OVERVIEW

The course aims at study at a deeper level a few fundamental aspects of classical physics, with particular attention to its limit of validity due to the relativistic and quantum nature of fundamental laws. 

The selected topics cover all fundamental aspects of classical physics, from mechanics of self-gravitating systems to electrodynamics, classical radiation, classical optics with elements of quantum optics. A few important items related to statistical and kinetic physics, classical fluid dynamics, relativistic fluid dynamics, and stochastic systems are also included. 

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The purpose of the teaching is to integrate and deepen some topics in General Physics, to provide a more extensive and solid knowledge of Classical Physics, its fundamentals and some of its applications. The topics covered are supplemented by various applications and modeling of real problems.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims at deepening the knowledge of important topics of classical physics, including mechanics, electrodynamics, thermodynamics and statistical physics.

The selected topics cover all fundamental aspects of classical physics, from mechanics of self-gravitating systems to electrodynamics, classical radiation, classical optics with elements of quantum optics. A few important items related to statistical and kinetic physics, classical fluid dynamics, relativistic fluid dynamics, and stochastic systems are also included. 

The student will acquire also the ability to use techniques related to modern physics, such as classical field theory in Lagrangian form and Green functions.

PREREQUISITES

Classical physics at the level of Fisica Generale 1,2,3

Analytical mechanics

Basics of Quantum Mechanics

TEACHING METHODS

Frontal lessons

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Mechanics of self-gravitating systems, two and many body.  Hamilton-Jacobi treatment of Kepler problem. Orbits and perturbations. Precession of Mercury perihelion, classic and relativistic 

Lagrangian formulation of electromagntism. Charge in electromagnetic field. Particle accelerators. Green function and radiation. Dynamics of relativistic particles. Radiation from accelerated charges.The Free Electron Laser.

Classical and relativistic kinetic theory of gases. Energy momentum tensor for a fluid. Energy and momentum tensor of the electromagnetic field.Relativistic equations of state.  Equation of state for relativistic degenerate systems. White dwarfs and neutron stars.

Stocastic systems.Doobs theorem Correlation and relaxing. Fluctuation-dissipation theorem. Applications in astrophysics.

Geometrica optics. Eikonal. Connection with quantum mechanics. Photons and statistics of photons. 

Elements of fluid dynamics. 

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Jackson - Electrodynamics

Thorne-Blandford  Modern classical physics

Landau Vol. I, II, VI

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

See academic calendar

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Short document prepared by the candidate on a topic agreed upon with the teacher, followed by an oral exam.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The short document must be prepared in digital form and might be either in English or Italian (candidate's choice)

The topic is agreed upon with the teacher at the end of the lectures. The topic must be connected with what is discussed during the course, either a deeper discussion of one of the topics or an application of what learned

The oral exam covers the topics discussed during the lectures and is about 30 min long

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sergio Di Domizio (sergio.didomizio@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.