DSE Physics

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DSE physics optics bench: a prism bending a white beam into a restrained spectral fan, beside a convex lens with a ray diagram, a spring and pulley, and a battery-and-bulb circuit.

Model mechanics, waves, electricity and nuclear physics, then develop calculation and inquiry skills.

  • Build a physical model and determine directions before substituting into equations
  • Translate accurately among situations, force diagrams, graphs and equations
  • Check results through units, limiting cases and orders of magnitude
  • Turn experimental data, graphs and uncertainty into supported conclusions
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Course highlights

Modelling Understand the system before choosing a law Identify objects, interactions, boundaries and assumptions instead of searching for a formula as soon as values appear.
System and interactions
Identify the object, external forces, energy transfer and negligible factors.
Choose a law
Use known quantities and processes to select motion, momentum, energy or field relationships.
Challenge misconceptions
Test intuition through weightlessness, constant speed, equilibrium and other common traps.
 Multiple representations Translate among diagrams, words and equations Represent the same process through sketches, force diagrams, motion graphs and mathematical relationships for cross-checking.
Forces and directions
Set a positive direction and draw real interactions rather than treating motion as a force.
Meaning of graphs
Interpret slopes, areas, intercepts and curve shapes physically.
Match the equation
Confirm that each symbol, direction and condition agrees with the model.
 Calculation checks Keep algebra from hiding physical errors Use units, signs, magnitudes and limiting cases before and after a calculation.
Units first
Standardise units and preserve the meaning of symbols before substitution.
Manage intermediate results
Record values and directions in stages so an error can be traced.
Plausibility tests
Compare everyday scales, theoretical limits and graph trends.
 Experiments and data Build defensible conclusions from measurements Understand measurement limits, choose a useful graph and decide whether evidence supports the expected relationship.
Measurement design
Choose instruments, ranges, repeats and controlled variables.
Linearise graphs
Select axes from theory and use slope and intercept to obtain quantities.
Uncertainty and limitations
Separate random and systematic issues and propose evidence-improving changes.
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Course content

Heat, gases, force and motion
Temperature, heat transfer, gas laws, kinematics, Newton’s laws, momentum, work and energy.
Wave motion
Wave properties, light, sound, interference, diffraction and graphs.
Electricity and magnetism
Circuits, electrical energy, magnetic fields, induction, generation and transmission.
Radioactivity and nuclear energy
Radioactivity, half-life, radiation safety, fission and fusion.
Astronomy and space science
Elective topic covering celestial motion, observation, stars and the Universe.
Atomic world
Elective topic covering atomic models, quantum phenomena, spectra and electrons.
Energy and use of energy
Elective topic covering sources, conversion, efficiency and environmental impact.
Medical physics
Elective topic covering the senses, imaging, diagnosis and treatment.

Course fees

4 lessons per month 90 minutes per lesson

Fees by level

S4
HK$1,380/ 4 lessons
S5-S6
HK$1,560/ 4 lessons
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