Learning objectives

The course aims to provide students with an introduction to the experimental method and the basics of classical mechanics and thermodynamics. Upon completion of the course: students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the laws of classical mechanics, and thermodynamics; students will be able to apply the acquired knowledge and understanding skills to solve problems of mechanics and thermodynamics; students will have the capability to apply the fundamental concepts of classical mechanics and thermodynamics to the resolution of practical problems that they will meet during forthcoming studies; students will develop the skills required to continue the studies in an autonomous way in those disciplines pertaining to the graduation in Computer Science that require the application and knowledge of the laws of Physics.

Prerequisites and basic notions

Knowledge of mathematical analysis, in particular trigonometry, functions, derivatives and integrals.

Program

Index:

1. Physical quantities, approximations
2. Motion in one dimension
3. Motion in two dimensions
4. Newton Laws
5. Energy
6. Momentum
7. Rotational motion
8. Gravity laws
9. Oscillation laws
10. Fluid Mechanics
11. Thermodynamics
12. Mechanic Waves
Detailed program:

-Introduction to vectors
Dimensional analysis, unit conversion, coordinate systems, trigonometry, vector and scalar quantities, scalar product, vector sum, vector product: graphical method and analytical method.

-Motion
Average speed and instantaneous speed, hints on derivatives, constant speed, average acceleration and instantaneous acceleration, falling bodies, carriers position-velocity-acceleration, projectile motion, particle in uniform circular motion, radial and tangential acceleration, relative velocity and reference systems.

-Newton's laws
Concept of Force, Newton's first law, the concept of mass, Newton's second law-resultant force, gravitational force and weight, Newton's third law, static friction and kinetic friction, uniform circular motion and Newton's law, notes on the fundamental forces) , conservative and dissipative forces.

-Energy and energy transfer
Concept of Work, work done by a constant force, work done by a variable force, the concept of kinetic energy, non-isolated systems, dynamic friction and work, potential energy, isolated systems, the concept of conservative force, potential energy from the gravitational force, theorem kinetic energy

-Quantity Momentum and impact
Momentum and its conservation, the concept of momentum, elastic collision and inelastic collision, collisions in two dimensions, the center of mass motion of a particle system.

- The rotational motion
Position, velocity and angular acceleration, concept of rigid body, rigid body in constant rotation, rigid body in constant acceleration, rotational and translational quantities, concept of rotational kinetic energy, the concept of torque, call the vector product, rigid body and resultant moment of forces, levers, definition of angular momentum, conservation of angular momentum, rolling of rigid bodies, rotational kinetic energy.

-Gravity
Outline of Kepler's laws, escape velocity, circular and elliptical orbit.

-The oscillatory motion
Particle attached to a spring, simple harmonic motion, Hooke's law, energy in a harmonic motion and soft, simple pendulum and nods of compound pendulum, damped oscillations.

- Fluid Mechanics
Concept of pressure, pressure and depth, pressure measurements, Archimedes' principle, the law of Pascal, ideal fluid, fluid dynamics and continuity equation of fluid flow, Bernoulli's theorem, viscous fluid.

- Thermodynamics
Concept of temperature, thermal expansion, concept of heat, ideal gas law, hints of statistical thermodynamics, thermodynamic transformations, entropy.

-Waves
Electromagnetic and mechanical waves, refractive index, interference.

Bibliography

Didactic methods

Lectures on theory, exposition and explanation of laws, applications with exercises on the blackboard.

Learning assessment procedures

The exam is written, with a number of exercises to be solved on the course program and similar to those carried out in the classroom.
You will be able to use the textbooks, calculator and notes during the exam.

Exam methods are not differentiated between attending and non-attending students.

Evaluation criteria

Knowledge of the basic principles of classical mechanics and thermodynamics, ability to apply the laws in solving complex problems.

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

The final mark will consist of the sum of the scores obtained with the exercises carried out correctly.

Exam language

Italiano