“Fisica II” is the continuation of the “Fisica I” course. While the latter deals with the introduction of the principles of Classical Mechanics and Thermodynamics, this course presents the fundamental laws of Classical Electromagnetism. Thus, after this course the student will be able to distinguish between the features of the gravitational force and the electromagnetic one; regarding the origin, order of magnitude and range of application. In addition, the student will develop certain abstraction while using the resources of Vector Calculus (Vector Algebra and Differential and Integral Calculus) and Euclidean Geometry. That means that one is able to: (i) understand each physical situation and its conditions; (ii) identify that particular situation among the different scenarios presented during the course; (iii) visualize it (geometrically); and finally (iv) turn the problem into an analytical equation to be solved.
For what concerns this course, the student will be used to deal with “fields” and the symmetry of those to solve problems of Electromagnetism.
At the end, the student is expected to handle the physical concepts underlying the electric machines presented in the following courses.
For what concerns this course, the student will be used to deal with “fields” and the symmetry of those to solve problems of Electromagnetism.
At the end, the student is expected to handle the physical concepts underlying the electric machines presented in the following courses.
teacher profile teaching materials
The course introduces electrostatics in a vacuum by analyzing the phenomena of electrification, induction, and Coulomb's law in vector form. The electric field is defined for point charges, discrete distributions using the superposition principle, and for the electric dipole. The study extends to continuous charge distributions (linear, surface, volumetric). Electric flux is introduced, proving and applying Gauss's theorem to spheres and wires. Using the Nabla operator, gradient, divergence, and curl are defined, leading to the divergence of the field as Maxwell's first equation. Electric work, potential energy, and electric potential—also understood as the gradient of the potential—are covered. Equipotential surfaces, the curl of the field, the energetic properties of the dipole, and the behavior of conductors, including electrostatic shielding and hollow conductors, are then analyzed. Capacitance in parallel-plate and spherical capacitors, series and parallel connections, energy density, and the effect of dielectrics will be studied.
Steady Electric Current and Circuits
This part analyzes electric current, microscopic conduction mechanisms, and electromotive force generators. Ohm's laws, resistance, the Joule effect, electrical power, and series and parallel resistor connections are developed. Furthermore, the transient regime of charging and discharging a capacitor through a resistor is studied.
Magnetism and Electromagnetic Induction
The final section deals with the magnetic field and its field lines, exploring the motion of a charge via the Lorentz force in detail. The forces exerted on current-carrying conductors and the mechanical torques on planar circuits are analyzed. The study of magnetic field sources is carried out using Laplace's first law and the Biot-Savart law for an infinite wire. The module concludes with Gauss's law for magnetism (Maxwell's second equation) and the Faraday-Neumann-Lenz law for electromagnetic induction phenomena.
2) Elementi di Fisica - Elettromagnetismo ed Onde, P. Mazzoldi, M. Nigro, C. Voci, EdiSES editrice
Programme
Electrostatics in a Vacuum and in Conducting MediaThe course introduces electrostatics in a vacuum by analyzing the phenomena of electrification, induction, and Coulomb's law in vector form. The electric field is defined for point charges, discrete distributions using the superposition principle, and for the electric dipole. The study extends to continuous charge distributions (linear, surface, volumetric). Electric flux is introduced, proving and applying Gauss's theorem to spheres and wires. Using the Nabla operator, gradient, divergence, and curl are defined, leading to the divergence of the field as Maxwell's first equation. Electric work, potential energy, and electric potential—also understood as the gradient of the potential—are covered. Equipotential surfaces, the curl of the field, the energetic properties of the dipole, and the behavior of conductors, including electrostatic shielding and hollow conductors, are then analyzed. Capacitance in parallel-plate and spherical capacitors, series and parallel connections, energy density, and the effect of dielectrics will be studied.
Steady Electric Current and Circuits
This part analyzes electric current, microscopic conduction mechanisms, and electromotive force generators. Ohm's laws, resistance, the Joule effect, electrical power, and series and parallel resistor connections are developed. Furthermore, the transient regime of charging and discharging a capacitor through a resistor is studied.
Magnetism and Electromagnetic Induction
The final section deals with the magnetic field and its field lines, exploring the motion of a charge via the Lorentz force in detail. The forces exerted on current-carrying conductors and the mechanical torques on planar circuits are analyzed. The study of magnetic field sources is carried out using Laplace's first law and the Biot-Savart law for an infinite wire. The module concludes with Gauss's law for magnetism (Maxwell's second equation) and the Faraday-Neumann-Lenz law for electromagnetic induction phenomena.
Core Documentation
1) Fisica per Scienze e Ingegneria volume II, Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett, Jr., EdiSES editrice2) Elementi di Fisica - Elettromagnetismo ed Onde, P. Mazzoldi, M. Nigro, C. Voci, EdiSES editrice
Attendance
Course attendance is governed by the general regulations of the Bachelor's Degree Program in Mechanical Engineering. Lectures and classroom exercises are ordinarily held in person. However, students in particular situations or with specific needs may request to follow the lectures remotely by submitting a formal request to the competent offices in accordance with University procedures. While respecting these inclusive options, continuous in-person attendance is strongly recommended for all those who face no impediments, given the nature of the traditional blackboard-based teaching, which requires the student's active participation in guided note-taking and in following the analytical development of problems and formulas in real time.Type of evaluation
The knowledge assessment methods include a written exam, focused on solving numerical and analytical exercises that comprehensively cover all topics listed in the course program. Upon passing the written exam, the assessment may be integrated with a subsequent oral exam, which also covers the entire syllabus, aimed at verifying the correct assimilation of theoretical principles, mastery of mathematical formalism, and the ability to apply physics concepts to specific problems.