99623 - GENERAL PHYSICS

Learning outcomes

Through this course the student learns the basic elements of Classical Mechanics: vectorial analysis, kinematics laws, dynamics both of point and of single body, work and energy concept. At the end of this course, students will learn: 1) to use mathematical models as a medium for quantitative reasoning and describing physical reality, 2) to apply the classical conservation laws as a basis of deriving and understanding physics principles, 3) to describe physics concepts verbally, graphically, and mathematically, 4) problem solving skills related to physics principles.

Course contents

Measurements and unities

Introduction. Physical quantities and their measurements. Fundamental and derived quantities. Dimensions and unit of measurement.

Vectors

Free and applied vectors. Operations between vectors with and without reference systems.

Force, quantity of motion and momenta

First law of the dynamics (the law of inertia); inertial reference systems; forces and the second (2nd) law of dynamics; some examples about forces; third law of dynamics; some applications of second law; elastic force and resolution of the equation of motion for harmonic oscillations; friction and its properties; resistance of a medium and limit velocity; circular uniform motion, centripetal force and motion discussion in the rotational reference system; quantity of motion (linear momentum); torque of a force; angular version of the 2nd law of dynamics.
Work and energy

Work of a force and power; kinetic energy; unit of the energy; work of a constant force; potential energy and relation with the work; relation between the torque of a force and the potential energy in the curvilinear planar motion; conservation of the energy of a particle and conservative forces; non-conservative forces and energy dissipation.
Particle systems, collisions, rigid bodies and equilibrium

Motion of the centre of mass of a particle system, isolated system; system subjected to external forces; reduced mass; angular momentum of a particle system; energy conservation of a particle system and total energy; internal energy of a particle system; particle collisions; elastic and inelastic collisions; rigid body and its angular momentum; equation of motion for the rotation of a rigid body; rotational kinetic energy of a rigid body; pure rolling motion; equilibrium of a rigid body.

Readings/Bibliography

• Hallyday Resnick - Fundamentals of Physics - Vol. 1
• Any univertiy book of classical mechanics.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons will be used.

Slides will be used during lessons complemented with hand-written explanation directly projected on the slides by the professor.

Slides will be available on Virtuale: https://virtuale.unibo.it/ before the beginning of the lessons in order to avoid students to loose time in recopying them.

No recording available.

Assessment methods

Final exams with:

• a written part consisting of 4 exercises. The exams is considered passed with at least 18/30 points.

• an oral part with questions about all the program, theorems and demonstrations.

Teaching tools

The presence at the final exams must be confirmed at least 3 days before written or oral exam date by signing up on the web page:

[http://almaesami.unibo.it/almaesami/studenti]

Office hours

See the website of Sara Valentinetti

See the website of Enrico Balugani

See the website of Enrico Balugani