SS2 Physics Scheme of Work: A Comprehensive Plan for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Terms

The Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2) is a pivotal year in the study of Physics, where students delve deeper into the subject, exploring intricate concepts and applications. A well-organized scheme of work is essential to guide both educators and students throughout the academic year. In this article, we present a detailed scheme of work for SS2 Physics, covering the first, second, and third terms.

SCHEME OF WORK FOR SS2 PHYSICS FIRST TERM

Week 1: Geometrical Optics

1. Reflection of light (laws of reflection, plane and curved mirrors)
2. Refraction of light (laws of refraction, lenses)
3. Lens formula and magnification
4. Lens combinations and optical systems
5. Applications of geometric optics (microscopes, telescopes)

Week 2-3: Electricity and Magnetism

1. Electric fields and electric potential
2. Capacitors and capacitance
3. RC circuits and time constants
4. Magnetic fields and forces on charged particles
5. Electromagnetic induction and Faraday’s law

Week 4-5: Electromagnetic Waves

1. Electromagnetic spectrum and properties
2. Transverse nature of electromagnetic waves
3. Electromagnetic wave equations and calculations
4. Applications of electromagnetic waves (radio waves, microwaves)

Week 6-7: Modern Physics – Quantum Mechanics

1. Wave-particle duality and the uncertainty principle
2. Photoelectric effect and the photon model of light
3. Wave nature of particles (electron diffraction)
4. The Bohr model and atomic spectra
5. Quantum mechanics and electron configurations

Week 8-9: Modern Physics – Nuclear Physics

1. Radioactivity and nuclear decay
2. Alpha, beta, and gamma radiation
3. Half-life and radioactive dating
4. Nuclear reactions and energy
5. Nuclear fission and fusion

Week 10: Revision and Assessment

• Review of topics covered in the term
• Practice exercises and problem-solving
• Assessment of understanding and knowledge

SCHEME OF WORK FOR SS2 PHYSICS SECOND TERM

Week 1: Mechanics – Motion in a Plane

1. Vector quantities in two dimensions
2. Projectile motion and related calculations
3. Uniform circular motion and centripetal force
4. Vertical circular motion and banking of tracks
5. Applications of motion in a plane

Week 2-3: Mechanics – Laws of Motion

1. Newton’s laws of motion and their applications
2. Frictional forces and coefficients of friction
3. Tension in ropes and inclined planes
4. Equilibrium of forces and free-body diagrams
5. Applications of Newton’s laws in real-life scenarios

Week 4-5: Waves and Sound

1. Wave characteristics (amplitude, frequency, wavelength)
2. Wave properties and wave equation
3. Reflection, refraction, and diffraction of waves
4. Interference and superposition of waves
5. Properties of sound waves and applications

Week 6-7: Heat and Thermodynamics

1. Heat transfer mechanisms (conduction, convection, radiation)
2. Specific heat capacity and calorimetry
3. Thermal expansion and contraction
4. Laws of Thermodynamics and heat engines
5. Refrigeration and heat pumps

Week 8-9: Electronics

1. Introduction to electronic components (resistors, capacitors, diodes)
2. Electric circuits with resistors and capacitors
3. Transistors and their applications
4. Digital electronics and logic gates
5. Integrated Circuits and Their Role in modern technology

Week 10: Revision and Assessment

• Review of topics covered in the term
• Practice exercises and problem-solving
• Assessment of understanding and knowledge

SCHEME OF WORK FOR SS2 PHYSICS THIRD TERM

Week 1-2: Electromagnetism

1. Electric fields and electric potential
2. Capacitors and capacitance
3. RC circuits and time constants
4. Magnetic fields and forces on charged particles
5. Electromagnetic induction and Faraday’s law

Week 3-4: Optics – Wave Optics

1. Interference of light waves
2. Young’s double-slit experiment
3. Diffraction of light waves
4. Polarisation of light
5. Applications of wave optics

Week 5-6: Modern Physics – Quantum Mechanics

1. Wave-particle duality and the uncertainty principle
2. Photoelectric effect and the photon model of light
3. Wave nature of particles (electron diffraction)
4. The Bohr model and atomic spectra
5. Quantum mechanics and electron configurations

Week 7-8: Modern Physics – Nuclear Physics

1. Radioactivity and nuclear decay
2. Alpha, beta, and gamma radiation
3. Half-life and radioactive dating
4. Nuclear reactions and energy
5. Nuclear fission and fusion

Week 9-10: Space Physics and Astrophysics

1. The solar system and its components
2. Celestial bodies
3. Hubble’s law and the expanding universe
4. The Big Bang theory and cosmic microwave background
5. Space exploration and its significance