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
Basic concepts of algebra and calculus
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. Torque. FLUID MECHANICS: Stevino’s law. Archimede’s law. Continuity equation. Bernoulli’s theorem. Viscosity. Laminar and turbulent flow. Stoke’s law. OSCILLATIONS: Periodic and oscillatory motions. Simple harmonic motion and its equation of motion. Oscillations due to a spring, kinetic energy and potential energy, Simple pendulum WAVES: Longitudinal and transverse waves and wave motion, speed of progressive wave. Principle of superposition of waves; reflection of waves, harmonic waves (qualitative treatment only), standing waves. Normal modes and its graphical representation. Beats. ACOUSTICS: sounds, sound waves, characters of sounds, Doppler effect. 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. Light refraction. Light dispersion.
Full programme
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Bibliography
A.Giambattista, B. McCarthy Richardson, R. C. Richardson – Fisica Generale. Principi e applicazioni. McGraw Hill
J.S. Walker – Fondamenti di Fisica – Pearson
R. Wolfson –Fisica vol I e II – Pearson
Giancoli - Fisica - Ambrosiana
Serway & Jewett - Principi di Fisica – EdiSES
Teaching methods
Lessons and exercises
Assessment methods and criteria
Joined oral written exam
Other information
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