Physics II (Applied Physics)

Physics forms a foundation for many professions such as engineering, construction and architecture. In this course, we will discuss electricity, power generation, relativity, imaging and much more.

Course Code: BSC210
Fee Code: S3
Duration (approx) Duration (approx) 100 hours
Qualification Statement of Attainment
Get started!
Learning physics is a quest to reveal the secrets of the universe. It explains the behaviours of the universe. Physics principles are relevant in our everyday life in many aspects. Physics also forms a foundation for many professions such as engineering, construction and architecture. In this course, we will discuss electricity, power generation, relativity, imaging and much more.

Studying physics opens opportunities in public and private sectors, education, and research. It is essential to understand the principles of physics for those who wish to be an astrophysicist, entrepreneur, nanotechnologist, materials scientist, science teacher, data scientist, medical physicist, or research scholar in science.

Lesson Structure

There are 10 lessons in this course:

  1. Electromagnetic Induction
    • Introduction to Electricity
    • Rules of charge
    • Coulomb’s law
    • Magnetism
    • Electromagnetism
    • Electromagnetic induction
    • Faraday’s Law of electromagnetic induction
    • Lenz’s law
    • Fleming’s Rules
    • Eddy currents
    • Transformers
    • Generators
    • Motors
  2. Power Generation and Transmission
    • Primary sources of electrical energy
    • Energy from the water head
    • Energy from burning fuels
    • Nuclear energy
    • Wind energy
    • Solar energy
    • Types of power plants
    • Hydroelectric power plants
    • Thermal power plants
    • Nuclear power plants
    • Wind power plants
  3. Circular Motion and Gravitation
    • Lesson introduction
    • Review of circles – radius, diameter, tangent, arc, circumference
    • Important equations for working with circles
    • Circular motion
    • Uniform circular motion
    • Time, frequency, position, speed, tangential velocity, centripetal force
    • Centripetal acceleration
    • Newton’s law of gravitation
    • Satellites and Kepler’s Laws
  4. Engineering Physics – Rigid Bodies and Rotational Dynamics
    • Rotational Motion
    • Degrees and Radians
    • Angular Position
    • Angular Displacement
    • Angular Velocity
    • Angular Velocity & Linear Velocity
    • Angular Acceleration
    • Kinematic Equations (Angular Acceleration)
    • Torque
    • Moment of Inertia
    • Angular Momentum
    • Kinetic Energy of Rotation
    • Rotational Energy, Work and Power
  5. Engineering Physics- Fluids and fluid dynamics
    • Fluid and dynamics introduction
    • Definitions and Properties
    • Density
    • Pressure
    • Flow
    • Steady and Unsteady Flow
    • Laminar Flow and Turbulent Flow
    • Open Flow
    • Open-channel flow
    • Compressible and Incompressible Flow
    • Forces on Fluids
    • Pressure and Atmospheric Pressure
    • Water Pressure
    • Pressure Difference
    • Buoyant Forces
    • Pascal’s Law
    • Principles of Fluid Dynamics
    • The Equation of Continuity
    • Flow Rate and Its Relation to Velocity
    • Archimedes’ Principle
    • Bernoulli’s Theorem
    • Viscosity
    • Turbulence
  6. Relativity
    • The Principle of Relativity
    • Special Relativity
    • Space-time
    • Universal Speed Limit
    • Relativistic Mass
    • Time Dilation
    • Length Contraction
    • Doppler Effect on Wavelength
    • Applications
  7. Introduction to Imaging
    • Electromagnetic Radiation
    • Electromagnetic Spectrum
    • Comparison of EM Waves
    • Relationship Between Frequency and Wavelength
    • Relationship Between Frequency and Energy
    • Visible Light
    • The Wave Nature of Light
    • Properties of Light
    • Speed of Light
    • Reflection of Light
    • Refraction of Light
    • Snell’s Law
    • Diffraction of Light and Interference
    • Dispersion
    • Optional Image Formation
    • Lens Types
  8. Imaging instrumentation and Medical imaging
    • Types of Medical Imaging
    • Radiography
    • Computerised Tomography
    • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
    • Ultrasound Imaging
    • Electron Microscopy
    • TEM
    • SEM
    • Nuclear Medicine
    • Positron emission Tomography
    • Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography
    • Bone Scan
    • Photoacoustic Imaging
    • Medical Imaging Instruments
    • CT, PET and MRI Scanners
    • Ultrasound Machine
    • Advantages and Disadvantages of Medical Imaging
  9. Fibre optics
    • Introduction
    • Definitions
    • Construction of Optical Fibre Cable
    • Advantages and Disadvantages Fibre Optics
    • Fibre Characteristics
    • Mechanical Characteristics
    • Transmission Characteristics
    • Different Types of Fibres and Their Properties
    • Single and Multimode Fibres
    • Step Index and Graded Index Fibres
    • Principles of Light Propagation Through a Fibre
    • Refractive Index
    • Total Internal Reflection
    • Numerical Aperture
    • Acceptance Angle
    • Skew Mode
    • Applications of Fibre Optics
  10. Engineering Physics in Construction
    • Introduction to physics in construction
    • Surveying
    • Building Roads and Paths
    • Constructing Buildings
    • Basic Principles in Building Engineering Physics
    • Acoustics
    • Air Movement
    • Building Services
    • Climate
    • Construction Technology
    • Control of Moisture
    • Lighting
    • Thermal Performance
    • Properties of Common Materials
    • Definitions
    • Simple and Damped Harmonic Motion
    • Forced Oscillations
    • Vibrations inside built structures
    • Vibrations from outside built structures
    • Resonant Response and Damping

