Download Code Course name CFU Year Teacher Basic aims Acquired skills

Code
Course name
G260C-
Physics
CFU
Year
6
1
Teacher
Francesco Broggi
Basic aims
The aim of the course is to provide the necessary basis for the understanding of the main physical
phenomena of general interest, with particular focus on subjects linked to other Degree courses.
Acquired skills
The student acquires basic knowledge necessary for the understanding and interpretation of main physical
phenomena, in particular in the field mechanics, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics and light-matter
interaction.
Course contents
After a short mathematical review, the fundamental
concepts and working tools of Physics (dimensions and
units, scalars and vectors) are introduced. The basic laws of
kinematics with main examples of motion are described,
followed by the fundamental laws of dynamics . The laws of
statics and dynamics of perfect fluids and the kinetic theory
of gases are described. The main concepts of
thermodynamics are introduced, and the main
thermodynamic transformations are described. Finally, the
main concepts of electricity, magnetism with an overview of the Maxwell equations are illustrated. The
electromagnetic nature of light is described together with
the fundamental laws of its interactions with the matter; environmental radioactivity together with the Radon
pollution problem are introduced.
Code
Course name
G260C-
Physics
CFU
Year
6
1
Teacher
Francesco Broggi
Program
THE LANGUAGE OF PHYSICS Fundamental physical quantities and measurement units. Order of
magnitude in numerical calculations. Scalars and vectors. Recalls of basic trigonometry. The meaning of
derivative and integration. MECHANICS Position and the law of motion, velocity and acceleration. Constant
speed and constant acceleration cases. Vectorial form of law of motion. Rotational and linear motion.
Angular velocity. Force and mass. Principles of dynamics. Weight and gravitational force. Friction. Work
and kinetic energy. Mechanical energy conservation. Mechanical power. Torque. Center of mass and static
equilibrium. PHYSICS OF FLUIDS Molecular interactions and properties of fluids. Pressure and density.
Fundamental laws of statics of fluids. Surface tension. Adhesion, cohesion and capillary action. Volumetric
flow and equation of continuity. Bernoulli's theorem. Viscosity and real fluids. Diffusion and osmosis.
Transport of fluids in plants. HEAT AND ENERGY Heat, energy, temperature. Heat-work equivalence.
Scale of energy content in bodies. Specific heat and heat of bodies. Changes state. Latent heat. Humidity,
evaporation, drying. Heat. Temperature and internal energy of a body. Work of a fluid under pressure. 1st
principle of thermodynamics. Thermodynamic efficiency. Basic operation of combustion engine,
refrigeration and heat pump. ELECTRICITY AND ELECTROMAGNETISM Charge. Coulomb's law. Work
and electric potential. Dielectrics and conductors. Current. Electric energy and electric power. Resistance
and Ohm's law. Nature of the magnetism in matter. Electromagnetic induction. AC. Generator and electric
motor. Transformer. RADIATION AND MATTER Electromagnetic radiation. Wavelength and the
electromagnetic spectrum. Nature of light. Chlorophyll and photosynthesis. Absorption, reflection and
transmission of radiation. Beer-Lambert law. Radiation heat transfer. Greenhouse effect and global
warming. Conservation and energy balance in the matter.
Code
Course name
G260C-
Physics
CFU
Year
6
1
Teacher
Francesco Broggi
CFU subdivision
Lectures
Practise in class
4
2
Practise in lab.
Laboratory
Seminar
Other
Prerequisites
Elementary algebra; trigonometry; logarithms; functions and their properties; derivatives and definite
integrals (with their geometric interpretation).
Preparatory instructions
Mathematics
Learning materials
The course does not refer to a specific textbook.
Recommended texts of academic level, among others, are:
- Halliday, Resnick, Walker, "Fondamenti di Fisica";
- Giancoli, "Fisica", or "Fisica con Fisica Moderna"
Both texts are available in academic libraries, as well as in bookstores, new or used.
Other info
Exam: written test (exercises and simple questions on theory) and final oral discussion.
Two examinations in itinere are foreseen, which, when successful,will grant access to the oral examination.