28000 - General Physics T-2

Learning outcomes

Introduction to scientific-experimental methods. Basic physical concepts of electromagnetism. Ability to apply basic concepts for the resolution of simple physical problems.

Course contents

Introduction to electromagnetism. Microscopical aspects: simple atomic models, electric charge quantization.

Electrostatic field in the vacuum. Coulomb's law. Electric field definition as a vector: strength and field lines, sources of the field. Electrostatic field as a conservative field: electric potential and work. Electric dipole and dipole electric field and potential. Torque and energy of a dipole in an electric field. Gauss' law in integral and local form. Poisson's and Laplace's equations.

Conductors, electrostatic induction. Electrostatic equilibrium. Electrostatic capacitance. Spherical, cylindrical and plane capacitors. Electrostatic energy stored on a conductor and on a capacitor. Force between capacitor's plates.

Dielectric materials. Polarization of dielectrics. General equations of the electrostatics in dielectric materials.

Electric current, conservation law for electric charge. Ohm's laws for metallic conductors. Electric resistance and resistivity. Joule effect. Electromotive force generator. Kirchhoff's laws. Charge and discharge of a capacitor through a resistance.

Static magnetic field in the vacuum. Magnetic interaction. Gauss law for magnetic field. Magnetic force on a moving charge and on an electric current.

Magnetic torque on plane electric circuits. Hall effect. Ampere's equivalence principle. I Laplace's law (Biot and Savart). Magnetic field generated by an electric current. Ampere's law. Magnetic flux between circuits.

Introductrion to magnetic materials.

Time dependent magnetic and electrtic fields. Faraday's law. Lenz's law and energy conservation. Physical origin of induced electromotive force. Magnetic self induction. Displacement current, Ampere-Maxwell's law.

Maxwell equations. Electromagnetic waves

Readings/Bibliography

S. Focardi, I. Massa, A. Uguzzoni "Fisica Generale - Elettromagnetismo", Casa Editrice Ambrosiana

P. Mazzoldi, M. Nigro, C.Voci "Fisica - Volume II", EdiSES

Teaching methods

Frontal lectrures and exercises.

Assessment methods

Final written exam (2:30 hours) without books or notes (only a poket calculator is allowed) plus an optional oral exam. Six trials are planned fo each academic year.

The written exam cosists of 3 exercises and 2 theoretical questions. To passe the exam at least 18/30 points are needed for both exercises and theoretical questions.

All students with more than 18/30 pointsin the written exam can give also the oral exam to increase the final mark. However, students with more or equal than 26/30 points have to give also oral examination, otherwise the final mark is 26/30.

Students that refuse the final mark, have to give the written exam again. 

Office hours

See the website of Lorenzo Rinaldi