27212 - General Physics 1

Learning outcomes

Students should become familiar with the basic laws of classical mechanics and thermodynamics. In particular, they are expected to be able to define and use the fundamental quantities describing mechanical and thermodynamical phenomena, and their units of emasurement; interpret and use the laws taht govern these phenomena; solve simple problems concerning dynamic and thermodynamic systems.

Course contents

- Module 1: Newtonian Mechanics.

The measure of a physical quantity. Scalars and vectors. Description of the motion of a single particle and of a system of particles. Newton's laws of dynamics. Inertial reference frames. Work and energy. Momentum and angular momentum. Conservation laws for energy, momentum and angular momentum. Motion in non-inertial systems and pseudo-forces. Systems of particles; the center of mass. Newton's laws for particle systems. Collisions between material bodies; elastic and inelastic collisions.The universal law of gravitation. Dynamics of the rigid body. The harmonic oscillator (simple, damped and forced). Fluids.

- Module 2: Thermodynamics.

Temperature and heat. Laws of gases. Kinetic theory of gases. Thermodynamic systems and their transformations. First and second principle of thermodynamics. Carnot cycle and Carnot theorem. Entropy. State changes.

Readings/Bibliography

Theory:

Mazzoldi, Nigro, Voci: "Fisica, Meccanica e Termodinamica", EdiSES edizioni. Third edition (2023).

Halliday, Resnick, Krane, "Fisica 1", (CEA)

Fermi, "Termodinamica", (Boringhieri)

Exercises:

Milani, Marinelli, Verona Rinati, Verona: Guida alla Soluzione degli Esercizi da Mazzoldi et al., Fisica, EdiSES edizioni (2023)

Teaching methods

Lectures in the classroom.

Assessment methods

Written examination that is passed with a minimum score of 18/30; optional oral examination. The sufficiency in the written proof allows for the access to the oral assessment in the same exam session, which is held right after the conclusion of the correction of the written proofs. The total time available for the written test is 3 hours; no textbooks, notes and electronic devices (except for the calculator) can be used during the proof. The proof contains 3 questions on the theoretical part (for a total of 10/30), and 4 exercises (for a total of 20/30). All parts of the program can enter the written proof. The duration of the oral examination is about 40 minutes. Its score is base on the accuracy and clarity of the exposition, the proper use of the mathematical skills required by the program, the depth of the knowledge. The final mark is the average of the scores obtained in the written and oral proofs. In case of refusal of the final mark, the student has to pass again the written test.

 

Teaching tools

Board.

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Pellegrini

See the website of Marcella Brusa