VCE · UNITS 1–4

VCE PhysicsUnderstand the idea behind the equation.

Why does a satellite stay in orbit? How does electricity reach your home? Connect the ideas to the equations, then learn to explain and apply them in SACs and exams.

Explore the units

Units 1 & 2 Units 3 & 4Effective study skills

From motion and fields to light and matter.

A LOOK INSIDE YOUR LEARNING

Start with the forces. Then the equation.

We turn a worded problem into a useful diagram, choose a direction and connect the forces to the motion.

Understand the concept.
Work through a clear example.
Build confidence with your own practice.

TRY A REAL EXAM QUESTION

See how a real past-paper question tests applied force versus net force. Open the official question and try the diagram-first approach.

VCAA 2025 Physics · Section A, Question 1Open official VCAA paper · PDFPast paper © VCAA. DN Tutoring is independent and is not endorsed by VCAA.

YOUR LEARNING, STEP BY STEP

VCE PHYSICS · NEWTON’S SECOND LAW

\sum F=ma

A 20 kg trolley is pulled horizontally with 80 N. Resistance is 20 N. Find its horizontal acceleration.

Worked example

Draw and label
$F_{\mathrm{net}}=80-20=60\,\mathrm{N}$
Connect force to motion
$a=\frac{F_{\mathrm{net}}}{m}=\frac{60}{20}$
Give a complete answer
$a=3.0\,\mathrm{m}\,\mathrm{s}^{-2}$ $\text{to the right}$

The key distinction: an applied force is not always the net force.

Sample learning booklet · original teaching example

YOUR SUBJECT OVERVIEW

What you’ll learn.

A concise guide to the key areas, with lessons tailored to the unit and topics you’re studying.

Units 1 & 2

Unit 1

Energy in everyday life.

Light and thermal energy: waves, refraction and heat transfer.
Nuclear radiation, radioactive decay, fission and fusion.
Electrical circuits, energy transfer and safety.

Unit 2

Motion & investigation.

Motion, forces, energy, momentum and equilibrium.
One selected contemporary physics option, chosen through your school’s program.
A practical investigation: develop a question, analyse data and communicate findings.

Units 3 & 4

Unit 3

Fields, motion & electricity.

Motion in one and two dimensions, including projectiles and circular motion.
Gravitational, electric and magnetic fields.
Electricity generation and distribution.

Unit 4

Light, matter & new ideas.

Models of light and matter, including wave–particle behaviour.
Special relativity, time dilation and length contraction.
A student-designed investigation into fields, motion or light, communicated through a scientific poster.

HOW I CAN HELP

From knowing to applying.

Clear explanations, custom booklets and practice shaped around your upcoming assessments.

Draw useful diagrams and connect them to the right model.
Rearrange equations, track units and explain each step.
Interpret graphs, evaluate evidence and understand uncertainty.
Practise precise written explanations and unfamiliar assessment questions.

Based on the current VCAA VCE Physics Study Design and support materials. This is an overview; your school determines its teaching sequence and assessment program. The Unit 2 physics option varies by school. Tutoring supports your learning; assessed work remains your own.

YOUR NEXT STEP

Make it clearer, together.

Start with your questions. We’ll build a plan around your classwork, confidence and upcoming assessments.

Explore lessons & pricing

Free of charge. No commitment.