5th year subject choice

koolkakool

OK, I was going to post this in the leaving cert section, but i thought id get better replys here to my questions:

Ill be going into 5th year in September. i've decided to definitely choose physics as one of my subjects, but here's what im wondering about.

If i was to possibly do some sort of career in physics (still not sure what to do after school), would it be helpful to do chemistry aswell? I was wondering because i think the whole area of atoms and things like that is studied in chemistry (im not sure though). Are atoms, electrons etc. studied in physics aswell, because it seems as if they join in with physics.

thanks

Delphi91

Yes, atomic physics is studied for the LC. In fact, one of the options available is Particle Physics - it depends on which the teacher decides to opt for - if you ask me, particle physics is the easier option.

As for studying chemistry also, well, apart from the start of atomic physics, there isn't a whole lot in common with both courses - a little bit of electricity at a later stage when studying electrolysis, etc. In chemistry, the structure of the atom is studied in a bit more detail (subshells/suborbitals, etc). You won't get this in physics, but you'll do into a bit more detail on the particle side if you study the particle physics option.

Here are links to the relevant syllabuses - have a look at them and you'll get an idea of the crossover:

Physics
Chemistry

Unless you opt for a pure physics course in Uni later, the chances are that you will have the option of studying chemistry then.

koolkakool

Delphi91 wrote: »

Yes, atomic physics is studied for the LC. In fact, one of the options available is Particle Physics - it depends on which the teacher decides to opt for - if you ask me, particle physics is the easier option.

As for studying chemistry also, well, apart from the start of atomic physics, there isn't a whole lot in common with both courses - a little bit of electricity at a later stage when studying electrolysis, etc. In chemistry, the structure of the atom is studied in a bit more detail (subshells/suborbitals, etc). You won't get this in physics, but you'll do into a bit more detail on the particle side if you study the particle physics option.

Here are links to the relevant syllabuses - have a look at them and you'll get an idea of the crossover:

Physics
Chemistry

Unless you opt for a pure physics course in Uni later, the chances are that you will have the option of studying chemistry then.

ok, thanks a lot Delphi, that was very helpful

Podge_irl

The LC Chemistry course is reasonably interesting, so there would no harm in taking it and if you are scientifically inclined then I am sure you would find it enjoyable. It may also prove useful if you are doing a science course in college (i.e. in Trinity you need to pick three subjects in first year - so you could pick Physics, Maths, Chemistry and then specialise in Physics).

It is by no means necessary though and you will not be at any disadvantage by not doing it (certainly no disadvantage that a couple hours reading wouldn't fix anyway). The overlap between the courses is relatively non-existent as well.

mardybumbum

There is quite an overlap between the chemistry and physics course! Both courses require you to study atomic structure, i.e, the bohr model and electron arrangements.

Both courses also require you to study the gas laws, although only boyles law is studied in physics.

And finally both courses also contain a short section on electrolysis.

And If your lucky enough to do biology you'll be laughing.
Theres an even larger overlap between chemistry and biology!