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