant 90 km h
−1
b Explain the parallelogram rule and how it can help
avoid errors when adding vectors graphically. accessed at http://physicsinfocus11.nelsonnet.com.au.
was 0.6 km in front of the motorcycle at 3:00 p.m., and c Explain how you would use a vector diagram to
travelling in the same direction as the motorcycle. subtract one vector from another.
a How long does it take for the motorcycle to pass the car?
b How far had the motorcycle travelled at this point?
d Explain how a diagram can be used to add and/or
subtract any number of vectors, not just two.
Please note that complimentary access to NelsonNet
c What was the velocity of the car relative to the
and the NelsonNetBook is only available to teachers
−1
motorcycle? 8 An aeroplane has a velocity of 950 km h N35°W.
d What was the velocity of the motorcycle relative to a Sketch the velocity vector on a suitable set of axes and
the car? add in its components to the north and west. Note the

who use the accompanying student textbook as a core

angle.
4 A stone is dropped from the top of an 80-m cliff. After b What is the northerly component of the aeroplane’s
2 s, the stone meets a helium-filled balloon that had velocity? What is the westerly component?

educational resource in their classroom. Contact your

previously been released from the bottom of the cliff. The c For how long must the plane keep flying to travel
−1
balloon is ascending at a constant 2 m s . 2000 km north?
a What is the relative velocity of the stone from the d For how long must the plane keep flying to go
balloon’s point of view?
sales representative for information about access codes
2000 km to the north-west (that is, N45°W)? (Hint –
b What is the relative velocity of the balloon from the resolve the plane’s velocity into components different
stone’s point of view? from those you used in part b.)
c How far from the bottom of the cliff did this encounter
and conditions.
−1
take place? 9 A dog is running north-east at 10 m s . It then turns and
−1
runs due north at 6.0 m s .
d At what time, relative to the stone’s release, was the
balloon released? a For how long was the dog running north-east if it ran
150 m before turning?
5 Two ships pass in the night, travelling in opposite b If the dog ran north for 20 s, what was the total
directions (t = 0). Ship A is travelling at 20 knots, and ship distance the dog ran?
B at 25 knots. After they have travelled for another two c Draw a vector diagram of the distances involved in the
minutes, ship A blasts its horn. The speed of sound in air dog’s journey, including the net displacement. Draw a
−1
under prevailing conditions is 341 m s , and 1 knot = second diagram of the velocities.
−1 
1.852 km h . d What is ∆v , the change in velocity (magnitude and
a How far apart are the two ships when the horn blasts direction), between the first leg and the second leg of
(t = 2 minutes)? the run? What was the average velocity for the whole
b How far apart are the two ships when ship B hears the journey?
horn?
c At what time does ship B hear the horn?

9780170409063 CHAPTER 3 » MOTION ON A PLANE 85

9780170409063 USING PHYSICS IN FOCUS xi

OUTCOME GRID
Working Scientifically mapping
Content statements from the NESA Stage 6 Physics syllabus are shown in full on the chapter opening pages of the chapters
where they are dealt with. A full mapping of chapters and content statements can be found on the NelsonNet Teacher website.
Below is a mapping of the outcome statements for Working scientifically across all the chapters of Physics in Focus Year 11.

OUTCOME STATEMENTS CHAPTER

STUDENTS:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
PH11/12-1 develops and evaluates questions
and hypotheses for scientific investigation
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
PH11/12-2 designs and evaluates investigations
in order to obtain primary and secondary data ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
and information
PH11/12-3 conducts investigations to collect
valid and reliable primary and secondary data ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
and information
PH11/12-4 selects and processes appropriate
qualitative and quantitative data and information ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
using a range of appropriate media
PH11/12-5 analyses and evaluates primary and
secondary data and information
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
PH11/12-6 solves scientific problems using
primary and secondary data, critical thinking skills ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
and scientific processes
PH11/12-7 communicates scientific
understanding using suitable language and ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
terminology for a specific audience or purpose

xii 9780170409063