Learning objectives
At the end of the course, it is expected that the students have acquired:
(1) an organic knowledge of the fundamental laws of classical mechanics (elementary dynamics and rigid bodies, short account of fluids), mechanical waves and the main principles of thermodynamics(Knowledge and understanding);
(2) ability to discuss the fundamental aspects of the covered topics and to set up and solve simple problems on their own (Applying knowledge and understanding);
(3) ability to critically evaluate the results obtained in carrying out the problems, showing also ability to check for errors, eg. across the dimensional calculation, the reasonableness of the result, analytical testing (Making judgments);
(4) ability to expose the concepts acquired in a clear and comprehensive (Communication skills).
Prerequisites
The knowledge of the elementary mathematics and of the differential and integral calculation is recommended, therefore the courses of "Mathematical Analysis 1" and "Geometry" should be previously attended.
Course unit content
The course is composed by theoretical lessons and by tutorials on all topics of the course. The topics covered are the following:
1) Classical mechanics: point mass, discrete and continuous systems, rigid body. Kinematics in one and more dimensions.
2) Fluids: statics and dynamics.
3) Priciples of thermometry and calorimetry.
4) Thermodynamics for perfect gases, an introduction to real gases. Thermal machines.
Full programme
Physical quantities: dimensional analysis, measurement system, fundamental and derived physical quantities, scalars and vectors, operations with vectors.
Elementary dynamics: Newton’s laws of motion; contact forces and field forces; the free body diagram; dynamics of the linear and the circular motion; inertial and accelerated reference frames; fictitious forces.
Elementary kinematics: Coordinate systems; relative position, velocity and acceleration; mono- and bi-dimensional motions with constant or non constant acceleration; radial and tangential accelerations; motion of projectiles, circular motions, etc.; reference frames.
Work and energy: Kinetic energy; work performed by a force; conservative forces and potential energy; conservation of mechanical energy; the mechanical power. Momentum: Definition of momentum and impulse; conservation of linear momentum.
Discrete and continue mass distribution: The centre of mass. Velocity and acceleration of the centre of mass.
Rigid bodies: Kinematics of rotational motion (angular coordinates, angular velocity and angular acceleration); relations between linear and angular kinematic quantities. Rigid body dynamics: Torque; centre of gravity; angular momentum; moment of inertia; the parallel axis theorem; kinetic energy and work for the rotational motion; equations of motion; Koenig theorems; conservation of the angular momentum; the pure rolling motion. Gravitational law: Gravitational force and Keplero laws. Collisions: Impulsive forces and collisions between two bodies (monodimensional central collisions, collisions with free or bound rigid bodies). Statics: Conditions for the static equilibrium of a rigid body. Harmonic oscillators: Kinematics, dynamics and energetic aspects in the motion of the harmonic oscillator and examples. Mechanical waves: Wave motion, superposition and interference, linear wave equation, waves on strings, sound waves, standing waves. Solids and fluids: Deformation of solids; fundamental quantities and laws of fluids: Stevino’s and Archimedes’ laws, continuity equation and Bernoulli’s law. Introduction to thermodynamics: Thermodynamic variables and basic concepts. Temperature: Zeroth principle of thermodynamics; thermodynamic equilibrium; temperature, thermometers and temperature scales (Kelvin and Celsius); the constant volume gas thermometer; the thermal expansion. Ideal gases: State equation of ideal gases; kinetic theory of gases; equipartition law; thermodynamic transformations for the ideal gas; reversible and irreversible transformations; p-V diagram; Van der Vaals equation for the real gas. Heat: Heat exchange: thermal capacity and specific heat; latent heat; heat transfer mechanisms.<br /> Thermodynamic work: Heat and work in the thermodynamic transformations for the ideal gas. First principle of thermodynamics: Internal energy in the thermodynamic transformations; Meyer’s relationship between specific heats. Second principle of thermodynamics: Heat engines and efficiency; the Carnot’s engine; the absolute scale of temperatures; entropy; short accounts of entropy, disorder and probability.
Bibliography
Basical textbooks:
W.E. Gettys, “Fisica 1: Meccanica - Termodinamica”, vol. 1 (McGraw-Hill)
Serway-Jewett, "Fisica per Scienze e Ingegneria", vol. 1 (Edises)
D. Halliday, R. Resnick, K.S. Krane, “Fisica”, vol. 1 (Casa Editrice Ambrosiana)
P.A. Tipler, G. Mosca, "Corso di fisica", vol. 1-Meccanica Onde termodinamica (Zanichelli)
Exercise books:
M. Villa, A. Uguzzoni, "Esercizi di Fisica - Meccanica (Come risolvere i problemi)" (Casa Editrice Ambrosiana)
M. Villa, A. Uguzzoni, M. Sioli, "Esercizi di Fisica - Termodinamica, Fluidi, Onde e Relatività (Come risolvere i problemi)" (Casa Editrice Ambrosiana)
Others:
S. Focardi, I. Massa, A. Uguzzoni, “Fisica Generale, Meccanica e Termodinamica” (Casa Editrice Ambrosiana)
P. Mazzoldi, M. Nigro, C. Voci, “Fisica” vol. 1 oppure “Elementi di Fisica” in più volumi (ediSES. R.G.M. Caciuffo, S. Melone, “Fisica Generale - Meccanica e termodinamica” (Masson S.p.A.)
Teaching methods
For each topic were held lectures, by making use of the blackboard and contemporary projection of summary diagrams on the screen. The summary diagrams are preliminarly made available to students via a website, specifically for the course. At the end of each topic, the theoretical lessons are followed by hours spent on exercises, during which problems are solved in an assisted mode. The texts of these exercises are made available to the students in advance through the website of the course, so as to allow students, who wish, to carry out the problems before the tutorials. During the tutorials, for each proposed problem, students have the time to solve it on their own, with the possibility of support on demand; therefore the problem is solved on the blackboard for all, so as to provide a guide to solving the problem and even to the preparation of the written tests. The sequence of hours of lessons and exercises follows a calendar communicated to students at the beginning of the course.
If necessary, the activities will take place online on Teams and Elly platforms. In particular, lessons will be held in both synchronous (via Teams) and asynchronous mode (uploaded on the Elly page of the course).
Assessment methods and criteria
The exam consists of a written exam and an oral examination. All the examinations require the development/discussion of some simple problems, the exposure of theoretical concepts and/or the presentation of simple demonstrations. Evaluation criteria: correctness of the problem [40%], completeness of the preparation [30%], critical sense and propriety of language [30%].
Only if necessary, the exam tests will take place online.
Other information
It 'strongly advised to attend the lectures of the course
2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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