Learning objectives
The course gives, with a simplified approach, some basic<br />
concepts which are necessary to some of the following<br />
biology and chemistry courses. In particular, the<br />
contents of the present course offer a physical<br />
description of the mechanisms underlying many<br />
processes relevant for chemistry and biology
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
<strong> Mechanics</strong><br />
Physical quantities and Units. Vectors and scalars.<br />
Operations with vectors. Spece-time diagram. Position,<br />
velocity, acceleration. Newton’s laws. Fundamental<br />
interactions. Work. Work-kinetic energy theorem.<br />
Potential energy. Conservation of energy. Equilibrium.<br />
Rotary motion. Kinetic energy of a rotating body.<br />
Torque.<br />
<strong>Fluid mechanics</strong><br />
Stevino’s law. Archimede’s law. Continuity equation.<br />
Bernoulli’s theorem. Viscosity. Laminar and turbulent<br />
flow. Stoke’s law. Surface tension. Capillaries and<br />
Laplace law.<br />
<strong>Thermodynamics</strong><br />
Temperature scales. Kinetic theory of gases.<br />
Equipartition of energy. Internal energy. Specific heat.<br />
Latent heat and phase transitions. Work and heat. First<br />
law of thermodynamics. Some selected transformations.<br />
Heat propagation. Heat engines. Reversible and<br />
irreversible transformations. Entropy. Second law of<br />
thermodynamics. Carnot’s cycle.<br />
<strong>Electromagnetism</strong><br />
Electric charge. Insulators and conductors. Induction<br />
and polarization. Coulomb’s law. Electric field. Voltage.<br />
Capacity. Capacitors and resistors. Ohm’s and Joule’s<br />
laws. Magnetic field. Lorentz force. Ampère’s law.<br />
Faraday’s law. Generalized Ampère’s law.<br />
Electromagnetic waves. Energy associated with the<br />
electromagnetic waves. Spectrum of electromagnetic<br />
waves. Polarization. Light refraction. Light dispersion.
Full programme
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Bibliography
Principi di Fisica vol I<br />
Serway Jewett<br />
EdiSES
Teaching methods
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Assessment methods and criteria
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Other information
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