27533 - Physics 1

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has mechanics and thermodynamics fundamental knowledge with their validity and application limits. In particular, he knows how to solve statics and dynamics, physics of fluids and thermodynamics simple problems.

Course contents

Mechanics.

- Introduction and vector calculus
Physical quantities. Units of measurement and systems of units. Vectors and scalars. Vector computation elements.
- Kinematics and dynamics of the material point
The motion of the material point from the kinematic point of view, in one dimension (rectilinear motion) and in several dimensions. The search for the causes that generate the motion of bodies. Definition of force. The fundamental forces. The fundamental laws of dynamics (Newton's laws). Inertial systems. Galilean transformations.
- Work and energy
The work done by a force on a body. The power. The concept of energy. The work-energy theorem and kinetic energy for a material point. Conservative force fields and potential energy. Conservation of mechanical energy.
- Momentum and collisions
The concepts of momentum and impulse. Conservation of momentum. Collisions. Center of mass reference system. Center of mass theorems. Angular momentum. Moment of a force. The momentum-impulse theorem. Systems of material points, cardinal equations of the dynamics of systems. Konig's theorems for kinetic energy and angular momentum.
- Rigid body
Definition of rigid system. Kinematics of rotational motion. The moment of inertia. The parallel axis theorem (Huygens Steiner). Rotational energy. Conservation of angular momentum. Rotation of a rigid body around a fixed axis. Rolling of a rigid body. Elements of statics of the rigid body.
- Periodic motion
Simple harmonic motion: equations of motion and period.
- Hints of gravitation
Kepler's laws, Newton's law of universal gravitation; the motion of the satellites.
- Fluids
Static fluids: the concepts of density and pressure; hydrostatic equation; Stevino's law; Pascal's law; Archimedes' principle. Fluid dynamics: the concept of flow tube; continuity equation, flow rate; Bernoulli's equation, Torricelli's theorem.

Thermodynamics.

The concept of temperature. Thermal equilibrium; the zeroth law of thermodynamics; the thermometer and thermometric scales. The concept of heat. Specific heat. Phase transitions.
Equation of state of ideal gases. Kinetic theory of the perfect gas. Thermodynamic transformations. The concept of thermodynamic work. Internal energy. The first law of thermodynamics.
The second law of thermodynamics: thermal machines and Kelvin's statement of the second law; refrigeration machines and Clausius's statement of the second principle; reversible machines and performance; Carnot cycle and machine. The concept of entropy: entropy and disorder. The principle of the increase of entropy as a further statement of the second principle. Entropy and probability.

Readings/Bibliography

• P. Mazzoldi, M. Nigro, C. Voci "Elementi di fisica. Meccanica e termodinamica", Edises.
• J. Walker, Halliday - Resnick "FONDAMENTI DI FISICA", Meccanica, Onde, Termodinamica", Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.

Teaching methods

The course is carried out with frontal lessons in the classroom, organized into theoretical explanations, practical applications and exercises.

Assessment methods

The learning assessment of Physics 1 is written and oral. By passing the written exam you are admitted to the oral exam. You pass the Physics 1 module by passing both exams.

• The written exam will contain 3 exercises aimed at verifying knowledge of the topics covered during the lessons. The test will last 90 minutes.
  Alternatively there are 2 ongoing written exams (called 'parziali'), consisting of 2 exercises each, concerning the first and second part of the topics covered. Each test will last 60 minutes and will be carried out approximately halfway through the course and the other at the end of the course. With a minimum score of 18/30 you will be admitted to the oral exam.
  The single written exam will remain valid until the exam following the one in which it was carried out. Parziali exams will keep their validity for 1 year. Once the validity period has expired, the written exam must be repeated.
• The oral exam will consist of a discussion of the written test carried out (or of the 2 written tests carried out in the case of parziali tests) and theory questions on the entire program covered in class. The student will be able to register for the oral exam within the same exam session or in the following session (the partial exams will however remain valid for 1 year). You will pass the oral exam (the Physics 1 module) with a minimum grade of 18/30.
• Physics 1 is part of the Physics Integrated Course, which also includes Physics 2. The registration of the Physics Integrated Course will take place after passing both the Physics 1 and Physics 2 exams, with the final grade obtained by the average of the two marks. It is recommended that you pass the Physics 1 exam before attempting the Physics 2 exam.

Practical indications for registering for the exams:

• Registration for the written test takes place by registering on the Almaesami website. Indicatively, the list is closed a few days before the written exam.  
• Registration for the oral exam takes place through registration in Almaesami. It is possible to register up to the day before. For the oral exam, the order of enrollment in Almaesami is followed. The oral exam could take place over 2 days if the number of subscribers is large. Any exchange of positions is allowed but you must agree between yourself.

Teaching tools

Slides and other material shown during the lessons will be available on the Virtual web site. Active participation at lessons, although not compulsory, is considered very useful. Occasionally short films, graphics, drawings and other useful material can be shown and discussed to facilitate the understanding of some concepts.

Office hours

See the website of Tiziano Rovelli