30780 - General Physics T

Learning outcomes

Educate to scientific-experimental method and teach the fundamental concepts of the Principles of Mechanics, Energy and Work

Course contents

Requirements

A prior knowledge and understanding of mathematics, trigonometry and mathematical analysis is required to attend with profit this course.

In addition, students should master the concept of function and should be able to derive and integrate the most common functions of one or more variables.

This knowledge is usually acquired exceeding the examination in Mathematics which is recommended but not required.

Fluent spoken and written Italian is a necessary pre-requisite: all lectures and tutorials, and all study material will be in Italian.

Course contents:

Vector algebra

Vectors and scalars. Geometrical definition of vector. Vector algebra using geometry. Scalar and vector product of vectors. Cartesian coordinate system, vectors algebra in this space. Cylindrical and Intrinsic coordinate system. 

Kinematics 

Position and motion of a point-like object in different reference frames. Space and time unit of measurement. Dimension of a physical quantity, fundamental and derived dimensions, systems of units: CGS and MKS systems. Description of motion, vector equation of motion: trajectory and time law. Intrinsic description of motion. Speed and velocity definitions, units of measurement, representation in the intrinsic system, in Cartesian and cylindrical coordinates. Definition of acceleration, unit of measurement, representation in the intrinsic system, in Cartesian and cylindrical coordinates. Linear motion: uniform linear, uniformly accelerated and uniform circular motion. Change of reference frame, relative motion, transformation of the position, Poisson relations, transformation of velocity and acceleration.

Particle Dynamics

Operational definition of force, dynamometer, force measurement units. Vector nature of forces. Constraints, smooth and rough constraints. Condition for the equilibrium of a point-like object. Laws and principles of statics. The first law of motion, Galileo's experiments, inertial reference frame. The second law of motion. Fundamental interactions. Weight force, gravitational force, elastic force, static and kinetic friction. Motion of a point constrained on a line. Pendulum. Real and fictitious forces (notes).

Work and Energy
Concept of work and its general expression. Energy theorem. Conservative force fields and potential energy. Mechanical energy conservation theorem. Power. Work of non-conservative forces.

Dynamics of particle systems.
Isolated systems, internal and external forces. Momentum. The third law of motion: the principle of action and reaction and conservative statement. Impulse. Impulse and momentum theorem. Impulsive and extensive forces. Elastic and inelastic collisions. Simple collision problems. The resultant of the forces acting on a system made of n points and total amount of motion of the system. Resulting polar moment of the forces acting on a system of n points and angular momentum. Center of mass of a system of n points and its properties. Density. Center of mass for homogeneous systems. Cardinals equations.

Dynamics of free rigid systems
Approach the problem. Rotation of rigid body around a fixed axis. Angular momentum of a rigid system with fixed axis relative to the axis of rotation. Moment of inertia. Kinetic energy of a rigid body that rotates around a fixed axis.

Readings/Bibliography

• S. Focardi, I. Massa, A. Uguzzoni e M. Villa: Fisica Generale - Meccanica e Termodinamica, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.

Eserciziari:

• S. Longhi, M. Nisoli, R. Osellame, S.Stagira, Fisica Sperimentale, Problemi di Meccanica e Termodinamica,
  Società editrice Esculapio s.r.l. - Progetto Leonardo - Bologna.

Teaching methods

The course consists mainly of lectures that are accompanied by exercises in which problems regarding the parts of the program explained in class are proposed and solved. Occasionally practical exercises can be made.

Assessment methods

Achievements will be assessed by the means of a final exam. This is based on an analytical assessment of the "expected learning outcomes" described above.

In order to properly assess such achievement the examination is composed of different sections; written session, which consist of a test, duration 2 or 3 hours, composed of 4 or more questions and an oral exam; to be eligible to take the oral exam the student must score in the written test a minimum total of 18 points.

The oral session, consists of a technical conversation with the teacher in which students must demonstrate they fully understand the basic of mechanics and be able to describe quantitatively the mechanical systems illustrated during the course. 

Higher grades will be awarded to students who demonstrate an organic understanding of the subject, a high ability for critical application, and a clear and concise presentation of the contents.

To obtain a passing grade, students are required to at least demonstrate a knowledge of the key concepts of the subject, some ability for critical application, and a comprehensible use of technical language.

A failing grade will be awarded if the student shows knowledge gaps in key-concepts of the subject, inappropriate use of language, and/or logic failures in the analysis of the subject.

Teaching tools

More information about the course, programs, notices, exercises can be found on the teacher site. Enrolment for written exams (compulsory) and oral (recommended) is done at the site AlmaEsami [http://almaesami.unibo.it/almaesami/studenti]. The lists for the written examinations are closed two days before the exam; those for the oral exams the day before the exam.

Office hours

See the website of Laura Fabbri