88148 - General Physics P

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has the basic knowledge of classical physics divided into elements of mechanics, thermodynamics, waves and electromagnetism. It also acquires autonomy in the scientific approach for solving general physics problems. Particular attention is paid to the topics shared with the other subjects and to the aspects of immediate application of the theory to everyday life.

Course contents

The course is organized in two modules of 30 hours each. Module 2 covers elements of Mechanics. In module 1 Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism are presented.

Mechanics

Kinematics - Average speed, Instant speed, Average acceleration, Instant acceleration. One-dimensional and two-dimensional motion. Uniform and parabolic circular motion. Tangential and angular velocity. Centripetal, tangential and angular acceleration.

Dynamics. Newton's laws. First, second and third law. Conservative forces. Static and dynamic friction, forces dependent on speed. Mechanical Energy. Work, kinetic and potential energy, gravitational and elastic. Conservation law of mechanical energy, the theorem of living forces. Momentum and collisions. Angular momentum, moment of inertia, moment of a force. Conservation law of angular momentum. Rigid bodies. Rolling condition without crawling. Equilibrium of rigid body.

Gravitation. Kepler's laws, gravitational force, motion of a satellite. 

Dynamics of the fluids. Archimedes' principle and Bernoulli's theorem.

Waves and Oscillations

Periodic motions. Simple pendulum, body hanging from a spring, free, harmonic oscillator. Waves

Thermodynamics

Thermodynamic systems and their transformations. - The zero principle of thermodynamics. Thermometric scales. Temperature and thermometers. Thermodynamic transformations and changes of state. Ideal gas law.

The first law of thermodynamics. - work, internal energy and first law of thermodynamics. Quantity of heat and conservation of energy in a generalized sense.Thermal capacity, molar, specific and latent heats.

The second law of thermodynamics. - Reversibility and irreversibility. Cyclic thermal machines and their performance. The second law of thermodynamics. Carnot cycle and theorem. Absolute thermodynamic scale of temperatures. Entropy. Law of accretion of entropy. 

Electromagnetism

Electricity. - Coulomb's law, electric field and potential, Gauss's law for the electric field. Charges subject to electric fields. Electrostatic potential, electrostatic potential energy, Faraday cage. Continuity equation for electric current. Introduction to electrical networks, capacitance, resistance and Kirchhoff's laws. RMS value of voltage and current.

Magnetism. - Magnetic forces and their properties. Lorentz law. Biot-Savart law. Gauss's law for the magnetic field. Ampère-Maxwell's law. Faraday-Lenz's law.

Electromagnetism.- Maxwell's equations in integral form. Notes on electromagnetic waves.

Readings/Bibliography

The textbooks listed below are recommended but not mandatory. The topics of the course are covered in all General Physics textbooks that include Mechanics (university-level textbooks that rely on differential and integral calculus). It is suggested to consult a reference textbook to complement the lecture notes.

Suggested textbooks:

• R.A. Serway, J.W. Jewett "FISICA per Scienze ed Ingegneria" Volume I e Volume II, - Sesta Edizione, EdiSES
• Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman, A. Lewis Ford "PRINCIPI DI FISICA" volume 1. "Meccanica, Onde e Termodinamica", volume 2. "Elettromagnetismo e Ottica", casa editrice Pearson.
  

All the recommended textbookss include exercises (in the printed version or in the electronic version).

The teaching material presented in the lesson is made available via the Virtuale website.

Teaching methods

The course consists of class lectures and excercise sessions, organized as 5 hours per week. Training sessions (about 2-3) are scheduled to be held in class, to encourage interaction in small groups. Tutoring activities are planned to support students in their learning.

Assessment methods

The learning assessment test consists of a written exam (test) and a subsequent mandatory oral exam (interview). There are 6 sessions per academic year.

The written test:

• lasts 2 hours, is conducted in person, and is based on the EOL platform (student credentials are required for access). To take the test, it is necessary to register through the Almaesami.unibo.it application
• it consists of 30 multiple-choice questions aimed at verifying the basic knowledge of classical physics and the ability to solve simple problems
• During the written test, the use of a calculator and notes are allowed
• it allows to obtain eligibility to access the oral exam

The oral exam is mandatory, to be held in the week following the written exam, with modalities to be agreed upon based on the number of candidates who passed. The oral exam consists of an interview with questions on the topics covered in the course and the completion of simple exercises, to assess the level of knowledge of the subject and the independence in the approach to solving general physics problems. During the exam, the results obtained in the written exam may also be discussed. The score in expressed in thirty points.

Students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) or temporary/permanent disabilities are advised to contact the University Office responsible in a timely manner (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ). The office will be responsible for proposing any necessary accommodations to the students concerned. These accommodations must be submitted to the instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance, and will be evaluated in light of the learning objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

The teaching material presented in the lesson is made available in electronif format (pdf) via the Virtuale website, as well as auxiliary material such as supplementary exercises, etc.

To obtain the teaching materials, students need to subscribe to the Virtuale website with their Unibo credentials.

Office hours

See the website of Alessandra Fanfani

See the website of Laura Pasqualini