Teaching code

4S009867

Teacher

Pasquina Marzola

Coordinator

Pasquina Marzola

Credits

6

Also offered in courses:

• Mechanics and Thermodynamics of the course Bachelor's degree in Human Centered Medical System Engineering

Language

Italian

Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)

FIS/01 - EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS

Period

2nd semester dal Mar 2, 2026 al Jun 12, 2026.

Courses Single

Authorized

Lessons timetable Moodle Seminars 0

Learning objectives

The course aims to provide students with an introduction to the experimental method and the basic notions of classical mechanics and thermodynamics. At the end of the course the student will have to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the laws of classical mechanics, including the kinematic and dynamic laws of linear motion and rotational motion, the statics and dynamics of rigid bodies and fluids, and of basic principles of thermodynamics; have the ability to apply the acquired knowledge and understanding to solve problems in mechanics and thermodynamics; have the ability to apply the fundamental concepts of classical mechanics and thermodynamics to the resolution of concrete problems that will be faced in the course of study; knowing how to develop the skills necessary to continue their studies independently in the disciplines pertaining to the Engineering graduate which require the application and knowledge of the laws of Physics.

Prerequisites and basic notions

Basic knowledge of algebra, geometry, derivatives and integral calculus.

Program

-Introduction
The experimental method, dimensional analysis, unit conversion, coordinate systems, vector and scalar quantities. Operations with vector quantities: addition, dot product, cross product. Graphical and analytical methods.
-Kinematics
Position, velocity, and acceleration vectors. Average and instantaneous velocity and acceleration. Free-fall, projectile motion. Uniform circular motion, tangential and radial acceleration, relative velocity, and reference frames in relative motion.
-Dynamics
The concept of Force, Newton's First Law, the concept of mass. Newton's Second Law. Gravitational force and weight. Newton's Third Law. Laws of static and dynamic friction. Uniform circular motion and Newton's law. Conservative and dissipative forces.
-Energy and Energy Transfer
The concept of Work, work done by a constant force, work done by a variable force. Work-energy theorem and kinetic energy. Non-isolated systems, dynamic friction, and work. Potential energy, isolated systems, conservation of mechanical energy. Potential energy from gravitational force. Conservation of energy in the presence of frictional forces.
-Momentum and Collisions
Momentum and its conservation, the concept of impulse, elastic and inelastic collisions, two-dimensional collisions, center of mass, motion of a system of particles.
-Rotational Motion
Angular position, velocity, and acceleration, the concept of a rigid body, rigid body rotation with constant angular velocity, rigid body rotation with constant angular acceleration. Rotational and translational quantities, the concept of rotational kinetic energy, the concept of torque, revisiting the cross product, rigid body and net torque. Levers, definition of angular momentum, conservation of angular momentum, rolling of rigid bodies.
-Gravity
Overview of Newton's law of universal gravitation.
-Oscillatory Motion
Hooke's Law, simple harmonic motion. Energy in harmonic motion, simple pendulum, and compound pendulum, damped and forced oscillations.
-Fluid Mechanics
The concept of pressure, pressure and depth (Stevin's Law), pressure measurements, Archimedes' principle, Pascal's law. Ideal fluid, fluid dynamics, and the continuity equation, flow rate, Bernoulli's theorem. Viscous fluid.
-Thermodynamics
Definition of temperature, thermal expansion, definition of heat, specific heat, ideal gas law, basics of statistical thermodynamics. Thermodynamic processes, the first and second laws of thermodynamics. Entropy.

Bibliography

Didactic methods

Classroom lessons with examples and exercises on the topics covered.

Learning assessment procedures

Written test, including exercises and open-ended questions on mechanics and thermodynamics, aimed at assessing the actual understanding and ability to apply the laws of mechanics and thermodynamics. It will be allowed to use textbooks, a calculator, and notes during the exam.

Evaluation criteria

To pass the exam, students must demonstrate that they:
- Know and have understood the fundamental laws of classical mechanics, including the kinematic and dynamic laws of linear and rotational motion, the statics and dynamics of rigid bodies and fluids, as well as the basic principles of thermodynamics.
- Can apply the acquired knowledge to solve practical problems presented in the form of exercises.

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

A score will be assigned to each proposed exercise/question. The sum of the scores will amount to the maximum score (30/30) and will constitute the final grade. Honors ("lode") may be awarded after an oral supplement to the written test.

Exam language

Italiano