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Key Facts: WACE ATAR Physics Exam

The WACE ATAR Physics exam is set by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) of Western Australia.

Unit 3 covers Gravity and Electromagnetism.

Unit 4 covers Quantum Theory and Special Relativity.

Calculations use standard SCSA physical constants (c = 3.00 × 10^8 m/s, G = 6.67 × 10^-11 N m^2/kg^2, h = 6.63 × 10^-34 J s, e = 1.60 × 10^-19 C).

Results contribute directly to Western Australia ATAR calculation.

Complete practice question bank for WA Year 12 WACE ATAR Physics covering Unit 3 (Gravity & Electromagnetism) and Unit 4 (Quantum Theory & Special Relativity) with step-by-step calculation solutions.

Sample WACE ATAR Physics Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the WACE ATAR Physics exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1According to Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation, what happens to the gravitational force between two point masses if the distance between their centres is doubled?
A.The gravitational force increases by a factor of 4.
B.The gravitational force decreases to one-half of its original value.
C.The gravitational force decreases to one-quarter of its original value.
D.The gravitational force remains unchanged.
Explanation: Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation states that F = G*(m1*m2)/r^2. Force is inversely proportional to the square of the separation distance r. Doubling r (2r)^2 results in 4r^2 in the denominator, reducing the gravitational force to 1/4 of its original value.
2What is the gravitational field strength at the surface of a planet with mass 4.0 × 10^24 kg and radius 5.0 × 10^6 m? (G = 6.67 × 10^-11 N m^2 kg^-2)
A.5.34 N kg^-1
B.10.67 N kg^-1
C.53.36 N kg^-1
D.1.07 N kg^-1
Explanation: Gravitational field strength g = G*M / r^2. Substituting values: g = (6.67 × 10^-11 * 4.0 × 10^24) / (5.0 × 10^6)^2 = (2.668 × 10^14) / (2.5 × 10^13) = 10.672 N kg^-1 (or m s^-2).
3A satellite orbits Earth in a stable circular orbit. Which expression gives the orbital speed v of the satellite at distance r from Earth's centre of mass M?
A.v = sqrt(G * M * r)
B.v = sqrt(G * M / r)
C.v = G * M / r^2
D.v = 2 * pi * r / G
Explanation: Equating centripetal force to gravitational force: m*v^2 / r = G*M*m / r^2. Cancelling satellite mass m and one power of r gives v^2 = G*M / r, so v = sqrt(G*M / r).
4Kepler's Third Law states that for planets or satellites orbiting a central mass M, the ratio T^2 / r^3 is constant. What is the value of this constant equal to?
A.4 * pi^2 / (G * M)
B.G * M / (4 * pi^2)
C.2 * pi / (G * M)
D.sqrt(G * M)
Explanation: Using v = 2*pi*r / T in v^2 = G*M / r yields (4*pi^2 * r^2) / T^2 = G*M / r. Rearranging for T^2 / r^3 gives 4*pi^2 / (G*M).
5Two positive charges of 3.0 µC and 6.0 µC are separated by a distance of 0.30 m in a vacuum. What is the magnitude of the electrostatic force between them? (k = 8.99 × 10^9 N m^2 C^-2)
A.1.80 N
B.0.54 N
C.1.80 × 10^-3 N
D.5.39 N
Explanation: Coulomb's Law: F = k * q1 * q2 / r^2. F = (8.99 × 10^9 * 3.0 × 10^-6 * 6.0 × 10^-6) / (0.30)^2 = (0.16182) / 0.09 = 1.798 N ≈ 1.80 N.
6An electron experiences an electric force of 4.8 × 10^-15 N when placed in a uniform electric field. What is the strength of the electric field? (e = 1.60 × 10^-19 C)
A.3.0 × 10^4 N C^-1
B.7.68 × 10^-34 N C^-1
C.3.0 × 10^-4 N C^-1
D.1.33 × 10^4 N C^-1
Explanation: Electric field strength E = F / q. E = (4.8 × 10^-15 N) / (1.60 × 10^-19 C) = 3.0 × 10^4 N C^-1 (or V m^-1).
7A straight conductor of length 0.40 m carries a current of 5.0 A perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field of 0.20 T. What is the magnetic force acting on the conductor?
A.0.40 N
B.0.08 N
C.2.50 N
D.1.00 N
Explanation: Magnetic force on a current-carrying wire F = B * I * L * sin(theta). Since the wire is perpendicular, sin(90°) = 1. F = 0.20 T * 5.0 A * 0.40 m = 0.40 N.
8A flat circular coil with an area of 0.05 m^2 is oriented perpendicular to a uniform magnetic field of strength 0.30 T. What is the magnetic flux passing through the coil?
A.0.015 Wb
B.6.0 Wb
C.0.15 Wb
D.0.00 Wb
Explanation: Magnetic flux Phi = B * A * cos(theta), where theta is the angle between the field and the normal to the area. Here the field is perpendicular to the plane of the coil, so theta = 0° and cos(0°) = 1. Phi = 0.30 T * 0.05 m^2 = 0.015 Wb.
9An ideal transformer has 200 turns on its primary coil and 1000 turns on its secondary coil. If an alternating voltage of 24 V AC is applied across the primary coil, what is the output voltage across the secondary coil?
A.120 V
B.4.8 V
C.240 V
D.48 V
Explanation: Transformer equation: V_s / V_p = N_s / N_p. Rearranging for V_s: V_s = V_p * (N_s / N_p) = 24 V * (1000 / 200) = 24 * 5 = 120 V.
10According to Lenz's Law, what is the direction of an induced current resulting from electromagnetic induction?
A.In the direction that reinforces the change in magnetic flux producing it.
B.In a direction such that its magnetic field opposes the change in magnetic flux that caused it.
C.Always clockwise relative to the applied magnetic field.
D.Perpendicular to both the electric and magnetic fields at all times.
Explanation: Lenz's Law states that the direction of an induced current is such that its induced magnetic field opposes the change in magnetic flux that creates it, conforming to the Law of Conservation of Energy.

