A student:
Prior to the 20th century, physicists, including Newton and Maxwell, developed theories and models about mechanics, electricity and magnetism and the nature of matter. These theories and models had great explanatory power and produced useful predictions. However, the 20th century saw major developments in physics as existing theories and models were challenged by new observations that could not be explained. These observations led to the development of quantum theory and the theory of relativity. Technologies arising from these theories have shaped the modern world. For example, the independence of the speed of light on the frame of observation or the motion of the source and observer had significant consequences for the measurement, and concepts about the nature, of time and space.
Throughout this module, students explore the evidence supporting these physical theories, along with the power of scientific theories to make useful predictions.
In this module, students focus on developing and evaluating questions and hypotheses when designing and conducting investigations; evaluating the data obtained from investigations; and communicating ideas about the nature of light. Students should be provided with opportunities to engage with all the Working Scientifically skills throughout the course.
Inquiry question: What is light?
Students:
investigate Maxwell’s contribution to the classical theory of electromagnetism, including:
unification of electricity and magnetism
prediction of electromagnetic waves
prediction of velocity (ACSPH113)
describe the production and propagation of electromagnetic waves and relate these processes qualitatively to the predictions made by Maxwell’s electromagnetic theory (ACSPH112, ACSPH113)
conduct investigations of historical and contemporary methods used to determine the speed of light and its current relationship to the measurement of time and distance (ACSPH082)