20810314 - Fisica I

The course introduces the scientific method. the first part of the course presents newton's mechanics. The student becomes familiar with the basic models of classical physics and, in particular, with such concepts as physical quantity, field, conservation law. The vector algebra is discussed as well. The second part of the course is dedicated to thermodynamics with the presentation of its general principles, focusing the attention to the perfect gas case. The student is able to apply the above concepts to the solution of simple problems by means of appropriate analytical procedures.
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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
- Electrical charge and Coulomb 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 electrostatic potential energies
- Conservation of mechanical energy. Applications
- Stability conditions for static equilibrium

Dynamics of systems of material points
- systems of material points. Internal and external forces
- First cardinal equation for systems dynamics
- Center of mass and its motion
- Conservation of momentum
- Collisions (brief notes)
- Moment of a force and angular momentum
- Second cardinal equation for systems dynamics
- Conservation of angular momentum
- Koenig theorems

Rigid body dynamics
- Definition of rigid body and its properties
- Continuous bodies. Density and center of mass
- Rigid body kinematics. Angular velocity
- Rigid body dynamics. Rotations around a fixed axis
- Moment of inertia
- Huygens-Steiner theorem
- Compound pendulum
- Rolling motion
- Equilibrium for a rigid body

Thermodynamics
- Kinetic theory of ideal gases (brief notes)
- Temperature and pressure
- Thermodynamic systems and states
- Thermodynamic equilibrium
- Mechanical work and heat
- First law of thermodynamics
- Thermodynamic processes (adiabatic, reversible, irreversible)
- Heat capacity and specific heat
- Ideal gas law
- Specific heat of ideal gases
- Cyclic processes and the Carnot cycle
- Second law of thermodynamics
- Carnot's theorem
- Clausius theorem
- Entropy (brief notes)



Core Documentation

P. Mazzoldi, M. Nigro, C. Voci, "Elementi di Fisica - Meccanica e Termodinamica, ed. Edises
C. Mencuccini, V. Silvestrini, "Fisica - Meccanica e Termodinamica", Ed. Ambrosiana

Reference Bibliography

P. Mazzoldi, M. Nigro, C. Voci, "Elementi di Fisica - Meccanica e Termodinamica, ed. Edises C. Mencuccini, V. Silvestrini, "Fisica - Meccanica e Termodinamica", Ed. Ambrosiana

Type of delivery of the course

Classes will be provided through four lessons of two hour each for week for a total of 108 hours. Additional didactical materials (e.g. videos of exercises) and communications will be put on the Moodle web page of the course.

Attendance

Students are warmly recommended to attend lessons in presence so that the direct interaction with the teacher will permit an optimal didactical effect

Type of evaluation

The exam comprises a written and an oral test. In the written test the student must solve some problems of physics related to the different subject of the course. Who reaches a sufficient degree in the written test is admitted to the oral one at the end of which the final result of the exam will be decided with the final mark.