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Aims

  • Explain how electricity works, and how it relates to electromagnetic induction.
  • Explain different types of power generation.
  • Explain some of the advantages and disadvantages of certain types of power generation.
  • Explain the general principles of circular motion.
  • Explain the general principle of gravity and how it applies to satellites.
  • Explain the major principles of rotational motion.
  • Explain the relationship between rotational motion and power.
  • Define a fluid in physics terms.
  • Explain how fluids move and some of their applications in everyday life.
  • Explain the general principles of relativity and when they are used.
  • Explain how light moves and creates images people can see.
  • Explain some common medical imaging techniques and how they use light and sound to create images.
  • Explain how light moves through a fibre optic cable and the factors that affect it.
  • Explain practical applications for fibre optics.
  • Explain practical applications for physics in the construction industry.

What You Will Do

  • Demonstrate moving electrons from one material to another via static electricity.
  • Research videos on electromagnetic induction online to “see” the relationship between electricity and magnetism for yourself.
  • Using the diagrams in this course as a guide, find an old piece of equipment that you can pull apart and identify the motor and its component parts.
  • Talk to a person about the energy sources they utilise.
  • Search online and watch videos of the inner workings of a power plant.
  • Try to test out tangential velocity for yourself. Start with a small stone, marble, or key.
  • Search online for videos of car racing and think about the forces in play. Draw a diagram showing the different forces acting on the car.
  • Find the measurement of a radian yourself.
  • Search online for videos of ice skaters performing spins, pay attention to the velocity – remember, the speed and direction – in how they start their spins.
  • Try to make a laminar flow with the balloon experiment.
  • Search for videos online on the physics of aeroplanes and airflow, look at the way the air moves and the factors affecting the wings and keeping the plane in the air.
  • Experiment with your own personal frames of reference.
  • Look at your own, or a friend’s, glasses. Consider questions outlined and take notes.
  • Search for funhouse optical illusion videos online and pay attention to the shape of the mirrors in the video and think about how they affect the images shown.
  • Think about a time you or a friend may have had a medical scan and talk with others on experiences with medical imaging. Ask them questions about it and make notes.
  • Select one of the medical imaging types and understand how the imaging type was developed, when, and what it is commonly used for.
  • Explore your house, school, or other accessible places for fibre optic cables. Note down your findings with a pen and paper.
  • Search online for the applications of fibre optics in your area. Take notes on your findings.
  • Talk to a builder or a surveying technician or anyone familiar with construction about the importance of surveying in construction. Share your opinion on the significance of planning in a construction project.
  • Recreate a simple pendulum experiment using a string and a ball and measure the time period T for the pendulum to complete one oscillation.
ACS Distance Education holds an Educational Membership with the ATA.
ACS Distance Education holds an Educational Membership with the ATA.
Member of Study Gold Coast Education Network.
Member of Study Gold Coast Education Network.
Since 1999 ACS has been a recognised member of IARC (International Approval and Registration Centre). A non-profit quality management organisation servicing education.
Since 1999 ACS has been a recognised member of IARC (International Approval and Registration Centre). A non-profit quality management organisation servicing education.

How can I start this course?

You can enrol at anytime and start the course when you are ready. Enrolments are accepted all year - students can commence study at any time. All study is self paced and ACS does not set assignment deadlines.

Please note that if a student is being assisted by someone else (e.g. an employer or government subsidy), the body offering the assistance may set deadlines. Students in such situations are advised to check with their sponsor prior to enrolling. The nominal duration of a course is approximately how long a course takes to complete. A course with a nominal duration of 100 hours is expected to take roughly 100 hours of study time to complete. However, this will vary from student to student. Short courses (eg. 100 hrs duration) should be completed within 12 months of enrolment. Certificates, Advanced Certificates and Awards (eg. over 500 hours duration) would normally be completed within 3 -5 years of enrolment. Additional fees may apply if a student requires an extended period to complete.
If a student cannot submit their assignments for 6 months to ACS, they should advise the school to avoid cancellation of their student
registration. Recommencement fees may apply.

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What do I need to know before I enrol?

There are no entry requirements that you need to meet to enrol in our courses, our courses are for everyone.
If you are under 18, we need written permission from your parent/ guardian for your enrolment to continue, we can arrange that after you have enrolled.

You don’t need to purchase any additional resources to complete our courses.