About the WACE ATAR Physics Exam

The WACE ATAR Physics examination is the official Year 12 senior secondary assessment conducted by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) in Western Australia. It evaluates student mastery across Unit 3 (Gravity and Electromagnetism) and Unit 4 (Quantum Theory and Special Relativity). This online practice question bank serves as an English-language MCQ study adaptation, featuring authentic physics calculation problems, conceptual reasoning tasks, formula applications, and unit conversions aligned with the SCSA ATAR Physics syllabus and formula sheet.

Exam sponsor: School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA), Western Australia. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Statewide Year 12 ATAR course examination set by SCSA.

Time Limit

10 minutes reading time + 3 hours working time (SCSA Physics ATAR / 2026 written timetable default).

Passing Score

ATAR scaling system where 50 is the mean scaled score.

Exam / Certification Fees

Included in standard WA senior secondary school curriculum fees.

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

50%

Gravity and Relativity

Unit 3 topics for teaching from 2026: gravitational fields, orbital motion, and special relativity.

50%

Electromagnetism and Modern Physics

Unit 4 topics for teaching from 2026: electromagnetism and modern/quantum physics.

Preparing for the WACE ATAR Physics Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: ATAR scaling system where 50 is the mean scaled score.
  • Assessment: Statewide Year 12 ATAR course examination set by SCSA.
  • Time limit: 10 minutes reading time + 3 hours working time (SCSA Physics ATAR / 2026 written timetable default).
  • Exam / certification fees: Included in standard WA senior secondary school curriculum fees. Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

WACE ATAR Physics: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master unit conversions between electron-volts (eV) and Joules (J), nanometers (nm) and meters (m), and light-years/km to meters.
2Always check proper time and proper length definitions in Special Relativity to avoid misapplying the Lorentz factor.
3Use right-hand rules accurately for magnetic force directions on positive charges, electrons, and current-carrying wires.
4Understand the difference between wave properties (interference, diffraction) and particle properties (photoelectric effect, photon momentum).

Frequently Asked Questions

What topics are covered in the WACE ATAR Physics exam?

The Year 12 examination focuses on Unit 3 (Gravity and Electromagnetism) and Unit 4 (Quantum Theory and Special Relativity).

What is the format of the official SCSA WACE Physics exam?

The official exam runs for 3 hours plus 10 minutes reading time, split into Section One (Multiple Choice), Section Two (Short Answer), and Section Three (Comprehension/Extended Answer). This practice set focuses on multiple-choice calculation and conceptual questions.

Are physical constants provided?

Yes, standard SCSA physical constants (c = 3.00 × 10^8 m/s, G = 6.67 × 10^-11 N m^2/kg^2, h = 6.63 × 10^-34 J s, e = 1.60 × 10^-19 C, m_e = 9.11 × 10^-31 kg, g = 9.80 m/s^2) are used throughout calculations.

Is this practice bank updated for 2026?

Yes, all 100 practice questions are updated for the 2026 Western Australia senior secondary ATAR Physics curriculum.