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Scholarship Physics 93103

Mechanics, electricity, waves and modern physics. Unfamiliar contexts, show-that derivations and extended explanations, modelled on NZQA papers 2004–2025.

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Mechanics · 49

  • The Runaway Cable DrumRotational dynamicsBridge
  • Mahia to Low Earth OrbitCircular motion and gravitationBridge
  • Conversion in Front of the PostsProjectiles and forcesBridge
  • The Bouncing CoinSHM and oscillationsBridge
  • The Head-On TackleMomentum and collisionsBridge
  • Timing the FlywheelRotational dynamicsBridge
  • Banking at the VelodromeCircular motion (banked track)Bridge
  • Hauling the Waka AmaForces and frictionBridge
  • Speed Bumps and a Loaded UteSHM and oscillations (resonance)Bridge
  • Jumping off the DinghyMomentum and collisions (recoil)Bridge
  • The Kick-Wheel in the Pottery StudioRotational dynamics (rotational kinetic energy)Bridge
  • Over the HumpCircular motion (vertical circle)Bridge
  • Drop ZoneProjectiles (horizontal launch)Bridge
  • The Clock at the Top of the GondolaSHM and oscillations (pendulum, variation of g)Bridge
  • Straight Back Past the BowlerMomentum and impulse (force–time pulse)Bridge
  • Squeezing the Disc BrakeRotational dynamics (braking torque, work and energy)Bridge
  • Inside the Spin CycleCircular motion (vertical circle, rotating drum)Bridge
  • The Coin in the Tower LiftForces (Newton's second law in an accelerating lift, relative motion)Bridge
  • Bouncing on the TrampolineSHM and oscillations (spring model, energy, contact time)Bridge
  • Clocking the CatapultMomentum and collisions (ballistic pendulum)Bridge
  • The Maxwell WheelRotational dynamics (string-wound wheel, tension and energy)Bridge
  • Teardrop LoopsCircular motion (vertical loops, variable radius of curvature)Bridge
  • Catch on the EscalatorProjectiles (relative motion, inertial frames)Bridge
  • The Pendulum WaveSHM and oscillations (simple pendulum, phase)Bridge
  • Board Swap at the Skate ParkMomentum and collisions (recoil and perfectly inelastic landing)Bridge
  • The Pole on the High WireRotational dynamics (torque, rotational inertia, toppling)Bridge
  • Speed Table on the RoundaboutCircular motion (friction on a flat curve, vertical curvature)Bridge
  • Winching onto the Tilt TrayForces (inclined plane, pulley systems, work and power)Bridge
  • The Pendulum Above the Top FloorSHM and oscillations (simple pendulum, tuned mass damper, resonance)Bridge
  • Letting Go of the SandbagMomentum and collisions (release versus throw, relative velocity)Bridge
  • Driving the Fence PostMomentum and collisions (perfectly inelastic impact, work–energy)Bridge
  • Pushing the Revolving DoorRotational dynamics (torque, rotational inertia, work done by a torque)Bridge
  • The Sagging Farm GateTorque and statics (hinge forces), angular momentum about a fixed axisBridge
  • The Plumb Line in WellingtonCircular motion (Earth's rotation, apparent weight, direction of the vertical)Bridge
  • The Phone on a StringSHM and oscillations (simple pendulum, graph linearisation, systematic error)Bridge
  • Surging at Lake KarapiroMomentum and collisions (internal forces, centre-of-mass velocity, rowing)Bridge
  • Leaning into a Wellington GustStatics (torques about a pivot, friction limit, wind drag)Bridge
  • Striking for a Natural RollRotational dynamics (angular impulse, rolling without slipping, direction of friction)Bridge
  • Holding the Iron CrossTorque and statics (rotational equilibrium of a limb, muscle and joint forces)Bridge
  • Over the Top on a Kiiking SwingCircular motion (vertical circle, rigid support versus rope, apparent weight)Bridge
  • Bounce at the Ground FloorSHM and oscillations (elastic rope as a spring, sudden loading)Bridge
  • The Snatch StrapMomentum and collisions (elastic link between two vehicles, energy storage, impulse)Bridge
  • Fifty or Sixty?Forces and kinematics (friction braking, reaction distance, stopping distance)Bridge
  • Slewing the Tower CraneRotational dynamics (rotational inertia, torque, angular momentum) with circular motion of a hanging loadBridge
  • Fifty g in the Soil LabCircular motion (centripetal acceleration, swinging basket, scale modelling)Bridge
  • Weighing the Hidden Ore BodyGravitation (field of a buried sphere, gravity anomaly, vertical component)Bridge
  • Slinging the Bridge BeamStatics (sling tensions, resolving forces, torques about the centre of mass)Bridge
  • Crossing the Kāwhia BarSHM and oscillations (SHM model of the tide, reference circle, rates of change)Bridge
  • Bruised Apples in the BinMomentum and impulse (impulse–momentum theorem, average force, effect of rebound)Bridge

