Learning objectives
Mainly this course is devoted to introduce the students to the basic concepts and principles of the classical branches of the physics: kynematics and dynamics of a single particle and a system of particles cluding the rigid body; thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism. The goal is the nucleation of a basic physics backgriubd shiukd, in order to let the students to became enough confident with the understanding of the phenomena of the nature and their evolution. Milestone of the course is to make the students able to apply principles and physics laws to practical problems.
Prerequisites
Students are expected to have a good background of elementary mathematics: and a basic knowledge of the calculus in order to make them able to differentiate and integrate simple functions such as polynomials, sines and cosines.
Course unit content
Elementary mechanics. Fundamentals of thermodynamics. Introduction to electricity and magnetism.
Full programme
Elementary mechanics with an emphasis on the fundamental concepts and laws of mechanics, especially the conservation laws. Topics are: units, dimensional analysis, vectors, one dimensional motion, motion in two and three dimensions, Newton's laws and their applications, work and kinetic energy, potential energy, conservation of energy, momentum. Elementary thermodynamics with an emphasis on: temperature and heat, thermal properties of matter, the laws of thermodynamics. Electricity and magnetism with an emphasis on: Electric charge. Coulomb’s law. Electric field and potential. Charges on conductors. Capacitance and stored electrical energy. Current electricity and Ohm’s law. Magnetism and the Lorentz force. Force on a current element The Biot-Savart law. Ampère’s law. Solenoids and magnetic dipoles. Faraday’s law. Inductance and transformers.
Bibliography
J.S. Walker, “Fondamenti di Fisica” , ed. Pearson Italia, Milano-Torino.
D.Halliday, R.Resnick, J.Walker. “Fondamenti di Fisica”, ed. Ambrosiana, Milano.
R.A.Serway, J.W.Jewett “Fondamenti di Fisica”, ed. EdiSES, Napoli.
Teaching methods
Lectures are introduced by a brief review of the previously illustrated topics and concluded by an hour of class –room exercises. There will be three midterm exams, which can partially substitute the final exam. The final exam covers all topics.
Assessment methods and criteria
frequency in attending the lectures, degree of partecipation to the class-room activities, exit of midterm test, final written end oral exam.
Other information
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