Grade 12 Physical Sciences CAPS in South Africa combines mechanics, waves, electricity, and chemistry to prepare learners for the NSC exams. The Grade 12 Physical Sciences syllabus below follows the annual teaching plan, with term topics, assessments, and revision focus linked to Physical Sciences past papers.
Weeks 1-11
Assessment: Consolidation of Term 1, control test, and discussion/remedial work.
Weeks: Weeks 1-3
Define and calculate momentum (p = mv), describe its vector nature, and interpret diagrams. State Newton's second law in terms of momentum (F_net = Δp/Δt). Define impulse, apply the impulse-momentum theorem (F_netΔt = mv_f - mv_i), and discuss impulse and safety. Apply conservation of momentum in collisions, and distinguish elastic and inelastic collisions by calculation.
Weeks: Weeks 4-5
Explain projectile motion and use equations of motion to determine position, velocity, displacement, and acceleration at any time. Interpret and sketch x-t, v-t, and a-t graphs for objects thrown vertically upward, downward, or falling, including bouncing objects. Use graphs to describe motion and extract equations.
Weeks: Weeks 6-9
Define organic molecules, functional group, hydrocarbon, and homologous series. Distinguish saturated/unsaturated and structural isomers. Write condensed structural and molecular formulae (max 8 C) and IUPAC names for compounds with functional groups; identify alkyl substituents (methyl/ethyl) with a maximum of three. Relate physical properties (boiling point, melting point, vapour pressure) to intermolecular forces, functional group type, chain length, and branching. Write equations and conditions for reactions: combustion of alkanes, ester formation (incl. IUPAC names of products), elimination (dehydrohalogenation, cracking, dehydration), addition (alkenes), and substitution (hydrolysis of haloalkanes, halogenation of alkanes).
Weeks: Weeks 10-11
Consolidation of Term 1 topics, control test, and discussion/remedial work. Paper: 100 marks, 2 hours. Physics (50 marks): Newton's laws of motion, momentum and impulse, vertical projectile motion. Chemistry (50 marks): organic molecules.
Weeks: Weeks 1-3
Define and calculate momentum (p = mv), describe its vector nature, and interpret diagrams. State Newton's second law in terms of momentum (F_net = Δp/Δt). Define impulse, apply the impulse-momentum theorem (F_netΔt = mv_f - mv_i), and discuss impulse and safety. Apply conservation of momentum in collisions, and distinguish elastic and inelastic collisions by calculation.
Weeks: Weeks 4-5
Explain projectile motion and use equations of motion to determine position, velocity, displacement, and acceleration at any time. Interpret and sketch x-t, v-t, and a-t graphs for objects thrown vertically upward, downward, or falling, including bouncing objects. Use graphs to describe motion and extract equations.
Weeks: Weeks 6-9
Define organic molecules, functional group, hydrocarbon, and homologous series. Distinguish saturated/unsaturated and structural isomers. Write condensed structural and molecular formulae (max 8 C) and IUPAC names for compounds with functional groups; identify alkyl substituents (methyl/ethyl) with a maximum of three. Relate physical properties (boiling point, melting point, vapour pressure) to intermolecular forces, functional group type, chain length, and branching. Write equations and conditions for reactions: combustion of alkanes, ester formation (incl. IUPAC names of products), elimination (dehydrohalogenation, cracking, dehydration), addition (alkenes), and substitution (hydrolysis of haloalkanes, halogenation of alkanes).
Weeks: Weeks 10-11
Consolidation of Term 1 topics, control test, and discussion/remedial work. Paper: 100 marks, 2 hours. Physics (50 marks): Newton's laws of motion, momentum and impulse, vertical projectile motion. Chemistry (50 marks): organic molecules.
Weeks 1-11
Assessment: June examination (two papers) or control test (4 hours).
Weeks: Weeks 1-3
Define work and calculate net work; distinguish positive and negative work. Apply the work-energy theorem, define conservative/non-conservative forces, and use conservation of mechanical energy with W_nc = ΔE_k + ΔE_p. Define power, use P_ave = F_ave v, and solve problems including minimum power requirements (e.g., pumping water).
Weeks: Weeks 4-5
State the Doppler Effect and explain pitch changes for a moving source and observer. Apply the Doppler formula f_L = (v +/- v_L)/(v +/- v_S) f_S for a moving source or listener. Use Doppler Effect with light to explain red shifts and expanding universe, and describe applications in ultrasound/medicine.
Weeks: Weeks 5-6
Define reaction rate, calculate it from data, and list factors affecting rate using collision theory. Interpret tables/graphs, explain catalysts using energy distribution graphs, and describe how temperature and concentration affect reaction rates.
