B1869 - FISICA (8 CFU) (M-Z)

Learning outcomes

After completing this course, the student masters the conceptual and methodological tools of physics, which are required to successfully follow the courses in chemistry and biology. In particular, he/she will acquire a basic knowledge of classical physics (Kinematics, Dynamics, Thermodynamics, Electricity, Magnetism, Waves), and the ability to solve simple exercises related to the subjects handled, as well as to acquire experimental data in laboratory experiences and elaborate the results obtained.

Course contents

Scientific Method

• Measurements and errors
  Introduction to the scientific method; physical quantities; direct and indirect measurements; units of measurements; statistical and systematic errors; propagation of errors; precision and accuracy; dimensional analysis
• Theories and models
  Analytical description of measurements; laws of Nature; problem-solving methods in Physics; introduction to Classical Physics
  

Mechanics

• Kinematics
  Position, distance and displacement; velocity; acceleration; uniform rectilinear motion; uniformly accelerated motion; scalar and vector quantities; motion in two dimensions
• Dynamics
  Force and mass; Newtons’s three laws; normal forces; frictional forces; ropes and springs; circular motion
  
• Energy
  Work; kinetic energy; conservative and non-conservative forces; potential energy; conservation of energy
• Collisions
  Momentum; impulse; elastic and inelastic collisions; center of mass
• Rotational kinematics
  Angular velocity and acceleration; rolling motion; rotational kinetic energy and moment of inertia
• Rotational dynamics
  Torque; angular momentum; rotational work; equilibrium
• Gravitation
  The law of universal gravitation; gravitational potential energy
• Oscillations and waves
  Armonic oscillator; simple pendulum; waves
• Fluids
  Density; pressure; Archimedes’ principle; Bernoulli’s equation
  

Thermodynamics

• Temperature and heat
  Temperature; thermal expansion; heat; specific heat capacity; thermal conduction, convection and irradiation; kinetic theory; latent heat; phase transitions
• Thermodynamics
  The three laws of thermodynamics; thermodynamic processes; heat engines; entropy

Electromagnetism

• Electrostatics
  Electric charges; electrical insulators and conductors; Coulomb’s law; electric field; electric potential; capacitors and dielectrics
• Electric current
  Current; resistance and capacitance; Ohm's law
• Magnetism
  Magnetic field; magnetic forces; Ampère’s law; magnetism in matter; Faraday’s law
• Electromagnetic waves
  Production and propagation of electromagnetic waves; electromagnetic spectrum

Readings/Bibliography

Recommended textbook:

• Fisica generale: Principi e applicazioni, 3/e, Alan Giambattista (webpage)

Alternatively:

• Fondamenti di Fisica 6th ed. (with MyLab), James S. Walker; Pearson
• PHYSICS: Principles and Applications, 2nd ed., Douglas C. Giancoli; Addison-Wesley

Teaching methods

The course is divided into two teaching modules: the first (7 CFU), theoretical, consists of lectures accompanied by the solving and discussion of simple exercises previously assigned to students; the second (1 CFU) is experimental in nature and involves laboratory activities for 3 experiments (mechanics, thermology, optics).

Considering the types of activities involved and the teaching methods adopted, participation in this training activity requires all students (including incoming international students, e.g. Erasmus students) to complete the General Training Course (Module 1) and the High-Risk Training Course (Module 3) via e-learning, available on the following webpage:

https://site.unibo.it/tutela-promozione-salute-sicurezza/en/training/students-general-and-specific-training

Assessment methods

Learning assessment is carried out through a written exam. To take the exam, students must have attended all three laboratories of Module 2 and submitted all the related laboratory reports.

The test lasts 3 hours and is divided into two parts of equal weight, one consisting of exercises and one of theory questions. The maximum overall score is 36 points. The final grade is expressed out of thirty, with a passing threshold of 18. Up to 30 points, the grade coincides with the score obtained; for scores above 30 (and in the absence of conceptual errors), the grade is 30 cum laude.

The test includes 6 exercises on the topics covered in the course syllabus. Each exercise is scored from 0 to 3 points (0 if not attempted or completely incorrect, 1–2 if partially completed, 3 if correct), for a total of 18 points. The test also includes 6 theory questions, each worth up to 3 points, for a total of 18 points. Of these, 4 questions cover theoretical content (Module 1), while 2 questions cover laboratory content and data analysis (Module 2). The theory questions may require conceptual explanations and derivations. The laboratory-related questions aim to verify understanding of the physical meaning of the experiments carried out, of the measurement and data analysis methodologies, and of the connection between theoretical models and the experimental results obtained. The final evaluation is obtained by summing the scores assigned to the individual parts of the test.

During the exam, the use of books, notes, mobile phones or other electronic devices is not permitted. The sheets for working out the exercises will be provided by the instructor. Students are required to bring only pens and a calculator to the exam. During the test, an official formula sheet will also be provided, containing the main physics formulas covered in class; the use of personal formula sheets is not permitted.

Teaching tools

The lecture slides for Module 1, and all teaching materials pertaining to the Module 2 laboratories and data analysis, will be made available on the Virtual platform throughout the course.

Office hours

See the website of Angelo Di Canto

See the website of Enrico Gianfranco Campari