00405 - Physics

Learning outcomes

The student will have the fundamental knowledge of the general physics and the basic methodology of the experimental physics. The student will be able to understand some mechanical, thermodynamic, electrical phenomena, he will be able also to use the basic units of measure, and to understand the meaning of the experimental uncertainty.

Course contents

Experimental measures, definition and characteristics. Exp session in lab with measures of: heat capacity, electrical resistance and gravity. Introduction to statistical analysis of experimental uncertainties.

Kinematics; Newton's laws of dynamics; Energy and momentum conservation rules; Gravitation, statics and dynamics of ideal fluids;

Thermodynamics: heat and temperature; the ideal gas law; kinematic model of an ideal gas, specific heat; the first principle of thermodynamics and the conservation of energy; the second principle of thermodynamics; entropy;

Electrodynamics and principle of optics. The Coulomb law; the electric field and electric potential; the capacitor; electric currents; magnetic field; electromagnetic waves; geometrical optics (the laws of reflection and refraction).

Readings/Bibliography

J S Walker: Fondamenti di Fisica (Pearson Italia, 2010)

Halliday, Resnick, Walker: Fondamenti di Fisica (6 edizione) Meccanica, Termologia, Elettromagnetsimo, Ottica (CEA).

Teaching methods

Lectures.
Solving simple numerical exercises related to the application of physical laws.

Assessment methods

The assessment includes a written exam (mandatory) and an oral exam (optional).
During the written exam, which lasts two hours, 3 exercises similar to those covered in class will be proposed. The score assigned to each problem will be clearly indicated in the exam paper.

During the written exam, students may consult texts and notes and use the calculator, but may not use cell phones or smartphones.

Upon passing the written examination with a score of at least 18/30, students may choose either to have their grade officially recorded or to take the optional oral examination. The oral examination consists of a discussion of two topics: one chosen by the candidate and the other by the examination board.

The oral examination is intended as a supplementary assessment and does not necessarily result in an improvement of the score obtained in the written examination. Should the student reject the grade awarded after the oral examination, the written examination result will remain valid; the oral examination may be retaken without having to repeat the written examination.

Students who attended the course prior to the 2026/2027 academic year and have already submitted their laboratory reports are invited to contact the professor to agree on the examination arrangements.

Students with learning disabilities or temporary or permanent disabilities: please contact the relevant University office promptly (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ). The office will advise students of possible adjustments, that will be submitted to the professor for approval 15 days in advance. He/she will evaluate their suitability also in relation to the academic objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

Blackboard and overhead projector for lectures and practical exercises. Teaching material available on virtuale.

Office hours

See the website of Margherita Talia