Electricity · 45

  • Dimming at the IgnitionDC circuits (internal resistance)Bridge
  • The Open-Evening CapacitorCapacitors, dielectrics, RC, energyBridge
  • The Kiwi Camera Trap TimerCapacitors, dielectrics, RC, energyBridge
  • The Rooftop Wind GeneratorEM induction, Faraday/Lenz, LRBridge
  • Tuning the Series CircuitAC: reactance, phasors, LCR, resonanceBridge
  • Lights in the Far ShedDC circuits (cable resistance)Bridge
  • The Supercapacitor Bike LightCapacitors, RC discharge, energyBridge
  • Lighting the Garden PathEM induction, transformers, LenzBridge
  • Counting Chairs on the LiftEM induction, Faraday/Lenz, flux linkageBridge
  • The Tweeter's CapacitorAC: reactance, phasors, RC filterBridge
  • The Glasshouse Frost AlarmDC circuits (potential divider, thermistor, loading)Bridge
  • Two Capacitors for One JobCapacitors in series, leakage, RC dischargeBridge
  • The Thundercloud CapacitorCapacitors: parallel-plate field and energyBridge
  • Flipping for the FieldEM induction: flux change and chargeBridge
  • The Capacitor Night-LightAC: capacitive reactance, phasors, powerBridge
  • Choosing the LED ResistorDC circuits (non-ohmic LED, series resistor, load line)Bridge
  • Smoothing the Bench SupplyCapacitors: RC discharge, smoothing rippleBridge
  • Charging the Bus at the StopCapacitors: energy stored, charging lossesBridge
  • The Self-Limiting Hub DynamoEM induction: AC generator, self-inductance (bicycle hub dynamo)Bridge
  • Losing the TrebleAC: RL series circuit, impedance, power, phaseBridge
  • The Wind Charger at the BachDC circuits (emf, internal resistance, diode, charging)Bridge
  • Why the Lamp Knows You Are ThereCapacitors: parallel and series combinations, RC chargingBridge
  • Doubling Up in a PacemakerCapacitors: series/parallel switching, RC discharge, charging efficiencyBridge
  • Millivolts on the Main Trunk LineEM induction: motional emf, flux through moving and stationary circuitsBridge
  • Phantom Volts in the WallAC: capacitive reactance, series RC phasors, source impedanceBridge
  • Four Wires for a Small ResistanceDC circuits (four-terminal resistance measurement, lead resistance)Bridge
  • Keeping Time in a Power CutCapacitors: constant-current discharge, energy, series cellsBridge
  • The Wedding Slave FlashCapacitors: RC charging and discharge, energy and p.d., timingBridge
  • Shake to ShineEM induction: Faraday/Lenz, magnet through a coil, energy and forceBridge
  • Iron in the CoilAC: inductive reactance, impedance, core lossesBridge
  • The Kūmara BatteryDC circuits (emf and internal resistance, linearised graph, cells in series)Bridge
  • Feet on the Trolley WireDC circuits (resistivity, p.d. along a conductor, current divider)Bridge
  • Skipping on Earth's FieldEM induction: Faraday/Lenz, rotating loop in Earth's field (field components)Bridge
  • Dropping the Load at the ScrapyardEM induction: LR circuit growth and decay, inductor energy, discharge resistorBridge
  • Turning Down the Induction HobAC: series LCR resonance, power control by detuning, phase and energy exchange (induction hob)Bridge
  • The Trailer With a Bad EarthDC circuits (shared return resistance, lamps in parallel, fault paths)Bridge
  • Zapping the FlyCapacitors: parallel-plate capacitance and field, energy storage, RC chargingBridge
  • The Loop Around the LoungeEM induction: field of a long straight wire, Faraday's law, telecoil pickupBridge
  • Thirty Milliamps in the BathroomEM induction: residual current device, flux in a toroidal core, Faraday's lawBridge
  • The Bell in the Old PhoneAC: series LCR, reactance, DC blocking, resonance (telephone bell ringer)Bridge
  • Pumping to the Hill TroughDC circuits (emf, internal resistance, cable sizing, choice of supply voltage) with mechanical powerBridge
  • Earthing the Cable After the TestCapacitors: energy stored, RC discharge, insulation leakageBridge
  • Borrowing Flux from the LineEM induction: Faraday's law, alternating flux from a current-carrying conductor (energy harvesting)Bridge
  • Exporting Through the InductorAC: inductive reactance, phasor addition, power transfer (grid-tied solar inverter)Bridge
  • Ground Power at the GateAC: inductive reactance, impedance, power factor (400 Hz aircraft supply)Bridge

