LEARNING OUTCOMES

Aim of this course is to provide a basic knowledge of the principles of classical physics (mechanics, thermodynamics). Study of the fundamentals of kinematics and dynamics of the material point, dynamics of the systems of material points, thermodynamics. Applications of the scientific method to the analysis and resolution of physics problems.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The General Physics course provides a necessary knowledge base for every engineer in the fields of mechanics and thermodynamics. A large fraction of the lessons is dedicated to solving increasingly complex exercises and problems, interchanging theoretical lessons, examples and exercises in the classroom and online. We start from simple and easily schematizable systems, such as material points, and then move on to the mechanical behavior of material point systems, extended bodies and extended body systems. The second part of the course deals with the thermodynamic behavior of solid, liquid and gaseous materials, and with the fundamental principles of the operation of thermal machines (engines) and refrigerators.

This course enables students to analyze a physical problem, break it down into simple parts, apply the basic principles of physics and calculate the required results.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of algebra and geometry, trigonometry and linear algebra (vectors) are required. It is helpful to be familiar with the concepts of derivatives and integrals. Supplementary exercises at the beginning of the course are planned to fill any gaps in these topics.

TEACHING METHODS

Classroom or online theoretical lessons for about 60% of the available time. Examples and exercises for the rest of the hours. Self-assessment exercises at the end of each lesson block (approximately every month).

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1. Experimental method, fundamental and derived physical quantities, dimensional analysis and related units of measurement. Reference systems.
2. Kinematics of the material point: position, displacement, velocity, acceleration vectors. Radial and tangential acceleration. Uniformly accelerated motion, circular motion, harmonic motion. Relative motions.
3. Inertial reference systems. Newton's laws: application examples. Contact forces: friction, speed-dependent retarding forces.
4. Non-inertial reference systems and apparent forces.
5. Work done by a force, kinetic energy, work-kinetic energy theorem, power.
6. Conservative forces and potential energy, conservation of mechanical energy. Conservation of total energy in an isolated system.
7. Systems of material points, center of mass and its motion; impulse and momentum, conservation of momentum.
8. Moment of a vector with respect to a point; moment of a force, angular momentum; relationship between moment of a force and angular momentum for a material point and for a system of material points.
9. Rigid body, rotation around a fixed axis, rotational work and kinetic energy; moment of inertia, angular momentum and its conservation.
10. Motion of the planets, Kepler's laws and Newton's law for universal gravitation
11. Principles of damped and forced oscillations and examples of harmonic oscillators.
12. Elements of fluid dynamics. Pressure concept.
13. Zero principle of thermodynamics. Thermometers and temperature scales.
14. Heat and internal energy. Specific heat. Latent heat and phase transitions. Work of a gas.
15. First law of thermodynamics. Applications of the first law of thermodynamics.
16. Quasi-static and adiabatic transformations of a perfect gas.
17. Thermal machines. Second law of thermodynamics. Carnot cycle.
18. Heat pumps and refrigerators. Entropy state function. Examples of calculation of ΔS.
19. Entropy and second law of thermodynamics: ΔS in natural processes. Statistical interpretation of entropy.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The physics is the same, independently of the textbook. The following book can be found useful, and there are copies in English or French in the University libraries for some of them:

D. Halliday, R. Resnick, J. Walker, Fondamenti di Fisica, 7a ed., Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.

C. Mencuccini e V. Silvestrini, Fisica I e II, Liguori Editore.

S. Focardi, I. Massa, A. Uguzzoni, M. Villa, Fisica Generale, 2a ed., Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.

R.A. Serway, J.W. Jewett, Fisica per Scienze e Ingegneria Voll.1 e 2, 4a ed., EdiSES, Napoli.

G. Vannini - Gettys Fisica 1 – Meccanica, 4a ed., McGraw Hill Italia.

Giancoli, Fisica 1 e Fisica 2, 2a ed., Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano.

R. Wolfson, Fisica 1 – Meccanica, Termodinamica e Onde