AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The fundamental aims of the course (first module 7 CFU) are focused on discovering the quantitative relationships between observations of natural facts and their models, and on learning the physical basis of phenomena in mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism and optics. Emphasis is done on the ability to observe natural facts, define and quantify the quantities involved, relate these ones to models and ideas that enlight the reasons why phenomena occur and the way in which they happen. The activities and objectives of the course are integrated with the module dedicated to the general physics laboratory (second module - 5 CFU) where the phases of observation and quantification of phenomena are more developed.

The expected results are: ability to observe, quantify, model and predict natural facts in the fields of mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism and optics.

TEACHING METHODS

The course is carried out with lectures and classroom exercises on the topics indicated in the program. Experimental demonstrations in the classroom to support the theoretical lessons may be carried out according to the availability and possibilities of teaching aids. The recommended texts are the basic reference for study and exercises. The topics covered in the lectures will be published in the form of notes on the aulaweb site.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Course program is divided into Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electromagnetics and Optics.

Mechanics

Motion and Forces: velocity, acceleration, mass, forces, main types of motion, reference systems and Newton's laws, force fields, universal gravitational force, motions of the planets. Work and Energy: mechanical work, potential and kinetic energy. Conservation law of mechanical energy and conservative forces. Dynamics of systems: center of mass, momentum, angular momentum, torque, conservation of momentum and angular momentum. Applications to rigid and elastic solids: moment of inertia, scattering, rotational energy, internal energy. Applications to fluids: hydrostatics and fluid motion, motion regimes, energy conservation law, viscous fluids.

Thermodynamics.

Microscopic representation of hydrostatic systems: kinetic theory of ideal gases, pressure, internal energy, temperature. Heat and generalization of energy conservation, the first principle of thermodynamics. Thermal engines, Carnot cycle, absolute temperature, second law of thermodynamics, entropy.

Electromagnetism

Electrostatics: electric charge and electrostatic force, electrostatic field, potential, capacitance, dielectrics. Electromotive force, electric currents, resistance, circuits and circuit laws, RC circuit. Magnetostatics: magnetic forces, magnetic field and electric currents, induced electromotive force, inductance, diamagnetism and paramagnetism, ferromagnetism, magnetic properties of matter. RL circuits. Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic waves

Optics.

Geometric optics: principles, reflection, refraction, lenses, microscope, telescope. Wave optics: principles, interference, diffraction, diffraction spectrometers.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Fondamenti di Fisica. Un approccio strategico. R.D.Knight, B.Jones, S.Field. Edizione italiana di R. Maioli. Ed. PICCIN (pagine 904)

Fondamenti di Fisica (Meccanica, Onde, Termodinamica, Elettromagnetismo, Ottica) D.Halliday,  R.Resnik, J.Walker, Ed. CEA (pagine 1024).

Fisica Generale. Principi e Applicazioni. A. Giambattista. Ed. Itlaiana di P. Mariani, A.Orecchini, F.Spinozzi. Ed Mc Graw Hill 

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

FLAVIO GATTI (President)

ALESSIO CAMINATA

PIETRO CORVISIERO (President Substitute)

STEFANO DAVINI (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

see http://www.chimica.unige.it/didattica/orari_CTC  

Class schedule

GENERAL PHYSICS & GENERAL PHYSICS LABORATORY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Partial written tests during the year (mechanics-thermodynamics, electromagnetism-optics). Final written exam on the topics of the partial tests not passed.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Level of knowledge of the notions of physics described in the program

Level of understanding of a phenomenon, of the recognition of the interpretative model and of the use of the model itself for the quantitative prediction of one or more physical quantities involved.

Exam schedule