AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to provide the student with the basic tools indispensable for the study of the fundamental phenomena of physics, from mechanics to thermodynamics and electromagnetism. In particular, the intention is to provide a methodology during the course that allows the student to deal correctly, by consulting appropriate texts, with relatively new issues encountered in subsequent studies.

TEACHING METHODS

The course includes lectures where the topics are presented and discussed. Part of the lessons is dedicated to solving blackboard exercises. Basic knowledge of mathematics is important and attendance is strongly recommended.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Mechanics

Experimental method. Physical quantities and units of measurement. Random and systematic errors. Systems of units of measure. Scalar and vector quantities. Operations with vectors. 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 measure. Power and related units of measurement. Kinetic energy. Work of the resultant of the forces and work-kinetic energy theorem. Conservative forces and potential energy. Conservation of mechanical energy. Work done by dissipative forces. Momentum. Pulse. Bumps.

Statics and Dynamics of Fluids

Density and specific weight. Stevin's law. Torricelli's experience. Mercury barometer. Archimedes' principle. Scope. Equation of continuity. Bernoulli equation. Examples and applications. Viscosity. Stokes' law. Sedimentation. Turbulent flow and Reynolds number. Blood circulation. Motor work of the heart.

Electrostatics and circuits

Elementary phenomena of electrification. Coulomb's law. Electric field and potential. Electric currents. Ohm's laws. Resistors and Capacitors. Series and parallel connections. Joule effect. Energy stored in a capacitor. Capacitor charge and discharge process.

Magnetism

Magnetic effects. Magnetic induction vector B. Lorentz force. Magnetic force on a current-carrying wire. B fields produced by currents. The force between two parallel wires carrying currents. Introduction to magnetic induction: Faraday-Neumann law.

Fundamentals of physical optics

Electromagnetic waves and general properties. The electromagnetic spectrum. Light as a part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Speed of light in vacuum and in any medium.

Geometrical optics

Optical instruments. Laws of reflection and refraction. Light dispersion. Total reflection and critical angle. Thin lenses. Lens equation. Magnifying glass. The human eye.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

- Walker James – Fondamenti di Fisica – Pearson Italia (English version available)

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

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

CLAUDIO CANALE (President)

ORNELLA CAVALLERI

CRISTINA ARTINI (President Substitute)

DARIO MASSABO' (Substitute)

MASSIMO DOMENICO OTTONELLI (Substitute)

MARCELLA PANI (Substitute)

ALESSANDRA PESCE (Substitute)

MARINA RUI (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The timetable of all courses can be consulted on EasyAcademy.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam takes place through a written test which is mandatory for all students. The written test is followed by an oral test, optional for students who have obtained a sufficient evaluation of the written test (≥ 18/30), and compulsory for students who have not obtained a sufficient evaluation of the written test. The written test involves solving exercises, students have 90 minutes available and can consult textbooks and notes. After the correction, the papers are discussed with the interested students. The oral exam takes place in the presence of two professors, focuses on the discussion of the written text and on the program carried out during the frontal lessons; it lasts about 30 minutes on average.

For each exam session, the deadline for registration is 5 days before the test date, as can be deduced from the online registration procedure, which is mandatory for taking the exam. Exceptions to this deadline will not be admitted for enrolments, and students not booked will not be able to take the exam.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The assessment of learning takes place in the exam which provides for the written resolution of problems relating to the various parts of the program. When necessary and/or requested, an oral test is foreseen to deepen the knowledge and the ability to connect the topics studied.

Exam schedule