Teaching code

4S010781

Teacher

Francesco Enrichi

Coordinator

Francesco Enrichi

Credits

4

Language

Italian

Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)

FIS/07 - APPLIED PHYSICS

Period

Semester 1 dal Oct 2, 2023 al Jan 26, 2024.

Courses Single

Authorized with reserve

Lessons timetable Moodle Seminars 0

Learning objectives

The course will provide the student with a knowledge of the basic concepts of this discipline, in order to give the student the basics of mechanics, thermodynamics, dynamics of fluids and some basic knowledge on electromagnetism.
This in order to give the ability to manage problems of energy calculation and thermodynamic transformations for substances of food interest. The skills that will be conveyed include: knowledge of the main laws of physics (from mechanics to electromagnetism); the ability to explain physical phenomena in a proper scientific language and to qualitatively analyse their behaviour; the ability to analyse quantitatively the forces and/or energy of a physical transformation.

Prerequisites and basic notions

The knowledge and mathematical skills typical of the training provided by the upper secondary school are required.
In particular:
- knowing how to classify a quantity as a scalar or vector quantity
- vector calculus: operations between vectors (sum, vector and scalar products), Cartesian representation and decomposition of vectors
- basic notions of trigonometry
- algebraic calculus (operations between monomials and polynomials, powers of polynomials, etc.)
- methods of solving equations (and systems of equations) of first and second degree
- elements of differential calculus (derivative and integral operator)
- ability to represent data, relations and functions with formulas, tables, histograms, and / or graphs.
During the course, brief references will be made to the mathematical topics listed above and handouts on trigonometry and vector calculus will be made available, but each student will have to provide, if necessary, through personal study.

Program

The Elements of Physics course will include topics in mechanics, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics and electromagnetism. The detailed program is described below: - Introduction to physics: the laws of nature, units of measurement and the International System, instruments, measurement errors, mathematical elements such as vectors and scalars and operations between them, reminders of trigonometry . (Topic 1)
- Kinematics. Definition of position, velocity, acceleration. Uniform motion and uniformly accelerated motion. Circular motion, angular, tangential and centripetal velocity and acceleration. (Topic 2)
- Dynamics. Newton's forces and laws of motion. Mass and weight. Projectile movement. Inclined plane. Pendulum motion and harmonic motions. Elastic force. Frictional force. (Topic 3)
- Work, energy, power. Kinetic energy and living forces theorem. Conservative forces and potential energy. Conservation of energy. Friction work and energy balance. (Topic 4)
- Fluids. Statics of fluids. Pascal and Archimedes principles. Dynamics and Bernoulli's theorem. (Topic 5)
- Temperature and heat. Thermometric scales. Equivalence between mechanical and thermal energy. Heat capacity and specific heat. Thermal balance. (Topic 6)
- Thermodynamics. Thermodynamic transformations. Ideal gas law. First law of thermodynamics. Statements of the second law and microscopic interpretation. (Topic 7)
- Electrostatics. Coulomb's law. Insulators and conductors, electric field and potential, motion of charges in electric fields. (Topic 8)
- Magnetism. Static magnetic field. Lorentz law. Mentions of the magnetic field generated by currents. (Topic 9)

Bibliography

Didactic methods

The course of Elements of Physics includes lectures in the classroom (4 credits of 8 hours). To support the student in understanding and learning the laws and principles dealt with, phenomenology will be systematically used during the lessons, also through the use of video tutorials and the carrying out of demonstrative exercises, fundamental for the applicative understanding of the laws and theoretical notions. This approach will also allow students to be better prepared to face and pass the final exam.
Lessons will be held in the classroom using both the traditional blackboard and slides and / or texts, short films, graphics, drawings and other useful material to facilitate the understanding of the topics covered. In addition, optional exercises will be offered to students to do on their own. The solution of these will be provided later and, in some cases, presented by the teacher in the classroom.
Students are expected to actively participate in the lessons through questions, discussion stimuli, requests for clarifications, as well as suggestions for solving the exercises.
Lessons will be delivered exclusively in presence. In case of limitations due to COVID, upon presentation of the relative request, supports such as video recordings or additional teaching / bibliographic material will be provided.

Learning assessment procedures

The exam will generally consist of a written test, possibly replaced by an equivalent oral interview, aimed at ascertaining the level of knowledge acquired by the student in relation to the program undertaken.
The exam topics will be both theoretical on the laws and principles of physics, and applicative, i.e. based on the resolution of exercises.
The final grade will correspond to the grade obtained in the exam. In the case of a written test only, the most deserving students will be able to optionally take an oral exam to evaluate the award of honours.

Evaluation criteria

The exam is intended to ascertain the level of knowledge acquired by the student in relation to the topics illustrated during classroom lessons, both for the theoretical part on the laws and principles of Physics and for the application part, based on the ability to face and solve specific exercises.
To pass the exam, students must therefore demonstrate that:
- they have understood the basic principles of mechanics, thermodynamics and electromagnetism;
- they are able to explain the mechanisms and mathematical proofs that make up the overall structure of classical physics; - they know how to apply the acquired knowledge to solve application problems presented in the form of exercises, questions and projects.

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

The final grade will correspond to the grade obtained in the exam. In the case of a written exam only, an optional oral integration may be made to evaluate the award of honours.

Exam language

ITALIANO

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