Unit 1: What ideas explain the physical world?

A focused answer to the VCE Physics Unit 1 dot point on the greenhouse effect. Explains the Earth-atmosphere energy balance, the natural greenhouse mechanism (water vapour, CO$_2$, methane), the enhanced greenhouse effect from anthropogenic emissions, the radiative forcing concept, and works the VCAA SAC-style problem on equilibrium temperature shift.

A focused answer to the VCE Physics Unit 1 dot point on DC circuits. Applies Kirchhoff's current and voltage laws, derives equivalent resistance for series and parallel combinations, and works the VCAA SAC-style mixed-circuit problem with power dissipation.

A focused answer to the VCE Physics Unit 1 key knowledge point on electric circuits. Charge, current, voltage, resistance and Ohm's law $V = IR$; series and parallel resistance combinations; electric power $P = VI = I^2 R = V^2/R$; energy use and household electricity ($E = Pt$, billing in kWh).

A focused answer to the VCE Physics Unit 1 dot point on electrical quantities and Ohm's law. Defines $I = Q/t$, $V = W/Q$ and $R = V/I$, distinguishes ohmic and non-ohmic conductors, and works the VCAA SAC-style I-V characteristic problem.

A focused answer to the VCE Physics Unit 1 key knowledge point on Earth's energy balance and climate. The solar constant, planetary albedo, Stefan-Boltzmann radiation law, natural and enhanced greenhouse effects, climate feedbacks, and the physics of renewable energy alternatives.

A focused answer to the VCE Physics Unit 1 dot point on half-life and applications. Applies the integer half-life formula $N = N_0 (1/2)^n$ and the continuous form $N = N_0 e^{-\lambda t}$ with $\lambda = \ln 2 / T_{1/2}$, and works the VCAA SAC-style carbon-14 dating and Tc-99m medical-isotope problems.

A focused answer to the VCE Physics Unit 1 dot point on heat transfer. Defines conduction, convection and radiation, applies the Stefan-Boltzmann law ($P/A = \sigma T^4$) and Wien's displacement law ($\lambda_{\max} T = b$), and works the VCAA SAC-style problem on Earth-Sun radiation balance.

A focused answer to the VCE Physics Unit 1 dot point on the kinetic theory of temperature. Defines temperature as proportional to the average translational kinetic energy of particles, applies $\bar{E}_k = \frac{3}{2}k_B T$ in kelvin, and works the VCAA SAC-style problem on doubling absolute temperature and predicting molecular speeds.

A focused answer to the VCE Physics Unit 1 key knowledge point on nuclear physics. Atomic structure (Z, N, A), alpha, beta and gamma decay, half-life $N = N_0 (1/2)^{t/T_{1/2}}$, nuclear stability, fission, fusion, and applications in nuclear power and medicine.

A focused answer to the VCE Physics Unit 1 dot point on nuclear structure and decay. Describes the strong nuclear force, the neutron-proton ratio for stability, and the four classical decay modes ($\alpha$, $\beta^-$, $\beta^+$, $\gamma$). Works the VCAA SAC-style balanced-equation problem.

A focused answer to the VCE Physics Unit 1 dot point on specific heat capacity and latent heat. Applies $Q = mc\Delta T$ and $Q = mL$, identifies typical values for water, ice, aluminium, and works the VCAA SAC-style multi-stage problem (ice to steam).

A focused answer to the VCE Physics Unit 1 key knowledge point on thermodynamics and heat transfer. Temperature vs internal energy, conduction, convection and radiation, specific heat capacity and latent heat, and the application to atmospheric energy balance and the greenhouse effect.