B1869 - FISICA (8 CFU) (A-L)

Learning outcomes

After completing this course, the student masters the conceptual and methodological tools of physics, which are required to successfully follow the courses in chemistry and biology. In particular, he/she will acquire a basic knowledge of classical physics (Kinematics, Dynamics, Thermodynamics, Electricity, Magnetism, Waves), and the ability to solve simple exercises related to the subjects handled, as well as to acquire experimental data in laboratory experiences and elaborate the results obtained.

Course contents

Scientific Method

• Measurements and errors
  Introduction to the scientific method; physical quantities; direct and indirect measurements; units of measure; statistical and systematic errors; propagation of errors; precision and accuracy; dimensional analysis
• Theories and models
  Analytical description of measures; laws of Nature; problem-solving methods in Physics; introduction to Classical Physics
  

Mechanics

• Kinematics
  Position, distance and displacement; velocity; acceleration; uniform linear motion; uniformly accelerated motion; scalar and vector quantities; motion in two dimensions
• Dynamics
  Force and mass; Newtons’s three laws of motion; normal forces; frictional forces; ropes and springs; circular motion
  
• Energy
  Work; kinetic energy; conservative and non-conservative forces; potential energy; conservation of energy
• Collisions
  Momentum; impulse; elastic and inelastic collisions; center of mass
• Rotational kinematics
  Angular velocity and acceleration; rolling motion; angular kinetic energy; moment of intertia
• Rotational dynamics
  Twisting moment; angular momentum; rotational work; equilibrium
• Gravitation
  Newton’s law of universal gravitation; gravitational potential energy
• Oscillations and waves
  Armonic oscillator; pendulum; waves
• Fluids
  Density; pressure; Archimedes’ principle; Bernoulli’s equation
  

Thermodynamics

• Temperature and heat
  Temperature; thermal expansion; heat; specific heat capacity; thermal conduction, convection and irradiation; kinetic theory; latent heat; phase transitions
• Thermodynamics
  The three laws of thermodynamics; thermodynamic processes; heat engines; entropy

Electromagnetism

• Electrostatics
  Electric charges; electrical insulators and conductors; Coulomb’s law; electric field; electric potential; capacitors and dielectrics
• Electric current
  Current; resistor and capacity; Ohm's law
• Magnetism
  Magnetic field; magnetic forces; Ampère’s circuital law; magnetism in matter; Faraday’s law
• Electromagnetic waves
  Production and propagation of electromagnetic waves; electromagnetic spectrum

Readings/Bibliography

Recommended book:
- Fisica generale: Principi e applicazioni, 3/e, Alan Giambattista web page

Alternatively:
- Fondamenti di Fisica 6/Ed. con MyLab, James S. Walker; Pearson
- FISICA Principi e Applicazioni 2/Ed., Douglas C. Giancoli; Casa Editrice Ambrosiana

Teaching methods

The course is formed by two didactic units. Module 1 (7 CFU) consists of theoretical lectures, accompanied by the discussion and resolution of several exercises, to reinforce the learning of general principles. Module 2 (1 CFU) has an experimental character and consists of laboratory and data analysis activities. The two experiences concern mechanics, optics and thermodynamics, respectively.

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As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students must attend Module 1, 2 online, while Module 3 on health and safety is to be attended in class. Information about Module 3 attendance schedule is available on the website of your degree programme.

Assessment methods

Learning assessment consists of a single written examination.

The exam lasts 3 hours and is divided into two parts of equal weight: one consisting of problem-solving exercises and one consisting of theoretical questions. The maximum overall score is 36 points. The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale, with a passing threshold of 18. Up to 30 points, the final grade corresponds to the score obtained. For scores above 30 (from 31 to 36) and in the absence of conceptual errors, the final grade is 30 cum laude

The exam includes 6 exercises covering the topics of the course syllabus. Each exercise is graded from 0 to 3 points (0 if not attempted or completely incorrect, 1–2 if partially correct, 3 if correct), for a total of 18 points.

The exam also includes 6 theoretical questions, each graded up to 3 points, for a total of 18 points. Of these, 4 questions concern theoretical content (Module 1), while 2 questions concern laboratory activities and data analysis (Module 2). The theoretical questions may require conceptual explanations and derivations. The laboratory questions aim to assess the understanding of the physical meaning of the experiments performed, the measurement and data-analysis methodologies, and the connection between theoretical models and the experimental results obtained.

The final assessment is obtained by summing the scores assigned to the individual parts of the exam.

During the exam, the use of books, notes, mobile phones, or other electronic devices is not permitted. Paper for working out the exercises will be provided by the instructor. Students are required to bring only pens and a calculator. An official formula sheet, containing the main physics formulas covered in the course, will be provided during the exam; the use of personal formula sheets is not permitted. 

To be eligible to sit the exam, students must have attended all three laboratories of Module 2 and submitted all the corresponding laboratory reports.

Teaching tools

The slides of the lessons of Module 1, and all teaching materials of the laboratories and data analysis of Modules 2 and 3 are provided during the course at the web page Virtuale.

Office hours

See the website of Federico Marulli

See the website of Cristina Pallanca