We aim to teach you the essentials without you having to purchase any specific computer program.
We recommend that you have access to a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, so that you can easily complete and submit your assignments.

You sure can. We are here to help you learn whatever your abilities.

Yes, if you are enrolling in a Certificate or Advanced Certificate, you might be eligible for credits if you have evidence of your previous studies or relevant experience. More information is here.

We recommend that you are able to browse websites, send emails and conduct online research. You will need to be able to type and submit your assignments.
If you have limited computer skills, we can make special arrangements for you.

This is possible, it depends on the institution. We recommend that if you would like to use our courses that you contact the institution first. Our Course Handbook is a good resource for this.

Our courses are written in English and we only have English speaking academic staff. If you can read and complete your assignments in English, our courses are ideal for you.

Our courses are designed to build knowledge, hands on skills and industry connections to help prepare you to work in the area, running your own business, professional development or as a base for further study.

This course has been designed to cover the fundamentals of the topic. It will take around 100 hours to complete, which includes your course reading, assignment work, research, practical tasks, watching videos and anything else that is contained in the course. Our short courses are a great way to do some professional development or to learn a new skill.

It’s up to you. The study hours listed in the course are a rough guide, however if you were to study a short course (100 hours) at 10 hours per week, you could finish the course in 10 weeks (just an example). Our courses are self-paced, so you can work through the courses in your own time. We recommend that you wait for your tutor to mark and return your assignment before your start your next one, so you get the benefits of their feedback.

The course consists of course notes, videos, set tasks for your practical work, online quizzes, an assignment for each lesson (that you receive feedback from your tutor from) and ends in an exam (which is optional, if would like to receive the formal award at the end), using our custom built Learning Management System - Login.Training.

Our courses are designed for adults to gain professional development and skills to further their careers and start businesses.

Our custom online learning portal allows you to conduct your learning online. There may be practical tasks that you can do offline. You have the option of downloading your course notes or print them to read later.

There is also the option to pay an additional fee for printed course notes and or USB (availability limited to location and deliverability).

Yes, if you don’t have access to the internet, you can receive the course as paper notes or on a USB stick for an additional fee. We can also make alternative arrangements for you to send your assignments to us.

We offer printed notes for an additional fee. Also, you can request your course notes on a USB stick for an additional fee.

Yes, your tutor is here to help you. Simply post any questions you have in your login.training portal or contact the office and we can pass on a message to your tutor.

We are more learning focussed, rather than assessment focussed. You have online quizzes to test your learning, written assignments and can complete an exam at the end of the course (if you want to receive your certificate). You will not receive a pass/ fail on your course work. If you need to add more details on your assignment, we will ask you to resubmit and direct you where you need to focus. If you need help, you can ask your tutor for advice in the student room.

Each module (short course) is completed with one exam.

Exams are optional, however you must sit an exam if you would like to receive a formal award. You will need to find someone who can supervise that you are sitting the exams under exams conditions. There is an additional cost of $60 incl. GST for each exam.
More information is here

There are practical components built into the course that have been designed to be achieved by anyone, anywhere. If you are unable to complete a task for any reason, you can ask your tutor for an alternative.

When you complete the course work and the exam and you will be able receive your course certificate- a Statement of Attainment. Otherwise, you can receive a Letter of Completion.

You can bundle the short courses to create your own customised learning bundle, Certificates or Advanced Certificates. More information is on this page.

Yes, our courses are built to be applicable for people living anywhere in any situation. We provide the fundamentals, and each student can apply their own unique flair for their own interests, region and circumstances with the one-on-one guidance of a tutor. There is also a bit of student directed research involved.

Employers value candidates with industry skills, knowledge, practical skills and formal learning. Our courses arm you with all of these things to help prepare you for a job or start your own business. The longer you study the more you will learn.

ACS has an arrangement with OAMPS (formerly AMP) who can arrange Professional Indemnity from Australian and New Zealand graduates across all disciplines. Ph: 1800 222 012 or email acs@oamps.com.au.


Who are ACS Distance Education?

ACS Distance Education have been educating people for over 40 years.

We are established and safe- we have been in education for over 40 years.
We are focused on developing innovative courses that are relevant to you now and what you will need to know in the future.
We are focused on helping you learn and make the most of your experience.
You can enrol at any time, you can work on your course when it suits you and at your own pace.
We are connected to many industry bodies and our staff participate in continuous improvement and learning activities to ensure that we are ahead of what learning is needed for the future.

Our courses are not accredited by the Australian Government. However many of our courses are recognised and held in high regard by many industry bodies.

Our courses are written by our staff, who all have many years experience and have qualifications in their speciality area. We have lots of academic staff who write and update our courses regularly.


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Course Contributors

The following academics were involved in the development and/or updating of this course.

Peta Jinnath Abdul

B.Sc., Grad.Dip.Ed., M.Creative Writing

Rajy Xavier

An Electrical Engineer with 12 years of experience in Engineering and Education. After completing masters in Telecommunication Engineering, she worked as an Assistant Professor in Electrical Engineering for 5 years.

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