01-QLD · Physics

Queensland Certificate of Education · QCAA· 2026

QCE Physics: complete 2026 guide to Units 3 and 4 (General subject)

A complete 2026 guide to QCE General Physics Units 3 and 4. The IA1 data test, IA2 student experiment, IA3 research investigation and External Assessment structure, what each instrument assesses, how marks combine into your subject result, and links to every dot-point answer we have for QCE Physics Unit 3 (Gravity and electromagnetism).

Browse guides Syllabus dot points (41)ATAR calculator

QCE General Physics Units 3 and 4 is the Year 12 sequence assessed across three internal assessments (IAs) and one External Assessment (EA). Unit 3 (Gravity and electromagnetism) is the priority for IA1 and IA2, both sat during the unit. The EA tests Units 3 and 4 cumulatively at the end of the year.

This page is the index. Below you will find the structure of the course, what each instrument assesses, and links to every dot-point answer we have written for QCE Physics Unit 3.

The four instruments in 2026

IA1: Data test: A school-based 60 to 90-minute response to previously unseen Unit 3 data sets (trajectory plots, orbital tables, electric and magnetic field measurements, transformer characteristics). Tests claim-evidence-reasoning under time pressure. 10 percent of the subject result. Sat in Term 1 or early Term 2 of Year 12.
IA2: Student experiment: A student-designed and conducted experimental investigation drawn from Unit 3 subject matter (commonly projectile range vs angle, centripetal force on a conical pendulum, gravitational pendulum, induced EMF in a moving magnet, or transformer turns ratio). Reported as a scientific report of up to 2000 words. 20 percent of the subject result.
IA3: Research investigation: A research-only investigation in Unit 4 context (typically special relativity, quantum or nuclear), examining a claim by reviewing secondary data. Reported as a scientific article of up to 2000 words. 20 percent of the subject result.
EA: External Assessment: Two centrally-set exam papers at the end of Unit 4. Paper 1 is multiple choice plus short response (60 marks). Paper 2 is short response, extended response and data analysis (60 marks). 50 percent of the subject result.

Unit 3: Gravity and electromagnetism

Unit 3 splits into two topics. Both are examinable in IA1 and the EA; most IA2 experiments are designed around one of them.

Topic 1: Gravity and motion. Projectile motion (resolution into horizontal and vertical components, range and time of flight). Uniform circular motion (centripetal acceleration and force, period and frequency, banked curves and conical pendulums). Newton's law of universal gravitation and gravitational field strength. Orbital motion of satellites and planets (Kepler's third law, orbital energy).

Topic 2: Electromagnetism. Electric fields and the force on a point charge (uniform fields between parallel plates, work and potential difference). Magnetic forces on moving charges and current-carrying conductors. Electromagnetic induction via Faraday's and Lenz's laws. Transformers and their role in AC transmission.

Our 2026 QCE Physics dot-point answers

Every link below is a focused answer to one QCAA subject-matter dot point. Each page identifies the dot point, gives the worked answer, cites past QCAA-style questions where available, and cross-links to related dot points and our physics calculators.

Unit 3, Topic 1: Gravity and motion

Unit 3, Topic 2: Electromagnetism

Unit 4, Topic 1: Special relativity

Unit 4, Topic 2: Quantum theory

Unit 4, Topic 3: The standard model

How Unit 3 maps to the IAs

IA1 data test (10 percent): Expect a mixture of Topic 1 and Topic 2 stimulus. Topic 1 stimulus is often a trajectory diagram, a banked-curve scenario, a gravitational field table, or orbital data requiring Kepler's third law. Topic 2 stimulus is often a parallel-plate diagram, a velocity-selector or mass-spectrometer geometry, an induction setup with flux changes, or transformer characteristics. Mark accuracy on units, significant figures, and direction (vector questions are dominant in physics).
IA2 student experiment (20 percent): The most common IA2 designs are: projectile range as a function of launch angle, centripetal force on a conical pendulum or rotating-mass setup, the period of a simple pendulum used to determine local g, the EMF induced by a magnet moving through a coil at varying speed, or a transformer turns-ratio investigation. Strong reports identify a researchable question, justify the experimental design against Unit 3 theory, present clean processed data with linearised graphs where appropriate, evaluate uncertainty against the IA2 criteria, and extend the conclusion with a refined question.
EA Paper 1 and Paper 2: Around half the EA marks draw on Unit 3. Topic 1 questions cluster around projectile and orbital calculations and centripetal force on banked curves. Topic 2 questions cluster around induced-EMF calculations, Lenz's law direction problems, and transformer turns-ratio plus transmission-loss reasoning. Paper 2's data-analysis style reuses the IA1 stimulus pattern.