Waves · 27

  • Tuning the G StringStanding waves (strings, pipes, end correction, beats)Bridge
  • Siren on State Highway 1Doppler (sound and light, moving observer/source, circular)Bridge
  • Spots on the Lab WallInterference/diffraction (double slit, grating, thin film, Bragg)Bridge
  • The Stopped Organ PipeStanding waves (pipes, harmonics, beats)Bridge
  • Passing the Level-Crossing BellDoppler (sound, moving observer)Bridge
  • Rainbow Glasses at the Street LightInterference/diffraction (diffraction grating, overlapping orders)Bridge
  • Harmonics on the UkuleleStanding waves (strings, frets, harmonics)Bridge
  • The Fork and the WallDoppler (sound, moving source, reflection, beats)Bridge
  • Laser Spots from a CDInterference/diffraction (reflection grating, optical discs)Bridge
  • Standing Waves on a SlinkyStanding waves (longitudinal waves on a stretched spring)Bridge
  • The Singing SwingDoppler (sound, source moving on a pendulum)Bridge
  • Coating the Camera LensInterference (thin film, anti-reflection coating)Bridge
  • The Boom in the Back SeatStanding waves (sound in an enclosed space, closed and open ends)Bridge
  • Overtaken at PaekākārikiDoppler (sound, source and observer both moving)Bridge
  • Rings Under the LensInterference (thin air film, Newton's rings)Bridge
  • Beads in the Sound TrapStanding waves (ultrasonic levitator, pressure nodes)Bridge
  • The Travelling DipperDoppler (water waves in a ripple tank, moving source)Bridge
  • Music Through the DoorwayDiffraction (single slit, sound through a doorway)Bridge
  • The Mains-Driven WireStanding waves (string driven by an alternating current in a magnetic field)Bridge
  • Paddling Out at RaglanDoppler effect (moving observer, water waves, limiting cases)Bridge
  • Splitting the PointerDiffraction at a circular aperture (resolving power, Rayleigh criterion)Bridge
  • Harmonics on the CelloStanding waves (string harmonics, forced node, stopped versus touched string)Bridge
  • A Semitone on the BikeDoppler (sound, moving observer passing and braking past a stationary source, musical interval, limiting cases)Bridge
  • The Column of SpeakersInterference (multiple in-phase sources as a grating for sound, grating lobes, beam width)Bridge
  • Plucking the Rudder CableStanding waves on a string (control cable tension from frequency, harmonics and pluck point)Bridge
  • Bouncing Signals off the MoonDoppler effect for reflected radio waves (Earth–Moon–Earth echoes, transmitter carried by Earth's rotation)Bridge
  • Rings Round the MoonDiffraction by small circular obstacles (lunar corona from cloud droplets)Bridge

