Learning objectives
At the end of the course the student is expected to be able to:
- Know the fundamental laws of classical mechanics
- Represent a physical phenomenon schematically
- Communicate the acquired knowledge using the correct specific language
- Make connections between the topics covered in the course
- Set up and solve problems that require the use of acquired knowledge
Prerequisites
Knowledge of algebra, trigonometry, principles of analytical geometry, principles of differential and integral calculus.
Course unit content
Physical quantities. Vector calculus. Kinematics of material point. Dynamics of material point. Dynamics of systems of material points. Dynamics of the rigid body. Gravitation. Oscillatory phenomena. Wave phenomena. Statics and dynamics of ideal fluids.
Full programme
- Physical quantities and units, dimensions, scalar and vector quantities. Vectors operations.
- Kinematics of material point. Motion at constant velocity and uniformly accelerated motion. Free-fall motion. Projectile motion. Uniform circular motion. Relative motions.
- Dynamics of material points. Newton’s laws. Gravity. Normal force. Tension. Elastic force. Friction. Inclined plane. Centripetal force. Dynamics of uniform circular motion. Inertial and non-inertial frame of references.
- Work. Kinetic energy. Kinetic energy theorem. Power. Conservative and non-conservative forces. Potential energy. Conservation of mechanical energy.
- Motion of systems of material points. Centre of mass. Linear momentum. Conservation of linear momentum. Impact force. Collisions.
- Motion of the rigid body. Rotational kinematics. Rotational dynamics. Moment of inertia. Rotational kinetic energy. Torque. Angular momentum. Rolling motion. Conservation of angular momentum.
- Laws of universal gravitation. Kepler's laws.
- Elastic properties of solids.
- Oscillatory phenomena. Simple harmonic motion. Physical pendulum.
- Mechanical waves. Wave function. Interference of harmonic waves. Standing waves.
- Fluids. Stevin’s law. Archimedes' principle. Continuity equation. Bernoulli's equation.
Bibliography
- Fondamenti di Fisica – R. A. Serway, J. W. Jewett Jr. – Sesta Edizione - EdiSES
- Fondamenti di Fisica (Meccanica, Onde, Termodinamica) - D. Halliday, R. Resnick, J. Walker – Settima Edizione - Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
- Fisica 1 – R. Resnick, D. Halliday, K. S. Krane – Quinta Edizione – Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
Teaching methods
Teaching will be based on lectures with the support of lecture materials (e.g., lecture slides). Lecture materials, for the exclusive use of the students of the course, will be uploaded weekly on the Elly platform. To download the lecture materials, the online registration to the course is required.
During the lectures, the explanation of course topics will be supported by examples and exercises to fix and clarify the concepts covered.
It is recommended that all students register on the course's Elly page before the start of the course and always check the available materials and other information/communications provided through the platform.
Assessment methods and criteria
The learning assessment consists of a written exam and an oral exam.
The written exam consists in problems to be solved.
The written exam may be taken in two ways: a) by two intermediate partial written exam, conducted in itinere during the course period (approximately in the middle and at the end. Dates will be communicated at the beginning of the course), relating to the topics covered in the corresponding period or b) by a general written exam relating to the entire course program.
The oral exam consists of an interview on the course program.
Please note that online registration on ESSE3 is mandatory for the general written exam and the oral exam.
Other information
Office hours upon appointment by e-mail.