Weeks: Weeks 7-8
Explain open/closed systems, reversible reactions, and dynamic equilibrium. List factors affecting equilibrium position and apply Le Chatelier's principle. Write equilibrium constant expressions from balanced equations, calculate K_c, and interpret the significance of high or low K_c values.
Weeks: Weeks 9-10
Define acids and bases (Arrhenius and Lowry-Bronsted), distinguish strong/weak and concentrated/dilute, and identify conjugate acid-base pairs. Write neutralisation equations for common acids and bases. Perform titration calculations and select indicators. Determine pH in salt hydrolysis, use the pH scale, define K_w and auto-ionisation of water, and compare K_a/K_b values using pH, conductivity, and reaction rate.
Weeks: Week 11
June examination (two papers) or control test (150 marks, 3 hours). Physics: 75 marks. Chemistry: 75 marks.
Weeks: Weeks 1-3
Define work and calculate net work; distinguish positive and negative work. Apply the work-energy theorem, define conservative/non-conservative forces, and use conservation of mechanical energy with W_nc = ΔE_k + ΔE_p. Define power, use P_ave = F_ave v, and solve problems including minimum power requirements (e.g., pumping water).
Weeks: Weeks 4-5
State the Doppler Effect and explain pitch changes for a moving source and observer. Apply the Doppler formula f_L = (v +/- v_L)/(v +/- v_S) f_S for a moving source or listener. Use Doppler Effect with light to explain red shifts and expanding universe, and describe applications in ultrasound/medicine.
Weeks: Weeks 5-6
Define reaction rate, calculate it from data, and list factors affecting rate using collision theory. Interpret tables/graphs, explain catalysts using energy distribution graphs, and describe how temperature and concentration affect reaction rates.
Weeks: Weeks 7-8
Explain open/closed systems, reversible reactions, and dynamic equilibrium. List factors affecting equilibrium position and apply Le Chatelier's principle. Write equilibrium constant expressions from balanced equations, calculate K_c, and interpret the significance of high or low K_c values.
Weeks: Weeks 9-10
Define acids and bases (Arrhenius and Lowry-Bronsted), distinguish strong/weak and concentrated/dilute, and identify conjugate acid-base pairs. Write neutralisation equations for common acids and bases. Perform titration calculations and select indicators. Determine pH in salt hydrolysis, use the pH scale, define K_w and auto-ionisation of water, and compare K_a/K_b values using pH, conductivity, and reaction rate.
Weeks: Week 11
June examination (two papers) or control test (150 marks, 3 hours). Physics: 75 marks. Chemistry: 75 marks.
Weeks 1-11
Assessment: Control test and trial examination (P1 and P2).
Weeks: Week 1
Discussion, corrections, and remedial work for June control test or exam. Solve circuit problems involving current, voltage, and resistance for series and parallel networks (max four resistors), excluding internal resistance.
Weeks: Week 2
Explain internal resistance and solve circuit problems including internal resistance in series and parallel. Use epsilon = I R_ext + I r and epsilon = V_load + I r.
Weeks: Weeks 3-4
Explain energy conversion in generators using electromagnetic induction, and give examples of AC/DC generators and their components. Explain energy conversion in motors and the function of motor components. Define rms values for alternating voltage/current, solve problems using I_rms = I_max/sqrt(2) and V_rms = V_max/sqrt(2), and interpret v-t and i-t graphs for AC circuits.
Weeks: Weeks 4-5
Define the photoelectric effect, threshold frequency f_0, and work function W_0. Use the photoelectric equation E = W_0 + K_max with E = h f and K_max = 1/2 m v_max^2. Explain the effect of intensity and frequency, and describe atomic spectra, energy transitions, and the difference between absorption and emission spectra.
Weeks: Weeks 6-7
Define oxidation and reduction using electron transfer and oxidation numbers; define oxidising and reducing agents; define anode, cathode, and electrolyte. For galvanic cells, describe salt bridge function, predict ion/electron flow, write half-reactions and overall reactions, use cell notation/diagrams, calculate emf, and explain how V_cell changes as concentrations change. Describe standard electrode potentials and the standard hydrogen electrode. For electrolytic cells, describe ion movement, electron flow, half-reactions at anode/cathode, and overall reactions.
Weeks: Week 7
Apply electrolytic processes: decomposition of copper(II) chloride, electroplating (iron spoon with silver or nickel), refining of copper, and electrolysis of concentrated sodium chloride solution.
