The course introduces the scientific method, presents newton's mechanics and the main electric and magnetic phenomena, together with the pertinent laws. The student becomes familiar with the basic models of classical physics and, in particular, with such concepts as physical quantity, field, conservation law. The student is able to apply the above concepts to the solution of simple problems by means of appropriate analytical procedures.
teacher profile teaching materials
- Physical quantities and units
- Fundamentals on vector algebra
Kinematics of a material point
- Kinematics quantities in the rectilinear motion
- Uniformly accelerated rectilinear motion
- Simple harmonic motion
- Kinematics in 2-D and 3-D
- Motion trajectory
- Tangential and normal components of acceleration
- Parabolic motion
- Circular motion
- Relative motion
Dynamics of a material point
- Principles of Dynamics and Newton's laws
- Momentum and Impulse
- Equilibrium and constraint reaction forces
- Gravitational force
- Weight and motion under gravity
- Forces and motion
- Forces of dry friction
- Inclined plane
- Elastic force and mass-spring system
- Tension force in ropes
- Applications to circular motion
- Viscous force
- Simple pendulum
- Inertial and non-inertial reference frames
- Inertial forces
Work and Energy
- Work and power
- Work of weight, elastic and dry friction forces
- Work-energy theorem. Applications
- Conservative forces. Potential energy
- Central forces
- Gravitational and elastic potential energies
- Conservation of mechanical energy. Applications
- Stability conditions for static equilibrium
(*) Notes on selected arguments are also available on the course website
Programme
Introduction- Physical quantities and units
- Fundamentals on vector algebra
Kinematics of a material point
- Kinematics quantities in the rectilinear motion
- Uniformly accelerated rectilinear motion
- Simple harmonic motion
- Kinematics in 2-D and 3-D
- Motion trajectory
- Tangential and normal components of acceleration
- Parabolic motion
- Circular motion
- Relative motion
Dynamics of a material point
- Principles of Dynamics and Newton's laws
- Momentum and Impulse
- Equilibrium and constraint reaction forces
- Gravitational force
- Weight and motion under gravity
- Forces and motion
- Forces of dry friction
- Inclined plane
- Elastic force and mass-spring system
- Tension force in ropes
- Applications to circular motion
- Viscous force
- Simple pendulum
- Inertial and non-inertial reference frames
- Inertial forces
Work and Energy
- Work and power
- Work of weight, elastic and dry friction forces
- Work-energy theorem. Applications
- Conservative forces. Potential energy
- Central forces
- Gravitational and elastic potential energies
- Conservation of mechanical energy. Applications
- Stability conditions for static equilibrium
Core Documentation
- P. Mazzoldi, M. Nigro, C. Voci, "Elementi di Fisica. Vol. I: Meccanica - Termodinamica", terza edizione, Edises, Napoli(*) Notes on selected arguments are also available on the course website
Reference Bibliography
For further studies the following is suggested: - R. P. Feynman, "La Fisica di Feynman", volumes 1 and 2 (freely available at http://feynmanlectures.info/)Type of delivery of the course
Face-to-face teaching; additional material such as handouts and videos available on the course website.Attendance
Attendance is optional but highly recommended.Type of evaluation
The exam consists of a written test, which includes closed-ended questions, open-ended problems and open-ended theory questions, and of an oral interview.