66682 - Physics

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student knows the meaning of the main quantities of classical physics, their units and relative relations. The student knows the concepts of measurement uncertainty and error propagation, the mechanics of single points and of composite systems, the elementary theory of classical electromagnetism in vacuum and in matter. The student has also basic knowledge of geometric and wave optics.

Course contents

Prerequisites

Vector calculus.

Trigonometry: angles in radiant, harmonic functions and their combinations.

Analysis: limits, derivatives, Taylor series. Functions of multiple variables, partial derivatives. Differential calculus of vectors: vector derivatives, gradient of a function. Integral calculus of real functions and of vectors. Path integral and flux of vector fields.

Contents

Dimensional formulae and physical units, analysis and propagation of experimental uncertainties. Scalar and vector quantities.

Kinematics of a point mass, kinematic quantities and special motion: uniform, uniformly accelerated, uniform circular and harmonic motion.

Dynamics of a point mass, equations of dynamics. Work, conservative forces and potential energy. Conservation laws for momentum and mechanical energy. Collisions of point masses. Kinematics of extended bodies, dynamics and equations of motion. Rotating bodies, moment of inertia and torque of a force, angular momentum. Equilibrium.

Electrostatics, Coulomb force and electric field. Electrostatic potential and potential energy. Conductors and insulators, polarizability and dielectric constants. Electric currents, Ohm's law and Joule effect. Basic electric circuits.

Magnetostatic, time-independent magnetic fields generated by electric currents. Magnetic induction. Lorentz force on moving charges.

Time-dependent electric and magnetic fields. Maxwell equations and electromagnetic waves.

Ray and wave optics: Snell laws, light propagation in presence of spherical mirrors and thin lenses, interference and diffraction.

Readings/Bibliography

D.Halliday, R.Resnick, J.Walker, "Fondamenti di Fisica: Meccanica, Termologia, Elettrologia, Magnetismo, Ottica" (6a edizione), Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, 2006, 940 pp.

R. A. Serway, J. W. Jewett Jr., "Principi di Fisica" (5a edizione), EdiSES Università, 2015, 942 pp.

Teaching methods

Lectures and classroom exercises.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Assessment methods

The knowledge of the course topics will be verified by means of a written test with exercises at a level of difficulty similar to those in the textbook and to those solved during lectures. The written test duration is 3 hours; generally it consists in 15 true/false questions and 3 exercises, each broken in 3 questions. 

A grade equal or higher than 15 is required to pass the written test. Students with a grade equal or higher than 24 may ask to confirm the grade as final, waiving the oral test.

Two partial written tests will take place: the first at mid course, regarding mechanics, the second at the end, regarding electromagnetism. The duration of each is 3 hours. Students with an average grade equal or higher than 18 may ask to confirm the grade as final, waiving the oral test.

The oral test, of approximately 30 minutes, will feature exercises and more theoretical questions on both parts of the program.

Teaching tools

At lecture the teacher writes either on the whiteboard or on a tablet whose screen is projected.

Notes, exercises and past written tests with solutions are provided to the students.

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Minardi

See the website of