In this area of study, students develop a deeper understanding of an area of interest within diverse areas of physics. They select from eighteen options, explore the related physics and use this physics to form a stance, opinion or solution to a contemporary societal issue or application. In their explorations, a range of investigation methodologies may be used by students.
Eighteen options are available for selection in Area of Study 2. Each option is based on a different observation of the physical world. One option is to be selected by the student from the following:
·         How does physics explain climate change?
·         How do fusion and fission compare as viable nuclear energy power sources?
·         How do heavy things fly?
·         How do forces act on structures and materials?
·         How do forces act on the human body?
·         How is radiation used to maintain human health?
·         How does the human body use electricity?
·         How can human vision be enhanced?
·         How is physics used in photography?
·         How do instruments make music?
·         How can performance in ball sports be improved?
·         How can AC electricity charge a DC device?
·         How do astrophysicists investigate stars and black holes?
·         How can we detect possible life beyond Earth’s Solar System?
·         How can physics explain traditional artefacts, knowledge and techniques?
·         How do particle accelerators work?
·         How does physics explain the origins of matter?
·         How is contemporary physics research being conducted in our region?
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