How to use this hub

If you are starting Unit 3 this term: read the projectile-motion and uniform-circular-motion dot points first. They are the foundation for the rest of Topic 1 and reappear in every IA1 stimulus.

If you are 2 weeks from IA1: focus on Kepler's third law, electromagnetic induction, and the transformer turns ratio. Drill calculation accuracy under timed conditions. Practise interpreting unseen data tables and graphs.

If you are designing your IA2: read the dot point most relevant to your chosen experimental system, then read our QCE internal vs external assessments explainer for what QCAA's IA2 criteria reward. Plan your independent variable, dependent variable, and the controlled variables before you touch any equipment.

If you are 6 weeks from the EA: revise the full Unit 3 set above, then complete Unit 4 revision. Past EA papers (released by QCAA after each year) are the best practice resource.

Calculators for Unit 3

Every Unit 3 dot point links to a free calculator on this site that you can use to check homework or generate IA2 expected values.

Topic 1.

Topic 2.

ATAR planning

Our QCE ATAR calculator lets you enter your projected Physics result alongside your other General subjects to estimate your ATAR. Physics is a strong-scaling General subject in most years, so it disproportionately affects high-end aggregates.

The system around QCE Physics

QCE Physics sits inside the wider QCE system. Related explainers:

How the QCE ATAR is calculated covers QTAC's top-5-General aggregate and scaling.
Internal vs External Assessments breaks down the 50/50 IA/EA weighting for sciences.
AARA special arrangements covers QCAA's Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments.
QCE exam day: what to actually expect covers EA logistics.

Every guide on this hub was written by ExamExplained. For the official QCAA syllabus, IA syllabus specifications and past EA papers, refer to qcaa.qld.edu.au.

02-Guides

In-depth written guides with paired practice quizzes.

See all →

QCE Physics External Assessment strategy: the 2026 guide to Papers 1 and 2How to prepare for the QCE Physics External Assessment in 2026. Paper structure, the eight-week study plan, the formula sheet and data booklet, time allocation in-paper, the four highest-yield Unit 4 topics, and the common pitfalls that cost top-band candidates marks.18 min read QCE Physics IA1 data test preparation strategy: the 2026 planA six-week preparation plan for the QCE Physics IA1 data test. Weekly content priorities, recommended drills, marking-rubric self-assessment, and the diagnostic loop that lifts a Band 4 candidate into Band 5 territory before the assessment block.16 min read QCE Physics IA1 data test technique: the 2026 guideA complete guide to the QCE Physics IA1 data test. The format, marking criteria, common stimulus types, and the routine that secures top-band marks under time pressure.15 min read QCE Physics IA2 experiment design and report writing: the 2026 guideHow to design and write the QCE Physics IA2 student experiment. Choosing a research question, justifying the methodology, propagating uncertainty, linearising the data, and writing the discussion in a way that hits every QCAA criterion.17 min read QCE Physics IA2 student experiment: the 2026 guideA complete guide to the QCE Physics IA2 student experiment. Common experimental contexts, scientific report structure, uncertainty handling, and the writing moves that secure top-band marks.16 min read

03-Practice quizzes

QCE Physics IA1 data test technique10 questions QCE Physics IA2 student experiment10 questions