Weeks: Weeks 8-11
Trial examination: P1 (3 hours) and P2 (3 hours). Paper 1: Mechanics (65), Waves, sound and light (15), Electricity and magnetism (55), Matter & materials (15). Paper 2: Chemical change (92), Matter & materials (58). Additional Grade 10/11 topics included: Paper 1 - Newton's laws (Gr 11), Electrostatics (Gr 11), Electric circuits (Gr 11). Paper 2 - Representing chemical change (Gr 10), Intermolecular forces (Gr 11), Energy and chemical change (Gr 11), Stoichiometry (application only) (Gr 11).
Weeks: Week 1
Discussion, corrections, and remedial work for June control test or exam. Solve circuit problems involving current, voltage, and resistance for series and parallel networks (max four resistors), excluding internal resistance.
Weeks: Week 2
Explain internal resistance and solve circuit problems including internal resistance in series and parallel. Use epsilon = I R_ext + I r and epsilon = V_load + I r.
Weeks: Weeks 3-4
Explain energy conversion in generators using electromagnetic induction, and give examples of AC/DC generators and their components. Explain energy conversion in motors and the function of motor components. Define rms values for alternating voltage/current, solve problems using I_rms = I_max/sqrt(2) and V_rms = V_max/sqrt(2), and interpret v-t and i-t graphs for AC circuits.
Weeks: Weeks 4-5
Define the photoelectric effect, threshold frequency f_0, and work function W_0. Use the photoelectric equation E = W_0 + K_max with E = h f and K_max = 1/2 m v_max^2. Explain the effect of intensity and frequency, and describe atomic spectra, energy transitions, and the difference between absorption and emission spectra.
Weeks: Weeks 6-7
Define oxidation and reduction using electron transfer and oxidation numbers; define oxidising and reducing agents; define anode, cathode, and electrolyte. For galvanic cells, describe salt bridge function, predict ion/electron flow, write half-reactions and overall reactions, use cell notation/diagrams, calculate emf, and explain how V_cell changes as concentrations change. Describe standard electrode potentials and the standard hydrogen electrode. For electrolytic cells, describe ion movement, electron flow, half-reactions at anode/cathode, and overall reactions.
Weeks: Week 7
Apply electrolytic processes: decomposition of copper(II) chloride, electroplating (iron spoon with silver or nickel), refining of copper, and electrolysis of concentrated sodium chloride solution.
Weeks: Weeks 8-11
Trial examination: P1 (3 hours) and P2 (3 hours). Paper 1: Mechanics (65), Waves, sound and light (15), Electricity and magnetism (55), Matter & materials (15). Paper 2: Chemical change (92), Matter & materials (58). Additional Grade 10/11 topics included: Paper 1 - Newton's laws (Gr 11), Electrostatics (Gr 11), Electric circuits (Gr 11). Paper 2 - Representing chemical change (Gr 10), Intermolecular forces (Gr 11), Energy and chemical change (Gr 11), Stoichiometry (application only) (Gr 11).
Weeks 1-10
Assessment: Final examination (P1: 3 hours, P2: 3 hours).
Resources: Trial exam question papers, study guides, previous question papers, Mindset and YouTube videos, and simulations.
Weeks: Weeks 1-4
Discussion, corrections, and remedial work for the trial examination, followed by consolidation and revision of all topics.
Paper 1 (150 marks): Mechanics (65) - momentum and impulse, vertical projectile motion, work, energy and power, Newton's laws (Gr 11). Waves, sound and light (15) - Doppler Effect. Electricity and magnetism (55) - electric circuits, electrodynamics, electrostatics (Gr 11), electric circuits (Gr 11). Matter & materials (15) - optical phenomena and properties of materials.
Paper 2 (150 marks): Chemical change (92) - rate and extent, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, representing chemical change (Gr 10), energy and chemical change (Gr 11), stoichiometry (application only) (Gr 11). Matter & materials (58) - organic molecules, intermolecular forces (Gr 11).
Weeks: Weeks 1-4
Discussion, corrections, and remedial work for the trial examination, followed by consolidation and revision of all topics.
Paper 1 (150 marks): Mechanics (65) - momentum and impulse, vertical projectile motion, work, energy and power, Newton's laws (Gr 11). Waves, sound and light (15) - Doppler Effect. Electricity and magnetism (55) - electric circuits, electrodynamics, electrostatics (Gr 11), electric circuits (Gr 11). Matter & materials (15) - optical phenomena and properties of materials.
Paper 2 (150 marks): Chemical change (92) - rate and extent, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, representing chemical change (Gr 10), energy and chemical change (Gr 11), stoichiometry (application only) (Gr 11). Matter & materials (58) - organic molecules, intermolecular forces (Gr 11).
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