OVERVIEW

The course of General Physics will present the basic laws of mechanics and electromagnetism in vacuum. It will start with the model of a point mass by introducing the necessary kinematic quantities and then it will present the description of a system of points and the rigid body. For electromagnetism, it will start with electrostatics, then, it will focus on the electrical currents and the magnetostatics. The course will finish with the electromagnetic induction.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course has the aim to provide the concepts and the fundamental laws of mechanics and electromagnetism. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the utility and limitations related to the use of schematizations and models.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The main goals of this course are:

1) learn how to understand and solve simple real problems by using the theoretical background of the course;

2) proper use the language and the scientific formalism with particular attention to vectors;

3) analyze the obtained algebraic and numerical results with the right criticism.

PREREQUISITES

Knowledge of mathematics and geometry at high school level with particular attention to:

- symbolic algebraic calculus;

- equations and systems;

- trigonometry;

- Cartesian plane;

- calculation of surfaces and volumes of the main geometric figures.

Teaching methods

The theory is generally presented through main lectures (45 hours in the first semester and 45 hours in the second semester).

Exercises (30 hours divided into 15 hours for each semesters): the students will learn how modelling simple real phenomena in schematic and solvable problems by using the tools presented in the theory part.

Finally, if it is not possible for health reasons to carry out face-to-face lessons, they will be made available in streaming.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

First semester:

Mechanics of a point mass: Kinematics. Newton's laws. Work. Mechanical energy and momentum. Energy conservation law. Mechanics of points systems: the center of mass, momentum and its conservation. Angular momentum and its conservation, rigid body rotating around a fixed axis, work and kinetic energy, moment of inertia.

Second semester:Electrostatics in vacuum: electric field and potential. Gauss' law. Potential. Capacitors. Electrostatic energy. Electric current. Ohm's law. Joule's Law. Kirchhoff’s laws. RC circuits. Magnetostatics and electromagnetic induction in vacuum: magnetic field, force on moving charges, Ampere's law, Faraday's law. Self-induction. Magnetic energy. RL circuits.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Recommended reference books:

1) Elementi di Fisica Vol. 1 - Meccanica e Termodinamica AutoreP. Mazzoldi - M. Nigro - C. Voci Edises

2) Fisica per Scienze ed Ingegneria - Vol. I - Meccanica e termodinamica, R. A. Serway, J. W. Jewett Jr.

Exam Board

GIANANGELO BRACCO (President)

SILVANO TOSI

GIANRICO LAMURA (President Substitute)

Teaching methods

The theory is generally presented through main lectures (45 hours in the first semester and 45 hours in the second semester).

Exercises (30 hours divided into 15 hours for each semesters): the students will learn how modelling simple real phenomena in schematic and solvable problems by using the tools presented in the theory part.

Finally, if it is not possible for health reasons to carry out face-to-face lessons, they will be made available in streaming.

LESSONS START

Classes are held over two semesters.

First semester: Monday, from 9.00 to 13.00 and from 14.00 to 15.00.

Second semester: Friday, from 9.00 to 13.00 and from 14.00 to 15.00.

First semester starts at the end of September and ends before Christmas holiday.

Second semester starts at the end of February and ends at the end of May.

Exam description

The exam consists of a written and an oral test on all the topics covered by the course. Three exam sessions are foreseen in summer (June, July, September) and two sessions in winter (January, February)

The students that want to attain the exam have to register their self on the course online webpage at least three days before the date of the written test. The duration of the test is 4 hours. Only non-programmable calculators are allowed. PDAs, tablets or mobile phones are not allowed

The oral exam is fixed after 7 days from the written exam.

The results of the written tests are published on the course online webpage on AulaWeb with date, time and place of oral examination. The written test is successfully achieved if its score is equal to/greater than 15/30. Candidates who have successfully achieved the written test have the opportunity to reschedule the oral exam in a subsequent session of the same session (summer/winter).

Candidates who do not attend the oral exam on the fixed date without justification lose the written mark and are required to do the exam again.

Marks higher than 18/30 in the written exam does not automatically guarantee passing the oral exam.

Assessment methods

The written test serves to verify the candidate's capability to:

- use the formalism thought during the classes

- apply problem solving models

- briefly and clearly describe the resolution procedure

- obtain correct numerical results,

- round the results to the appropriate number of significant digits and use the units

The oral exam is structured to verify:

-ability of the student to present clearly and promptly using correct scientific language and formalism

-knowledge of fundamental laws of mechanics and electromagnetism.

Exam schedule