LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to deepen the knowledge of classical physics and provide a scientific method to solve simple problems. The course provides a summary of mechanics focusing on  topics at are a necessary support for other classes, the study of thermodynamics (I and II principle, thermodynamic potentials) and of ideal and real fluids (hydrostatic, surface tension, viscosity, turbulence), therefore elements of electricity and magnetism (notions of electrostatics, charge and discharge of a capacitor, magnetic effects of currents). Finally, introduction to the basic principles of electromagnetic and corpuscular radiation, with particular attention to geometric optics and the study of lenses.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide the student with the essential tools for the study of the fundamental phenomena of Physics, from mechanics to thermodynamics to electromagnetism. In particular, it intended to provide during the course a methodology that allows the student to deal with new topics gradually encountered in subsequent studies.

TEACHING METHODS

The course includes theoretical lectures and resolution of exercises. Basic knowledge of mathematics is important and frequency is strongly recommended. During the year, exam simulation tests will be carried out proposing to the students exercises on the different parts of the program.
 

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Mechanics
Experimental method. Physical quantities and units of measurement. Random and systematic errors. Units of measurement systems. Scalar and vector quantities. Operations with the carriers. Dimensional analysis. The principles of dynamics. Some simple types of forces: contact force, weight force, tension, elastic force. Static and dynamic friction forces. Work of a force and relative units of measurement. Power and relative units of measurement. Kinetic energy. Work of the resultant forces and work-energy theorem. Conservative forces and potential energy. Conservation of mechanical energy. Work done by dissipative forces. Amount of motion. Impulse. Shock.

Thermodynamics
Temperature and thermometric scales. Equation of state. Perfect gases. Kinetic theory. Evaporation. Vapor pressure. Diagram pV. Equations of Celsius and Van der Waals. Heat. Internal energy of a perfect gas. Specific heat. Calorimetry. Introduction to heat management. Definition of work. The first principle. Free expansion of Joule. Cp and CV for a perfect gas. Principle of energy equipartition. Adiabatic transformations. Constant p and V reactions. Enthalpy. Announcements of the 2nd principle. Entropy as a status function. Entropy and IIth principle. Constant p and T systems. Thermodynamic potentials.

Static and Dynamics of Fluids
Density and specific weight. Stevino's law. Torricelli experience. Mercury barometer. Principle of Archimedes. Capacity. Continuity equation. Bernoulli's equation. Examples and applications. Viscosity. Poiseuille equation. Stokes law. Sedimentation. Turbulent flow and Reynolds number. Blood circulation. Engine work of the heart. Brownian motions. Molecular diffusion. Fick's law and diffusion coefficient. Surface tension. Laplace formula. Mechanics of breathing. Capillarity and Jurin's law. Clinical thermometer. Dropper. Gaseous embolism.

Electrostatics and circuits
Elementary phenomena of electrification. Coulomb's law. Field and electric potential. Electric dipole. Electric currents. Laws of Ohm. Resistors and Capacitors. Serial and parallel connections. Joule effect. Energy stored in a condenser. Condenser charge and discharge process. Constant time RC.
Magnetism
Magnetic effects. Vector magnetic induction B. Lorentz force. Magnetic force on a wire run by a current. Fields B produced by currents. Strength between two parallel threads run by currents. Definition of Ampere. Overview of magnetic induction: Faraday-Neumann law.
Overview of physical optics
Electromagnetic waves and general properties. Polarization. The electromagnetic spectrum. Light as part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The speed ​​of light in vacuum and in any medium. Optical transparency of material and Lambert-Beer law. Interference and Diffraction.  Rayleigh criterion.

Geometric optics
Optical instruments. Laws of reflection and refraction. Dispersion of light. Total reflection and limit angle. Refraction on a spherical surface. Thin lenses. Lens equation. Magnifying glass. Compound microscope. The human eye.

Radiation
Electromagnetic and corpuscular radiation. Photoelectric effect. Energy levels of an atom. X-rays. Stimulated emission. The Laser. The action of ionizing radiation .. Dosimetric units of measurement.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Walker James – Fondamenti di Fisica – Pearson Italia

• Ragozzino Ezio - Principi di Fisica – EdiSES

• Celasco Marcello, Panieri Daniele - 2000 Problemi di Fisica completamente risolti – ECIG