General Physics
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide the basic knowledge of classical physics (mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics), with emphasis on solving simple problems of interest for the study of Chemistry.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course students will be able to solve standard problems in classical physics. they will have acquired the theoretical and mathematical tools to rationalize a concrete problem of physics and for its resolution.
Lesson period: year
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
year
In an emergency, lectures will be held synchronously via Zoom, using a virtual chalkboard. Lectures will be recorded and made available on the Ariel website of the course.
Course syllabus
Mechanics
1. Physical quantities and units
2. Kinematics of point masses. Reference frames
3. Dynamics of point masses. Newton's laws
4. Work, kinetic energy and potential energy. Conservation of energy
5. Angular momentum and torque
6. Linear momentum and scattering.
7. Kinematic and dynamics of rigid bodies
8. Waves and oscillations
Thermodynamics
1. Transformation of thermodynamic systems. The first principle of thermodynamics
2. Application of the first principle to ideal gas.
3. Thermal machines. Carnot's cycle. Entropy and the second principle of thermodynamics
4. Kinetic theory of gases.
Electromagnetism
1. Electrostatics: Coulomb's law and superposition principle
2. The electric field. Electric potential
3. Gauss law and its applications
4. Electrostatic energy. Dielectrics: electric dipole and polarization
5. Electric currents and charge conservation. Ohm's law.
6. Magnetostatics: the magnetic field
7. Lorenz force. Magnetic force of charges and particles
8. Magnetic field produced by currents: Biot'Savart's law. Ampere's law.
9. Time-dependent electric and magentic fields. Faraday's law
10. Displacement current and Ampere-Maxwell law Optics
1. Maxwell's equations. Electromagnetic radiation
2. Interference and diffraction. Reflexion and refraction of plane waves.
3. Geometric optics: mirrors and lenses.
1. Physical quantities and units
2. Kinematics of point masses. Reference frames
3. Dynamics of point masses. Newton's laws
4. Work, kinetic energy and potential energy. Conservation of energy
5. Angular momentum and torque
6. Linear momentum and scattering.
7. Kinematic and dynamics of rigid bodies
8. Waves and oscillations
Thermodynamics
1. Transformation of thermodynamic systems. The first principle of thermodynamics
2. Application of the first principle to ideal gas.
3. Thermal machines. Carnot's cycle. Entropy and the second principle of thermodynamics
4. Kinetic theory of gases.
Electromagnetism
1. Electrostatics: Coulomb's law and superposition principle
2. The electric field. Electric potential
3. Gauss law and its applications
4. Electrostatic energy. Dielectrics: electric dipole and polarization
5. Electric currents and charge conservation. Ohm's law.
6. Magnetostatics: the magnetic field
7. Lorenz force. Magnetic force of charges and particles
8. Magnetic field produced by currents: Biot'Savart's law. Ampere's law.
9. Time-dependent electric and magentic fields. Faraday's law
10. Displacement current and Ampere-Maxwell law Optics
1. Maxwell's equations. Electromagnetic radiation
2. Interference and diffraction. Reflexion and refraction of plane waves.
3. Geometric optics: mirrors and lenses.
Prerequisites for admission
Fundamentals of calculus (limits, derivatives, integrals), of vector algebra and of trigoniometry.
Teaching methods
Classroom lectures and practical problem solving sessions.
Teaching Resources
Serway-Jewett "Principi di Fisica" - EdiSES Edizioni
Any other University General Physics book (science, engineering)
Any other University General Physics book (science, engineering)
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is a test in which the student solves three (chosen out of six) problems: one for mechanics, one for electromagnetism and one for thermodynamics. After a positive evaluation of the written test, the student is admitted to an oral discussion.
FIS/01 - EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS
FIS/02 - THEORETICAL PHYSICS, MATHEMATICAL MODELS AND METHODS
FIS/03 - PHYSICS OF MATTER
FIS/04 - NUCLEAR AND SUBNUCLEAR PHYSICS
FIS/05 - ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS
FIS/06 - PHYSICS OF THE EARTH AND OF THE CIRCUMTERRESTRIAL MEDIUM
FIS/07 - APPLIED PHYSICS
FIS/08 - PHYSICS TEACHING AND HISTORY OF PHYSICS
FIS/02 - THEORETICAL PHYSICS, MATHEMATICAL MODELS AND METHODS
FIS/03 - PHYSICS OF MATTER
FIS/04 - NUCLEAR AND SUBNUCLEAR PHYSICS
FIS/05 - ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS
FIS/06 - PHYSICS OF THE EARTH AND OF THE CIRCUMTERRESTRIAL MEDIUM
FIS/07 - APPLIED PHYSICS
FIS/08 - PHYSICS TEACHING AND HISTORY OF PHYSICS
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 64 hours
Lessons: 64 hours
Shifts:
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment (via email)
Dipartimento di Fisica, via Celoria 16
Reception:
upon reservation, via e-mail or in the classroom
via Celoria 16, fisica della materia aile