Modern Physics · 33

  • The Star-Tracker Test BenchPhotoelectric effect and photon momentumBridge
  • Red Light Over RakiuraBohr model and spectraBridge
  • Tracer for the Christchurch PET ScannerNuclear binding energy and mass defectBridge
  • Photoelectrons in a Magnetic FieldPhotoelectric effect with magnetic fieldsBridge
  • The Electroscope and the Germicidal LampPhotoelectric effectBridge
  • The Glowing Tube Through a GratingBohr model and line spectraBridge
  • Fuel for a Fusion ReactorNuclear fusion and binding energyBridge
  • One Photon at a TimeWave–particle duality of lightBridge
  • The Solar-Blind Flame SensorPhotoelectric effect (threshold and photocurrent)Bridge
  • Glow of the Tarantula NebulaBohr model: ionisation and recombinationBridge
  • Helium Burning in a Red GiantNuclear fusion and binding energyBridge
  • Buckyballs Through a Gratingde Broglie wavelength and matter-wave diffractionBridge
  • Reading the SoundtrackPhotoelectric effect (vacuum phototube)Bridge
  • Red Stars over the HarbourAtomic energy levels and line spectraBridge
  • The Glowing Lantern MantleBinding energy and decay energy (alpha emission)Bridge
  • When Atoms Become Wavesde Broglie wavelength (ultracold atoms)Bridge
  • The Darkroom Leak DetectorPhotoelectric effect (threshold and choice of cathode metal)Bridge
  • A Hydrogen Atom the Size of a VillageBohr model: orbit radius, speed and energyBridge
  • Where Radiocarbon Is BornNuclear reactions: mass–energy, recoil and Coulomb repulsionBridge
  • Waves in the Oscilloscope Tubede Broglie wavelength of accelerated electronsBridge
  • Reading the Ozone Hole in VoltsPhotoelectric effect (stopping potential as a spectral cut-off meter)Bridge
  • The Invisible Hydrogen LinesBohr model: Paschen series, emission routes and absorptionBridge
  • Pulling One Nucleon Out of Oxygen-16Binding energy: nucleon separation energies and Coulomb repulsionBridge
  • Shrinking Ringsde Broglie wavelength and electron diffraction (graphite rings)Bridge
  • Counting Kiwi in the DarkPhotoelectric effect (night-vision photocathode)Bridge
  • The Orange StreetlightsBohr model and line spectra (cascades in sodium)Bridge
  • Heat from the Uranium ChainNuclear decay energy and binding energy (radiogenic heat in the Earth)Bridge
  • Lowering the Barrier with CaesiumPhotoelectric effect (work function lowered by a caesium layer, stopping potential)Bridge
  • Carbon Stripped Almost BareBohr model: hydrogen-like ions (Z² scaling, X-ray and visible lines)Bridge
  • The Last Day of a Giant StarNuclear binding energy (silicon burning in massive stars, nickel-56 to iron-56, Coulomb repulsion)Bridge
  • The Invisible TripwirePhotoelectric effect (threshold, photocurrent, beam-break alarm)Bridge
  • Real Gold or Dutch Metal?Atomic energy levels and line spectra (laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy)Bridge
  • Gamma Rays for the BorerNuclear: beta decay energy, excited nuclear states and gamma irradiationBridge