Learning objectives
The course aims at providing a basic understanding of physical processes and laws underlying the properties of matter. Laboratory experiments aim at providing some practical applications of the conceptual instruments highlighted in the class activity.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge (high school level) of algebra, trigonometry and differential calculus
Course unit content
The course aims at providing:
the knowledge and understanding of the main principles of classical physics with focus on mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism together with skills in solving simple problems
the methodologies needed to obtain quantitative data from simple experiments and to treat them using error theory.
Full programme
Class Lectures
Physical quantities, units, dimensions & Errors. Vector calculus: sum and difference of vectors, scalar product, vector .product,
Motion in one, two and three dimensions, Newton’s laws of motion, Friction, Circular motion.
Work, Energy & Power, Momentum, Collisions, Gravitation.
Simple Harmonic motion, Wave motion and Sound waves, Fluid mechanics.
Calorimetry, Heat Transfer, Kinetic theory of gases, Thermodynamics.
Electric Force, Field and Potential, Capacitors, Electric Current, Electric Circuits.
Magnetic Force and Field, Electromagnetic Induction, Alternating Currents.
Reflection at Plane and Spherical Surfaces, Refraction at Plane and Spherical Surfaces, Optical Instruments, Defects of Vision, Wave Nature of Light: diffraction and interference.
Laboratory practice
Introduction to error theory, error distribution: standard deviation & normal distribution, error propagation, linear regression & non-linear approximations, Chi-squared test.
Use of "Origin" software for data analysis.
ESPERIMENTS.
Mechanics: simple pendulum.
Thermodynamics: measure of the Joule equivalent.
Electromagnetism: Ohm’s law, RC circuit.
Bibliography
Mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism:
R. A. Serway, J. W. Jewett Jr. - Principi di Fisica – EdiSES
J.R. Gordon, R.V. McGrew, R. A. Serway, W. Jewett Jr. - Esercizi di Fisica Guida ragionata alla soluzione - EdiSES
Alternatively:
J.S. Walker - Fondamenti di Fisica – Pearson Italia.
D.C. Giancoli - Fisica. Principi e applicazioni – CEA
P.R. Kesten, D.L. Tauck - Fondamenti di Fisica - Zanichelli
Error theory and data treatment procedures:
J.R. Taylor - Introduzione all'analisi degli errori - Zanichelli
Teaching methods
Class lectures
Class exercises coordinated by an instructor
laboratory activity carried out in small groups (three-five students)
Assessment methods and criteria
The evaluation procedure takes place as follows:
- Evaluation of the laboratory activity (20%)
- Written test (20%)
- Oral examination (60%).
The written test requires the capability of solving simple exercises in mechanics, thermodynamics and electromagnetism.
For admission to the oral examination a minimum grade 15/30 is required in the written test. The written test must be passed in the same round of the oral examination.
The oral exam aims at evaluating in a quantitative way the knowledge of the main items that make up the syllabus: mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, elements of modern physics.
First year students can take part to three written tests during the course. If their average grade is "sufficient" (with not more that one single insufficient grade), they are exempted from the written exam. Students can benefit from this exemption only once either in the summer session (June-July) or in the fall session (september-october).
The oral exam is compulsory for all the students.
Other information
Minimal contents needed to pass the exam.
- Newton’s laws and of conservation laws (momentum and energy) and capability of applying them in solving simple dynamical problems;
- Knowledge of zero principle , first and second principle of thermodynamics as well as of main state functions (internal energy, enthalpy and entropy) and capability of applying them in solving simple problems of equilibrium thermodynamics.
- Knowledge of Maxwell equations, of Ohm and Kirkhoff laws and capability of applying them in solving simple problems of electromagnetism.
