66676 - General Physics

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will know of the notion of measurement in classical physics and the methods of presenting experimental results. They will have learnt the fundamentals of classical thermodynamics and of electric and magnetic phenomena. They will know how to use the acquired knowledge to solve simple problems connected with the kinetic theory of gases, with the creation of electric and magnetic fields, and with the wave aspects of oscillating electromagnetic fields. In particular, they will learn how to analyse information relating to the different phenomenologies of thermodynamics and electromagnetic phenomena.

Course contents

MODULE 1: Fluid mechanics and thermodynamics (Prof. Sala, 40 h)

The module introduces the Physics of Fluids and Thermodynamics.

• Introduction and review of basic concepts of mechanics 
• Fluid statics: density, specific weight, pressure, Pascal's and Archimedes' principles
• Fluid dynamics: flow, continuity equation, Bernoulli equation, viscosity
• Basic concepts of thermodynamics: temperature and thermometers, thermal equilibrium and zeroth principle of thermodynamics, gas laws, ideal gas laws and Avogadro's number
• Kinetic theory: molecular interpretation of temperature, distribution of molecular velocities, evaporation and boiling, humidity, real gases and phase changes
• Heat: calorie and mechanical equivalent of heat, internal energy of an ideal gas, specific and latent heat, conduction, convection and radiation
• The first principle of thermodynamics: isothermal and isobaric processes, applications of the first principle of thermodynamics, heat capacity of gases and equipartition of energy, adiabatic expansions
• The second principle of thermodynamics: thermal machines and their efficiency, reversible processes and the Carnot cycle, entropy and statistical interpretation of the second principle of thermodynamics

MODULE 2: Electromagnetism (Prof. Pedro, 40 h)

The module aims to give an introduction to electric and magnetic phenomena and to the theory of electromagnetism.

• Introduction and reminders of vector calculus
• Electric charges; Coulomb force and electric field
  Electric field flux: Gauss' law and applications
  Electric field circuit; Potential and energy of the electrostatic field
• Magnetic Currents and Fields; Magnetic field flux
  The circuit of the magnetic field: Ampere's law and applications
• Electromagnetic induction and Faraday's law Neumann Lenz
  Displacement current and Ampere-Maxwell's law
• Maxwell's equations in integral and differential form
• Electromagnetic fields and waves

MODULE 3 (Prof. Ercolessi, 24 h)

The module provides the part of exercises related to the program of both Module 1 and Module 2.

 

 

Readings/Bibliography

Module 1

Theory and exercises:

• J. Walker, Halliday-Resnick Fondamenti di Fisica, Meccanica, Onde-Termodinamica.
• P. Mazzoldi M. Nigro C. Voci, Meccanica e Termodinamica
• L.E. Picasso, Lezioni di Fisica Generale 1

 

Module 2

Theory and exercises:

• J. Walker, Halliday-Resnick Fondamenti di Fisica, Elettromagnetismo e Ottica

Suggested readings:

• R. Feynman, Feynman's lectures, vol II – Electromagnetism and Matter

 

Teaching methods

In-classroom lectures and exercises

Assessment methods

The vote for the course is unique and can be recorded only after the tests of both modules have been successfully passed.
The final mark is obtained by taking the arithmetic mean of the two marks for the module 1 and 2, rounded up. Any cum laude in the two modules does not enter into the calculation of the average and the cum laude in the final mark is attributed only if obtained in both modules.
The exams of the two modules are independent and can be taken in any order. The vote of each of the two parts remains valid also for the three subsequent exam sessions.
For the timetable of the exams, refer to AlmaEsami, where registration is compulsory for both the written and oral exams.

Tests for each modules:

• Written test (mandatory)

It includes both theory topics and exercises.
It consists of 20 multiple choice questions, worth 1 point for each correct answer, and 2 multiple choice questions, worth 2 points for each correct answer, for a maximum total of 24 points.
The test is passed if a minimum score of 10 points is reached, which will correspond to a grade of 18/30. Each additional point corresponds to one more vote. A score of 31/30 or 32/30 is equivalent to honors. (Examples: 10 points = 18/30; 20 points = 28/30; 22 points = 30/30; 23 or 24 points = 30/30 with L)
If the student passes the written exam, they can:
- Refuse the grade (with an e-mail to the teacher).
Please note that, in accordance with the University Regulations, it is possible to refuse the mark (for each of the two tests) only once. However, it is possible to withdraw at any time during the exam, both during the written exam and during the oral exam.
or
- Accept the grade (default choice), which will then be recorded if both modules have been passed.
or
- Register for the oral exam (with an e-mail to the teacher), allowed only if the grade of the written test is equal to or higher than 26.

• Oral test (optional)

- It must be taken in the same appeal.
- It can be taken only if the grade of the written exam is equal to or higher than 26. It is necessary to sign up for the oral exam by emailing the lecturer within 24 hours of the publication of the results of the written exam.
- The final grade can increase by a maximum of two points.

Teaching tools

For both modules, handouts with the contents of the course and the exercises carried out in class are available on Virtuale.

Office hours

See the website of Francisco Manuel Soares Verissimo Gil Pedro

See the website of Filippo Sala

See the website of Elisa Ercolessi