04-The QCE system

general10 hardest QCE subjects in 2026 (with cohort and scaling context)A ranked list of the 10 hardest QCE General subjects in 2026, based on cohort strength, content difficulty, and QTAC scaling. With honest reasons each subject earns its place and how QCE differs from HSC and VCE.scaling10 highest scaling QCE subjects in 2026 (with QTAC data)The 10 highest-scaling QCE General subjects in 2026, ranked using publicly-released QTAC scaling. Plus what QCE scaling actually does to your ATAR.special provisionsAARA: Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments in the QCEA complete guide to AARA (Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments) for QCE students. Who qualifies, what arrangements can be approved, how to apply through your school, and what to do if disruption hits during an exam.generalAI and academic integrity in 2026: what you can and cannot doAn honest 2026 guide to how Year 12 students can use AI tools well and where the line is. NESA, VCAA, and QCAA rules, what AI is actually good at, what it is bad at, and how to think about it without panicking.wellbeingExam stress, anxiety, and looking after yourselfAn honest guide to exam stress and mental health in Year 12. What is normal, what is not, when to ask for help, and what to do if it gets really hard. With the numbers you can call.

05-Common questions

How is QCE Physics structured in 2026?

QCE General Physics Year 12 (Units 3 and 4) is assessed across three internal assessments (IAs) and one External Assessment (EA). IA1 is a data test on Unit 3 stimulus (10 percent). IA2 is a student-designed experimental investigation (20 percent). IA3 is a research investigation (20 percent). The EA is a centrally-set 2-paper exam (50 percent). Unit 3 covers Gravity and electromagnetism; Unit 4 covers Revolutions in modern physics (special relativity, quantum and nuclear).

What is in QCE Physics Unit 3?

Unit 3 is "Gravity and electromagnetism". Topic 1 (Gravity and motion) covers projectile motion, uniform circular motion (including banked curves), Newton's law of universal gravitation, gravitational fields, and orbital motion (Kepler's third law, satellite energy). Topic 2 (Electromagnetism) covers electric fields and parallel plates, the force on moving charges and current-carrying conductors in magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction (Faraday and Lenz), and transformers in AC transmission. Unit 3 subject matter dominates IA1 and IA2.

How does Physics scale for the QCE ATAR?

Physics sits in the top-5 General subjects aggregate for ATAR. QCAA does not pre-scale subjects; QTAC scales the cohort distribution at the end of the year. Physics has historically scaled strongly in QLD because the cohort is academically rigorous (most students also take Specialist or Methods Mathematics).

Is Physics required for engineering and physical sciences in QLD?

Physics is required or strongly recommended for most engineering pathways (mechanical, civil, electrical, aerospace, mechatronic) at UQ, QUT and Griffith, and for physics and astronomy majors. It is recommended for architecture and some IT degrees. Always check current QTAC prerequisite lists for your target courses.

How is the QCE Physics EA structured?

The EA is two papers, both sat in the assessment block at the end of Unit 4. Paper 1 is multiple choice and short response (60 marks). Paper 2 is short and extended response with data analysis (60 marks). Combined, the EA contributes 50 percent of the final subject result. The EA is cumulative across Units 3 and 4, so Unit 3 content remains examinable months after IA1 and IA2.

What makes IA1 (the data test) different from a regular exam?

IA1 is a 60 to 90-minute response to a previously unseen Unit 3 data set. You will see graphs, tables and apparatus diagrams (trajectories, orbital data, electric or magnetic field measurements, transformer characteristics), and answer short and extended questions requiring claims, evidence and reasoning. Calculation accuracy and interpretive reasoning both matter. It is worth 10 percent of your subject result and usually sat in Term 1 or early Term 2.

How do I approach projectile motion problems?

Split the motion into horizontal (constant velocity) and vertical (constant acceleration due to gravity). Use t as the shared variable across both axes.

What's the difference between work and power?

Work (J) is energy transferred by a force over a distance. Power (W) is the rate of doing work — work divided by time.

When is momentum conserved?

In any collision (elastic or inelastic) where no external net force acts on the system. Kinetic energy is only conserved in elastic collisions.

What's the photoelectric effect?

Light shone on a metal can eject electrons, but only if the photon energy (hf) exceeds the work function. The kinetic energy of the ejected electron is hf - W. Evidence that light behaves as discrete quanta (photons).

How do magnetic forces on current-carrying wires work?

F = BIL sin θ for a wire in a uniform field B with current I and length L. Direction comes from the right-hand rule. Underpins motors, generators, and ammeters.