Quick answer: In British Columbia, Physics 11 introduces motion, forces, energy, simple circuits and waves using mostly straight-line (one-dimensional) problems. Physics 12 builds on it with two-dimensional and circular motion, gravitational, electric and magnetic fields, momentum and special relativity, and it requires stronger trigonometry and algebra. Physics 11 is usually the prerequisite for Physics 12, and Physics 12 is required for many university programs, including UBC Engineering.
Choosing between Physics 11 and Physics 12 (or deciding whether to take both) is one of the most common questions we hear from parents in North Vancouver and Vancouver. This guide explains what each course covers under the BC curriculum, how they differ, who needs Physics 12, and how your teen can prepare so the jump from Grade 11 to Grade 12 feels manageable.
Physics 11 vs Physics 12 at a Glance
| Physics 11 | Physics 12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Motion, forces, energy, circuits and waves | Fields, circular motion, momentum and relativity |
| Type of motion | Mostly horizontal and projectile motion | Two-dimensional, relative and uniform circular motion |
| Math needed | Algebra, basic trigonometry, graphing | Confident trigonometry, vectors and multi-step algebra |
| Electricity | DC circuits, Ohm’s law, Kirchhoff’s laws | Electric and magnetic fields, Coulomb’s law, electromagnetic induction |
| Typical prerequisite | Science 10 and Grade 10 math | Physics 11 |
| Why students take it | Science elective, foundation for STEM | Entry requirement for engineering and many science programs |
What Does Physics 11 Cover in BC?
According to the BC Ministry of Education’s Physics 11 curriculum, the course is built around four big ideas: an object’s motion can be predicted and described, forces influence motion, energy is conserved and can do work, and mechanical waves transfer energy but not matter. In practice, students study:
- Kinematics: vector and scalar quantities, uniform and accelerated motion, and projectile motion
- Forces: Newton’s laws of motion, free-body diagrams, gravity, apparent weight and balanced versus unbalanced forces
- Energy: work, conservation of energy, power, efficiency and simple machines
- Electricity: DC circuits, Ohm’s law and Kirchhoff’s laws
- Thermal physics: thermal equilibrium and specific heat capacity
- Waves and sound: how waves form and travel, resonance and frequency
For most students, Physics 11 is the first time science becomes heavily mathematical. The concepts are intuitive, but solving problems requires rearranging formulas, working with units and reading graphs accurately.
What Does Physics 12 Cover in BC?
The Physics 12 curriculum goes deeper and more abstract. Its big ideas are that measurement of motion depends on the frame of reference, forces can cause linear and circular motion, forces and energy interact within fields, and momentum is conserved in a closed system. Key topics include:
- Frames of reference and special relativity: relative motion and relativistic effects
- Static equilibrium: balancing forces and torques on objects at rest
- Circular motion: centripetal force and acceleration, and changes in apparent weight
- Gravitational fields: Newton’s law of universal gravitation and gravitational potential energy
- Electric and magnetic fields: Coulomb’s law, electric potential, magnetic force and electromagnetic induction
- Momentum: impulse, and conservation of momentum and energy in collisions
The Biggest Differences Students Notice
1. The math gets harder
Physics 11 problems are often solved along a single line of motion. Physics 12 regularly asks students to break vectors into components, combine forces at angles and work through several steps before reaching an answer. Weak trigonometry is the most common reason good Physics 11 students struggle in Grade 12.
2. The ideas become more abstract
You can see a ball roll down a ramp, but you cannot see an electric field. Physics 12 asks students to reason about fields, potential and relativity, which takes a different kind of thinking than memorizing formulas.
3. Marks matter more
Grade 12 courses carry more weight in university applications, so a weak mark in Physics 12 has bigger consequences than one in Physics 11.
Does My Child Need Physics 12?
It depends on their plans after high school:
- Engineering: UBC Engineering states that applicants need the equivalent of English 12, Pre-calculus 12, Chemistry 12 and Physics 12.
- Physical sciences, computer science and many health sciences: Physics 12 is often required or strongly recommended. Requirements vary by university and program, so always check the specific admissions page.
- Arts, business and humanities: Physics 12 is usually not required, and Physics 11 can be a strong science elective.
If your teen is unsure, taking Physics 11 in Grade 11 keeps every option open.
How to Prepare for Physics 11 and Physics 12
- Strengthen math first. Review algebra, rearranging equations and basic trigonometry (sine, cosine and tangent) before the course starts.
- Draw every problem. Free-body diagrams and motion sketches prevent most sign and direction mistakes.
- Practise, don’t just reread. Physics is learned by solving problems. Two or three focused problem sets per week work better than one long study session.
- Keep a formula sheet and know when to use each formula, not just what it says.
- Ask for help early. Gaps from the first unit (kinematics) affect every unit that follows.
When Is It Time to Get a Physics Tutor?
Consider extra support if your child’s marks drop after the first unit test, if homework regularly takes much longer than expected, or if they understand the lesson in class but cannot solve problems alone. A tutor can rebuild the missing math skills, explain concepts in a different way and keep students on track before unit tests and finals.
At Exelaa Education, our physics tutors support Physics 11, Physics 12 and AP Physics students in person at our North Vancouver learning centre and online across Vancouver. If your child also needs help with the math behind physics, our math tutoring covers algebra, trigonometry and Pre-calculus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take Physics 12 without Physics 11 in BC?
Most BC schools list Physics 11 as the prerequisite for Physics 12. Some schools may allow exceptions, but skipping Physics 11 is difficult because Physics 12 assumes students already know kinematics, Newton’s laws and energy.
Is Physics 12 harder than Physics 11?
For most students, yes. Physics 12 uses more trigonometry and vectors and covers abstract topics such as fields and relativity. Students who finish Physics 11 with strong problem-solving habits usually adjust well.
What math do you need for Physics 11?
Students should be comfortable with Grade 10 algebra, rearranging formulas, graphing and basic right-angle trigonometry.
When should my child start getting help with physics?
The best time is at the start of the course or right after the first unit test. Kinematics is the foundation for the rest of the course, so early gaps grow quickly.
Get Support for Physics 11 or Physics 12
Not sure whether your teen is ready for Physics 12, or how to close the gaps from Physics 11? Book a free consultation with Exelaa Education. We will review your child’s current level and recommend a plan that fits their goals.
Read this guide in Persian: فیزیک ۱۱ و فیزیک ۱۲ در بریتیش کلمبیا
