SPH3U course develops students’ understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students in SPH3U will explore kinematics, with an emphasis on linear motion; different kinds of forces; energy transformations; the properties of mechanical waves and sound; and electricity and magnetism. SPH3U will enhance their scientific investigation skills as they test laws of physics. In addition, students in SPH3U will analyse the interrelationships between physics and technology, and consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.
Course curriculum
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The step before SPH4U
SPH3U is the prerequisite for Grade 12 Physics, which engineering, physical-science and many health-science programs ask for. Vectors, Newton’s laws and energy conservation here are the base Grade 12 builds on.
Motion and forces you can calculate
Motion in one and two dimensions, free-body diagrams and Newton’s laws — and the technologies that use them, from vehicles to sports equipment, considered for their effect on society and the environment.
Energy, sound and circuits
Work and the conservation of energy, the universal wave equation, the Doppler effect and the physics of music, then current, voltage and resistance in series and parallel circuits.
Physics in Ontario
An assignment on power generation plants connects energy transformations to the grid that powers your home, and each unit looks at how physics and technology shape each other.
Simulations — try the physics yourself
Interactive simulation worksheets in every unit let you change a variable and watch motion, forces, waves and circuits respond, backed by lesson notes, worked solutions and a conversation with your teacher at the end of each unit.
SPH3U Course outline
Full unit-by-unit breakdown.
Learn motion and vectors and use them to solve problems. Investigate uniform and non-uniform linear motion in one and two dimensions, and look at technologies that apply kinematics and their social and environmental impact.
Key topics
Vectors · uniform and non-uniform motion · displacement, velocity and acceleration · motion in two dimensions
Assessed by
Quiz · proctored unit test · end-of-unit conversation
Learn force and Newton’s laws and apply them to problems: explain the laws, draw free-body diagrams, use Newton’s second law to find mass, and recognize which law applies in a given situation.
Key topics
Newton’s laws · free-body diagrams · friction · applications of forces
Assessed by
Quiz · proctored unit test · end-of-unit conversation
Calculate work under a range of conditions, identify the forms of energy with examples, apply the law of conservation of energy to real situations, and compare the ways thermal energy transfers, calculating the energy lost or gained.
Key topics
Work · forms of energy · conservation of energy · thermal energy transfer · power generation
Assessed by
Power generation plants assignment · proctored unit test · end-of-unit conversation
Explain the types of vibration and the motion of waves, use the universal wave equation to find wavelength and period, describe the properties of sound, calculate with the speed of sound, explain the Doppler effect, and learn the language of music: harmonics, overtones and octaves.
Key topics
Vibrations and wave motion · universal wave equation · properties of sound · Doppler effect · harmonics and music
Assessed by
Quiz · proctored unit test · end-of-unit conversation
Explain electric fields and their properties, use the equations for current and voltage and how each is found in a circuit, and work out resistance in series and parallel circuits.
Key topics
Electric fields · current and voltage · resistance · series and parallel circuits · magnetism
Assessed by
Quiz · proctored unit test · end-of-unit conversation
Review the five units and prepare for the cumulative final exam.
Key topics
Course review
Assessed by
Final exam
