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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Understand and apply principles of physics 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
246438  Understand and apply principles of physics 
ORIGINATOR
Chemical Industries SGB 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is intended for a person in the work place where knowledge and application of physical principles are essential, especially in the laboratory environment.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to understand and apply:
  • Concepts related to work, energy and power.
  • Concepts related to the properties of light.
  • Concepts related to the phases and properties of substances.
  • Concepts related to the gas laws.

    This unit standard will contribute to the full development of the learner by providing recognition, further mobility and transportability within the sub-fields of manufacturing and assembly, physical sciences, life sciences, environmental sciences, earth and space sciences. The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and upliftment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Description of required skills:
  • Communication, mathematical literacy and natural science, NQF Level 3.
  • Introductory principles of physics, NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The typical context of this unit standard is described in the different range statements listed under the relevant specific outcomes and assessment criteria.

    The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the process requires a wide range of technical skills and offers a considerable choice of procedures. A broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts, analytical interpretation of information, informed judgement and a range of sometime innovative responses to concrete but often unfamiliar problems are employed. The application of this unit standard is to qualify the person for certification in advanced trade and technical occupations. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Understand and apply the scientific concepts of physics related to work, energy and power. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The scientific concepts of physics include work, energy, power, force, heat, combustion and pressure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Each of the concepts is explained in accordance with accepted scientific definition. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    One example of each scientific concept is given from the learner's work environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The SI units of measurement for each of the concepts are given. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Methods of measuring the physical quantities related to work, energy and power are explained with the assistance of practical demonstrations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The value of each physical quantity is calculated and explained from measurements obtained from practical demonstrations. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Understand and apply the properties of light. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The properties of light include transmission, absorption, refraction and reflection. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The properties of light are described in accordance with accepted scientific definition. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    An example of each property of light is given from the learner's work environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The properties of light are displayed and explained with the assistance of a practical demonstration. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Five different types of light sources are identified within the learner's work environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The relation between the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection is explained according to accepted scientific principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The colour spectrum and the primary colours of light are described in accordance with accepted scientific principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The reasons for different objects having different colours are explained in accordance with accepted scientific principles. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the phases and properties of substances. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The three phases of substances are explained in accordance with accepted scientific principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Phase changes are identified and explained by using examples in the learner's work environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The identification and explanation refer to:
  • Melting, boiling and freezing points.
  • Condensation, evaporation, freezing, melting, boiling and sublimation.
  • The critical point with its corresponding critical volume, critical temperature and critical pressure (flash point) for condensation to take place.
  • Phase diagrams.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The effect of solids or impurities on the depression and elevation of boiling, melting and freezing points is explained by using examples in the learner's work environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Properties of solid materials are listed in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Solid materials include metals, ceramics, polymers and composites.
  • Properties include chemical formula, molecular attraction and movement, molecular structures, physical properties (mass, volume and density), appearance, strength, hardness, melting temperature, heat- and electrical conductivity.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Properties of laboratory liquids are listed in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Common laboratory liquids include but are not limited to water, ethyl alcohol, ether, glycerine, benzene.
  • Properties include chemical formula, molecular attraction and movement, molecular structures, physical properties (mass, volume and density), appearance, dissolving properties, evaporation temperature and solidification temperature.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Properties of gases are listed in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Common gases include but are not limited to oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, water vapour, propane, butane and carbon dioxide.
  • Properties include chemical formula, molecular attraction and movement, flammability, density, pressure, vapour pressure, identification methods and condensation temperature.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Understand and apply the principles of the gas laws. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The kinetic gas (molecular) theory is explained in accordance with accepted scientific principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Gas laws are explained in accordance with accepted scientific principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Gas laws include:
  • The ideal gas law.
  • Boyle's law.
  • Charles's law.
  • Gay-Lussac's law.
  • Avogadro's law.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Calculations are performed to demonstrate the application of the different gas laws and the general gas equation (PV = nRT). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Dalton's law of partial pressures is explained in accordance with accepted scientific principles. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Internal moderation.
  • External moderation.
  • An assessor, accredited by the relevant ETQA, will assess the learner's competency.
  • Assessment procedures will be supplied by the ETQA in alignment with NSB requirements.
  • All assessment activities must be fair, so that all candidates have equal opportunities. Activities must be free of gender, ethnic or other bias.
  • Assessment and moderation procedures, activities and tools must be transparent, affordable and support development within the field, sub-field and NQF.
  • Questions and answers to determine theoretical knowledge are expected.
  • Examination of an assessment portfolio.
  • Reporting skills are demonstrated by effective communication, using verbal (language) and/or writing skills.
  • Direct observation in simulated or actual work conditions.
  • Practical demonstration of the mentioned experiments. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The qualifying learner understands and can apply:
  • Concepts related to work, energy and power.
  • Concepts related to the properties of light.
  • Concepts related to the phases and properties of substances.
  • Concepts related to the gas laws. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which response displays that responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking, have been made by:
  • Performing a practical demonstration to display and explain the properties of light and giving examples of each property of light from the work environment.
  • Doing calculations to demonstrate the application of the different gas laws and the general gas equation (PV = nRT).

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome/s:
  • Understand and apply the properties of light.
  • Understand and apply the principles of the gas laws. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community:
  • Maintaining sound relations with co-learners during the performance of experiments and practical demonstrations.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Understand and apply the scientific concepts of physics related to work, energy and power.
  • Understand and apply the properties of light.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the phases and properties of substances. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Working in an organised way when doing practical demonstrations and giving examples. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information when:
  • Understanding and applying chemical principles and methodology.
  • Doing practical demonstrations to explain methods of measuring the physical quantities related to work, energy and power.
  • Using examples from the work environment to explain scientific concepts.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Understand and apply the scientific concepts of physics related to work, energy and power.
  • Understand and apply the properties of light.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the phases and properties of substances. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations by:
  • Using scientific physical terminology.
  • Giving examples to prove understanding.
  • Doing calculations to demonstrate the application of the different gas laws.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • Using scientific methods when doing calculations and demonstrations.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Understand and apply the scientific concepts of physics related to work, energy and power.
  • Understand and apply the properties of light.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the phases and properties of substances. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation by:
  • Understanding and applying the principles of physics to work activities.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large by:
  • Understanding the role of the principles of physics in the laboratory environment and the effect it has on the growth and development of the organisation, its customers and employees.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58952   Further Education and Training Certificate: Laboratory Analysis  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2008-08-05  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Core  64950   Further Education and Training Certificate: Laboratory Analysis  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.