To the student

Physics is rich in its history, its accidental discoveries, its geniuses and in the way theories, models and laws have been developed or discarded. Importantly, physics has many varied and profound impacts on society and the environment, both positive and negative. The teaching and learning of physics without reference to these impacts is akin to teaching words with no sentences. Ultimately, it is to science that we turn to find solutions to the wide variety of problems arising from overpopulation, pollution and threats from outer space in an effort to ensure our survival. Learning Physics within these contexts gives it relevance; hopefully this will encourage students to pursue the subject at tertiary levels.

Physics in Focus is a succinct and easy-to-follow book for the New South Wales Stage 6 Physics Syllabus. As in the syllabus, the text is divided into modules. Each module is made up of chapters based on the divisions in the syllabus. Chapters are divided into sections to specifically cover the syllabus dot points. The Preliminary volume covers all four core modules; the HSC volume covers three core modules and three optional modules: ‘From quanta to quarks’, ‘Medical physics’ and ‘Astrophysics’.

Physics in Focus is a valuable guide, not only to the syllabus content but also to practical procedures. The NSW Board of Studies intends, as with all science courses, that physics is taught in the contexts formed by the five Prescribed Focus Areas (PFAs). The PFAs have been a misunderstood concept for too long. This book attempts to address this shortfall by giving specific examples and information that relates to these broader issues.

Physics in Focus clearly indicates where the skills, PFAs and first-hand investigations are being addressed within the text. It also provides risk assessments, animations, exercises and worked examples, all marked with icons and colour coding.
The ‘students learn to’ columns are marked in blue and the ‘students learn about’ columns are marked in green. Exceptions are for made for dot points, which start with either ‘solve’ or ‘analyse’; these are marked in red, emphasising that students will need some guidance to learn this material, rather than learning by themselves through investigations. Other features within the text include the use of ‘notes’ to highlight tips and hints or to clarify confusing and difficult concepts. ‘Analogies’ are used to help to explain difficult concepts. There are extensive practice questions as well as examination-style questions to help students to consolidate the concepts and to prepare for their HSC exams.

The authors would like to emphasise that the studying of any science subject can be considered as a four-step process: reading, understanding, memorising and applying. Understanding is the most important step, and for this students need their teacher’s help. Applying comes after understanding and memorising and can be perfected by completing the practice questions in this book.
Finally, the authors hope that this book will help students to enjoy learning physics.