58361 - Basic General Physics

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the studente knows the basic principles of the the motion of bodys, of the thermodynamical behaviour of natural matter, and of the electrical phenomena. It is able to solve simple physical problems.

Course contents

The course is subdivided in two modules: the first one (56 hours) is held by Prof. Paolo Gasperini and is in common for the students of Environmental Sciences and TeCoRe; the second one (16 hours) is held by Prof. Paolo Gasperini for the students of Environmental Sciences and by Prof. Maria Pia Morigi for students of TeCoRe.

1st Module

Physical quantities, measurement units, kinematics and point particle dynamics, work and energy, conservation of energy and of linear momentum. Static equilibrium, elasticity. Gravitationand Kepler's laws.Electrical charges and forces, electrical fields, electrical potential, capacitance and capacitors, dielectrics, electrical currents and resistences, circuits, magnetic fields and forces, magnetic fields produced by moving charges, induced electromotive forces and inductances, Thermology, thermal expansion, gas laws.

2nd Module

Fluid statics and principle of fluid dynamics. Kinematics of large bodies, rotational dynamics. Heat, first law of Thermodynamics, gas kinetic theory, second law of Thermodynamics, entropy.

Readings/Bibliography

Lecture slides provided by the teachers.
Giancoli D. C., Physics for Scientists & Engineers Vols. 1 and 2, Addison Wensley.
Halliday D., Resnick R. and Walker J., Fundamentals of Physics, John Wiley & Sons.

Teaching methods

Written and oral examination.

Assessment methods

Written and oral examination.

Teaching tools

Overhead and computer projectors.

Office hours

See the website of Paolo Gasperini