30780 - General Physics T

Learning outcomes

Education in the scientific-experimental method; the meaning of the fundamental physical concepts concerning the principles of the mechanics of the point mass; the ability to apply such principles in solving simple physical problems.

Course contents

Introduction to the course

Physics as an experimental science. Physical laws. Physical quantities and their measurements: units and dimensions.

Kinematics

Concepts of space and time. Reference frames. Material point. Trajectory. Parametric equations of motion. Time law. Position, velocity, and acceleration vectors in Cartesian coordinates, polar coordinates, and intrinsic representation. Angular velocity and acceleration.

Dynamics

Concept of force. Weight force. Static measurement of forces. Inertial reference frames. Galilean transformations. The First Principle of dynamics. The Second Principle of dynamics. Support reactions. Study of some simple problems of dynamics of the point mass (motion with elastic force, projectile motion, simple pendulum, motion with friction forces, gravitational force).

Work and energy

Concept of work. Examples of work calculation. Power. Kinetic energy. Work-energy theorem. Potential energy and conservative fields. Conservation of mechanical energy. Non-conservative forces. Examples: calculation of the potential of weight force, elastic force, gravitational force.

Dynamics of systems of points

The third Principle of dynamics (conservation of momentum and angular momentum). Momentum and angular momentum. Impulse of a force. Impulse-momentum theorem. Collisions and impulsive forces. Cardinal equations. Brief outlines of the dynamics of the rigid body.

Electrostatics in vacuum

Triboelectricity. Brief outlines of the structure of matter. Electric charge. Coulomb's law. Definition of electric field and its vector aspects: field lines, field sources. Gauss's law in integral and differential form. The electric field as a conservative field: the electrostatic potential. Electrostatic energy density associated with the electric field. Energy of a system of point charges and a continuous charge distribution. Brief outlines of the electric dipole.

Electrostatics with conductors

Conductors and insulators. Electric field inside a conductor. Electrostatic induction. Conductors in equilibrium, hollow conductors, field and charges on the surface of the conductor. Electrostatic shielding. Electrostatic capacity. Capacity calculations: plane, cylindrical, and spherical capacitor. Brief outlines of
electrostatics with dielectrics.

Electric current

Conduction and electric current. Definition of current intensity and unit of measure. Current density vector. Charge conservation law: continuity equation. The two Ohm's laws: resistance and resistivity. Joule effect.

Magnetic fields in vacuum in the stationary case

Magnetic interaction. Magnetic field lines. Gauss's law for the magnetic field. Laplace's second law: magnetic force on a current-carrying conductor. Lorentz force on a moving charge. Mechanical moments on plane circuits. Magnetic dipole moment of the coil. Potential energy of the coil in an external magnetic field. Equivalence between the current-carrying coil and a permanent magnet.

Stationary magnetic fields generated by currents

Laplace's first law or Biot-Savart: magnetic field generated by a current. Calculations of magnetic fields produced by elementary circuits. Ampère's law. Magnetic field in an indefinite solenoid. Properties of the magnetic field in vacuum. Brief outlines of
 magnetic materials.

Time-varying magnetic and electric fields

Electromagnetic induction and Faraday-Neumann's law. Lenz's law and energy conservation. Applications of Faraday-Neumann-Lenz's law. Self-induction and Inductances. Magnetic energy. Displacement current and Ampère-Maxwell's law.

Maxwell's equations

Discussion of Maxwell's equations in integral and differential form. Brief outlines of electromagnetic waves and the energetic aspects of the electromagnetic field.

 

Readings/Bibliography

Main Textbooks

• S. Focardi, I. Massa, A. Uguzzoni, Fisica Generale – Meccanica, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
• S. Focardi, I. Massa, A. Uguzzoni, A. Villa, Fisica Generale – Elettromagnetismo, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
• Fundamentals of Physics (any edition) by David Halliday, Robert Resnick and Jearl Walker

Supplementary Teaching Material

Lecture slides, solved exercises, and additional learning materials will be made available through the University's Virtuale platform.

Teaching methods

The course consists of:

• lectures devoted to the presentation of theoretical foundations;
• classroom problem-solving sessions focused on the quantitative application of physical laws;
• integrated use of slides, digital whiteboards, and traditional blackboards;
• guided discussion of representative examples and problems.

Teaching activities are designed to develop both an understanding of the fundamental principles of mechanics and electromagnetism and the ability to apply them to problem solving.

Assessment methods

Assessment consists of a mandatory written examination and an optional oral examination.

Written Examination

The written examination is designed to assess:

• understanding of the fundamental theoretical principles;
• ability to formulate and solve quantitative problems;
• correct use of mathematical formalism and physical units.

The examination lasts two hours and includes:

• four numerical problems similar to those addressed during the problem-solving sessions;
• two open-ended theoretical questions.

During the examination, students may use only:

• pens;
• drawing instruments (ruler, set square, compass);
• a non-programmable scientific calculator.

The use of textbooks, personal notes, electronic devices, smartphones, tablets, or any communication devices is strictly prohibited.

The written examination is passed with a minimum score of 18/30. The maximum mark obtainable in the written examination is 27/30.

Oral Examination

Students who pass the written examination may choose either:

• to register the mark obtained in the written examination;
• to take an optional oral examination.

The oral examination assesses:

• conceptual understanding of the course topics;
• ability to connect different areas of the course;
• correct use of scientific terminology;
• reasoning and communication skills.

The oral examination may increase or decrease the written mark by up to 5 points. The award of cum laude is at the discretion of the Examination Board.

The oral examination must be taken within the same examination session in which the written examination was passed.

If a student decides to retake the written examination, the previously obtained mark is automatically cancelled upon submission of the new examination paper.

Assessment Criteria

• 18–21/30: basic knowledge of the topics and ability to solve standard problems with limited guidance.
• 22–25/30: good understanding of fundamental concepts and adequate ability to apply physical laws.
• 26–29/30: thorough knowledge, independent problem-solving skills, and ability to connect different topics.
• 30–30 cum laude: comprehensive mastery of the subject, excellent analytical skills, and rigorous use of the language and methods of physics.

Examination Registration

Registration through AlmaEsami is mandatory.

Use of Artificial Intelligence

With regard to assessment activities, the use of Artificial Intelligence tools is not permitted during examinations. Any unauthorized use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Students with Disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students with temporary or permanent disabilities or specific learning disorders are encouraged to contact the University support services in due time (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ). Any accommodations will be arranged according to University procedures.

Teaching tools

Teaching materials available through the Virtuale platform include:

• lecture slides;
• collections of exercises;
• supplementary learning resources;
• organizational information concerning the course.

Generative Artificial Intelligence tools may be used to support individual study activities, including review, summarization, and self-assessment, provided that they do not replace independent learning.

Office hours

See the website of Lorenzo Rinaldi

See the website of Lorenzo Piroli