Research
NSW HSC Physics
- 8.2 The World Communicates
- 8.3 Electrical Energy in the Home
- 8.4 Moving About
- 8.5 The Cosmic Engine
- 9.2 Space
- 9.3 Motors and Generators
- 9.4 From Ideas to Implementation
- 9.5 Option- Geophysics
- 9.6 Option- Medical Physics
- 9.7 Option - Astrophysics
- 9.8 Option- From Quanta to Quarks
- 9.9 Option - The Age of Silicon
8.2 The World Communicates
Electromagnetic waves have potential for future communication technologies and data storage technologies.
Australian scientists research the physical principles and applications of electromagnetic waves for a variety of purposes.
- Macquarie University- Centre for Electromagnetic and Antenna Engineering
- Cooperative Research Centre for Satellite Systems
8.3 Electrical Energy in the Home
One of the main advantages of electricity is that is can be moved with comparative ease from one place to another through electric circuits.
Australian scientists research new materials for use as conductors to provide electricity.
8.4 Moving About
Safety devices are used to reduce the effects of changing momentum.
Australian scientists are involved in research to produce better technologies for avoiding or reducing the effect of a collision.
8.5 The Cosmic Engine
The Australian Telescope and Outreach Education website is an on-line resource providing information to assist us in understanding the scale and structure of the universe.
9.2 Space
The rapid advances in technologies over the past fifty years have allowed the exploration of not only the Moon, but the Solar System and, to an increasing extent, the Universe.
Australian scientists have drawn on advances in areas such as aeronautics, material science, robotics, electronics, medicine and energy production to develop viable spacecraft.
9.3 Motors and Generators
Modern industrialised society is geared to using electricity.
Transformers allow generated voltage to be either increased or decreased before it is used. Motors are used in industries and the home usually to convert elecrical energy into more useful forms of energy.
Australian scientists research the production of electrical power, use of transformers and application of motors in various industries.
9.4 From Ideas to Implementation
By the beginning of the twentieth century, many of the pieces of the physics puzzle seemed to be falling into place. The phenomena discovered by physicists have, with increasing speed, been channeled into technologies, such as computers, to which society has ever-increasing access. These technologies have, in turn, often assisted physicists in their search for further knowledge and understanding of natural phenomena at the sub-atomic level.
Limitations of past technologies and increased research into the structure of the atom resulted in the invention of transistors.
Australian scientists are involved in research involving the use of transistors in microchips and microprocessors.
Investigations into the electrical properties of particular metals at different temperatures led to the identification of superconductivity and the exploration of possible applications.
Australian scientists research possible applications of superconductivity.
9.5 Option - Geophysics
Geophysics is the application of physical theories and measurement to the investigation of the planet we inhabit. Geophysical studies may involve large-scale problems such as the Earth's structure and behaviour (solid earth geophysics) and problems associated with the exploration of the crust for minerals and for engineering purposes (exploration geophysics).
Geophysics involves the measurement of physical properties of the Earth.
Australian scientists studying geophysics, research the properties of earth materials.
9.6 Option - Medical Physics
The use of other advances in technology, developed from our understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum, and based on sound physical principles, has allowed medical technologists more sophisticated tools to analyse and interpret bodily process for diagnostic purposes.
Australian scientists impact society through their use and application of physics in medicine.
9.7 Option - Astrophysics
The wonders of the Universe are revealed through technological advances based on tested principles of physics. Explanations for events in our spectacular Universe, based on our understandings of the electromagnetic spectrum, allow for insights into the relationships between star formation and evolution (supernovae), and extreme events, such as high gravity environments of a neutron star or black hole.
Photometric measurements can be used for determining distance and comparing objects.
Australian scientists work on advancing measurement technologies to improve our understanding of celestial objects.
9.8 Option - From Quanta to Quarks
Between 1900 and 1930, a revolution took place and a new more generalised formulation called quantum mechanics was developed. This new approach was highly successful in explaining the behaviour of atoms, molecules and nuclei. As with relativity, quantum theory requires a modification of ideas about the physical world.
Australian scientists continue to develop their understanding of matter, using accelerators as a probe for investigation.
9.9 Option - The Age of Silicon
Knowledge of the electrical, magnetic, optical and thermal properties of compounds of transition and rare earth metals enables their application to robotics, automation in the manufacturing industry and advances in the personal computer industry.
Australian scientists are involved in research contributing to the rapid development of electronics and their use in society.