- Docente: Angelo Di Canto
- Credits: 6
- SSD: PHYS-01/A
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially)
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Engineering Management (cod. 6679)
Learning outcomes
Development of a solid understanding of the basic concepts of general Physics (with particular attention to Electromagnetism and the Principles of Thermodynamics) expressed through the language of mathematical analysis, integral and vector calculus. Acquisition of the scientific-technical methodology needed to tackle physics problems in quantitative terms.
Course contents
Electromagnetism
Electricity – Coulomb's law, electric field and potential, Gauss's law for the electric field. Capacitance, electric current and resistance. Direct current circuits.
Magnetism – Magnetic force and sources of the magnetic field.
Electromagnetism – Electromagnetic induction and Faraday's law, inductance. Maxwell's equations and an introduction to electromagnetic waves. The Poynting vector and radiation pressure.
Thermodynamics
Temperature. Thermal expansion. Equation of state of ideal gases. Thermodynamic work and heat. Heat capacity, molar, specific and latent heats. The first law of thermodynamics and internal energy.
The second law of thermodynamics. Cyclic heat engines and their efficiency. Carnot's cycle and theorem. Entropy.
Heat transmission: conduction, convection and radiation.
Teaching methods
Lectures using electronic devices and the blackboard. Exercises carried out in class, both during lectures and in dedicated sessions.
Assessment methods
The exam consists of a mandatory written test and an optional oral test. The tests are briefly described below.
The written test will take place in a classroom and consists of two multi-part problems, one on thermodynamics and one on electromagnetism. The questions may require literal or numerical answers, or short written answers/explanations. The grade obtained from the written test, capped at a maximum of 24 out of 30, may be recorded as the final grade. To obtain a higher grade, it will be necessary to take an oral exam.
During the optional oral exam, questions will be asked on the topics covered during the course. The final grade will therefore be assigned taking into account the results of both the written test and the oral exam. An insufficient oral exam may lead to a final grade lower than that of the written tests, or to having to retake the entire exam.
The complete exam (written test and, if applicable, the oral exam) must be completed within the same exam session. Exceptions will be granted by the instructor only in the presence of serious and documented circumstances.
For each the written test, the formula sheet used during the course, available on Virtuale, will be provided to candidates. It is therefore suggested to use it as the basis for exam preparation. No other material will be allowed during the written test.
Office hours
See the website of Angelo Di Canto