OVERVIEW

In this course we study the basic concepts of classical mechanics. The course starts from kinematics and dynamics of a single particles and then moves to more complex system of particles and to the dynamics of a rigid body.

AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

1) reach solid understanding of the basic concepts of classical mechanics;

2) develop problem-solving skills in the context of mechanics;

3) acquire the ability to understand and interpret physical phenomena, exploiting both mathematical tools and arguments based on dimensional analysis and order of magnitude approach;

4) understand and recognise the regime of applicability of physical laws.

TEACHING METHODS

All topics are discussed with examples and complemented with problems and exercises.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1. Introduction: measurements and units of measurements, physical observables, dimensional analysis and significant digits. Vectors: definitions and operations.
2. Kinematics of a single particle in one dimension. Definition of velocity and acceleration. Examples of 1-D motion: with costant velocity, with constant acceleration and harmonic motion.
3. Kinematics of a single particle in two and three dimensions. Position vector, displacement, velocity and acceleration. Projectile motion and circular motion.
4. Dynamics of a single particle. Force and Newton’s laws. Dynamics without friction: weight, reaction forces, inclined plane, strings and tension. The elastic force.
5. Static and dynamic friction. The drag. Examples of centripetal forces and the pendulum.
6. Relative motion: velocity and acceleration in different frames. Inertial and non-inertial frames. Fictitious forces: centrifugal forces and Coriolis.
7. Work and energy: work / kinetic-energy theorem. Examples: work done by weight, spring, friction. Conservative forces and potential energy. Conservation of mechanical energy.
8. Systems of particles (I): centre of mass, the first equation of dynamics, work and energy for a system of particles. Collisions between particles.
9. Systems of particles (II): moments, the second equation of dynamics, the centre-of-mass frame,  König theorems. Systems with variable mass.
10. Gravity: Newton’s law of gravitation, the Earth gravitational field, escape velocity. The solar system and Kepler’s laws.
11. Proprieties of rigid bodies: definition and degrees of freedom; the motion of a rigid body. Rigid rotation, rotational inertia e the parallel axis theorem. Continuous bodies.
12.  Dynamics of a rigid body: rolling without slipping; precession; conservation laws and collisions between particles and rigid bodies.
13.  Statics: equilibrium between forces and moments; examples. Elastics properties of solids

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

-Halliday (mechanics)

-Mazzoldi, Nigro, Voci (mechanics)

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

GIOVANNI RIDOLFI (President)

DARIO FERRARO (President Substitute)

FABRIZIO PARODI (President Substitute)

SIMONE MARZANI (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/8715/p/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of a written test and an oral one about the whole program of General Physics (module I and II). Students that attend the lectures can take intermediate written tests.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The written part of the exam consist of four problems. The first two concern the first module (mechanics), while the second two the second one (electromagnetism). The exercises aim to verify the student’s understanding of the topic as well as their problem-solving skills. The intermediate exams instead consist of two problems each.

The oral exam consists of simple problems and theory questions that aim to verify the student’s knowledge about the various topics of the course.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Aulaweb for this module is not maintained. Please refer to the aulaweb page for the entire course General Physics 56686.