Terminale Physics — General Sciences (GS): Mechanics, Circuits and Diffraction

Terminale Physics — General Sciences (GS): Mechanics, Circuits and Diffraction

Twelve lessons teach selected energy, linear/angular momentum, horizontal oscillations, induction, RL self-induction, RC charging/discharging and single-slit diffraction methods. Shared mechanics foundations are extended with genuinely GS-specific angular, circuit and optical cases. Reference year: 2025–26. Official 2026–27 alignment has not been verified. This bounded independent study course is not the complete school programme or a guarantee of official-exam readiness.

Who this is for

• Terminale GS learners studying physics in English
• Learners revisiting the stated topics through written explanations and original paper-based problems

Before you begin

• Algebra, vectors and signed one-dimensional components
• Basic derivatives, exponential/logarithmic functions and radians
• Prior Newton-law, DC-circuit and magnetic-field foundations

Outcomes

• Solve and cross-check work, impulse and collision problems
• Use angular momentum about a specified axis
• Interpret horizontal spring motion and energy
• Apply Faraday/Lenz and coil voltage with a consistent convention
• Model ideal RL and RC transients
• Calculate and interpret single-slit diffraction geometry

Included

• Written self-paced lessons and worked examples
• Original practice with explained keys and topic checks
• A 12-question single-choice practice quiz
• A paper-based capstone with explained marking guide
• Compact revision reference and exercises

Scope boundaries

• Annual-plan sinusoidal-AC material beyond capacitor charging/discharging and the photoelectric-effect chapter are not taught.
• This bounded course does not cover every case within final-list chapters: non-horizontal oscillator models, advanced angular/vector dynamics, full optical treatments and extensive laboratory analysis need further school study.
• Induction applications section 8.8 and Huygens principle are not taught; full national-textbook coverage and official-exam readiness are not claimed.
• Videos, live tuition, laboratory access, certification or official endorsement
• Real-world electrical, radiation or hazardous mechanical activities

Course outline

1. Energy methods
   • Work, kinetic energy and elastic storage
   • Energy balances with gravity and dissipation
2. Linear momentum and collisions
   • Linear momentum and impulse with signs
   • Collisions: what momentum does and does not conserve
3. Angular momentum about a fixed axis
   • Angular momentum, torque and a chosen axis
4. Horizontal mechanical oscillations
   • Horizontal spring oscillations: building the model
   • Oscillation energy, speed and reading a state
5. Electromagnetic induction
   • Magnetic flux and the orientation of a circuit
   • Faraday and Lenz: size and direction of induced emf
6. Self-induction and first-order current response
   • Self-induction: coil energy and an RL switching model
7. Capacitor charging and discharging
   • Charging and discharging a capacitor through a resistor
8. Wave aspect of light: selected diffraction methods
   • Single-slit diffraction and a measured central maximum

The compact revision pack is a selected study companion. It does not replace the taught lessons or the national textbook.