OVERVIEW

The course of General Physics will present the basic laws of mechanics and electromagnetism in vacuum. It will start with the model of a point mass by introducing the necessary kinematic quantities and then it will present the description of a system of points and the rigid body. For electromagnetism, it will start with electrostatics, then electrical current and magnetostatics will be treated, and it will finish with the electromagnetic induction.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course has the aim to provide the concepts and the fundamental laws of mechanics and electromagnetism. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the utility and limitations related to the use of schematizations and models.

LEARNING OUTCOMES (FURTHER INFO)

To give students the ability to properly use the language and possibly the scientific formalism.

To acquire the ability to recognize the applicability of schematizations and models in concrete situations.

To acquire the ability to formulate and solve exercises and problems in the context of the proposed content and to evaluate the results critically.

TEACHING METHODS

The topics are presented and exemplified through lectures face-to-face and are further clarified through the solution of exercises and problems.

Lessons: about 90 hours,

exercises: about 30 hours.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Mechanics of a point mass: Kinematics. Newton's laws. Work. mechanical energy, Momentum. Moment of momentum. Conservation laws.
Mechanics of points systems: the center of mass. Momentum and its conservation. Angular momentum and its conservation, rigid body rotating around a fixed axis, work and kinetic energy, moment of inertia.
Electrostatics and currents: electric field in vacuum. Gauss' law. Potential. Capacitors. Electrostatic energy. Electric current. Ohm's law. Joule's Law. Electrical circuits. RC circuits.
Magnetostatics and electromagnetic induction: magnetic field in vacuum. Force on moving charges. Ampere's law. Faraday's law. Self-induction. Magnetic energy. RL and LC circuits.

Brief introduction on oscillations.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Recommended reference books are:

- C. Mencuccini,V. Silvestrini, Fisica (Meccanica e Termodinamica)-

Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano

- R. Mazzoldi, M.Nigro, C. Voci, Elementi di Fisica-Elettromagnetismo, 

Casa Editrice EdiSES

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

GIANANGELO BRACCO (President)

GIANRICO LAMURA (President)

MATTEO DE GERONE

SILVANO TOSI

LESSONS

EXAMS

Exam schedule