PHYSICS I
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- Versione italiana
- Academic year
- 2020/2021
- Teacher
- DIEGO BISERO
- Credits
- 6
- Didactic period
- Secondo Semestre
- SSD
- FIS/01
Training objectives
- The main aim of this course is the introduction to the study of Physics and to provide basic knowledge on the subject. Special attention is devoted to show the most appropriate methods to solve scientific problems and to properly present such solutions (definition of the variables and reference frame, correct management of units). At the end of the course the student will have learned the basic principles of mechanics and
classical thermodynamics. It will also have developed the skills necessary to solve problems and deal with simple applications. Prerequisites
- The possess of an appropriate methodology for the study of scientific topics, based on understanding of the meaning of laws and equations and not on their mere memorization, is necessary in order to approach this course. The knowledge of the basics of mathematical analysis is necessary; As a consequence, passing the "Mathematics" exam is a prerequisite for taking the examination of this course.
Course programme
- Introduction (2 hours lectures and 1 hour exercises):
Scalars and vectors. Systems of measurement units. Dimensional analysis.
Massive particle mechanics (13 hours lectures and 5 hours exercises):
Particle mechanics. Kinematics: displacement, velocity, acceleration; rectilinear and curvilinear motions; analysis of specific motions. Relative motions. Dynamics: mass and force, inertial frame of reference, the laws of dynamics. Work, power, kinetic energy, conservative forces. Potential energy. Mechanical energy.
Mechanics of a system of particles (12 hours lectures and 3 hours exercises):
System of particles, center of mass, impulse, linear momentum, collisions, angular momentum. Rigid body. Motion equations and conservation principles.
Gravitation (1 hours lectures and 1 hours exercises).
Oscillations and waves (6 hours lectures and 1 hours exercises).
Fluids (6 hours lectures and 2 hours exercises):
Fluid mechanics: pressure, viscosity; equations of continuity and of Bernoulli, applications.
Thermodynamics (8 hours lectures and 2 hours exercises):
Temperature. The temperature scales. Ideal and real gases. Heat. Specific heat and thermal capacity. The first principle of thermodynamics. Reversible and irreversible processes..
(in parentheses approximate lecture and exercise time is given, for information only) Didactic methods
- The course consists of lectures and exercises. During the lessons the students will be allowed to interact communicating any difficulty, e.g. related to the understanding of arguments or to inadequate preparation on course prerequisites. During the exercises, carried out thanks to the availability of support staff (teaching support, tutor), problems and applications of the theory will be proposed. Students' active participation in the solution of problems will be encouraged and there will be the opportunity to propose problems of interest to them.
Learning assessment procedures
- The exam can be passed in two ways, chosen by the student: ongoing tests that take place during the course and reserved for students enrolled for the first time in the first year and attending the course, or the classic exam session after the end of the lectures.
In the first case there will be a written examination on mechanics after the first half of the course; a written examination on fluids and thermodynamics at the end of the course, followed by a short oral examination. The final evaluation takes into account the grade obtained in the two partial written tests and the oral test, with a score divided in half between the first (15 points out of 30) and second (15 points out of 30) parts.
In the second case, for those who did not pass the ongoing tests, a complete written examination is scheduled at each exam session, followed by the corresponding oral exam. The final assessment takes into account the overall results of the written test, which must reach sufficiency, and subsequent oral examination.
In all cases, the examination will check the level of achievement of the previously mentioned educational goals; in particular, in the written test the ability reached in solving the problems, and in the oral one the acquired knowledge, will be verified. Reference texts
- The following books are used for teaching:
- Serway, Jewett; Principi di Fisica; EdiSES, 2015
- Mazzoldi, Nigro, Voci; Elementi di Fisica (meccanica, termodinamica); EdiSES, 2008.
Lecture notes and slides are available on the Internet site of the course.
Other recommended books (exercises):
- Villa, Uguzzoni; Esercizi di Fisica - Meccanica; CEA, 2016.
- Del Papa, Giordani, Giugliarelli; Problemi di Fisica con Soluzione - meccanica, termodinamica, gravitazione; CEA, 2014.
