Student guide Faculty of Engineering A.Y. 2010/11

General Physics
Lesson timetable, Notice board, Additional material
Aim of the course
The course is designed to equip students with the fundamental ideas of physics, starting from the concepts of physical quantity and unit of measurement. The first part of the course deals with material point mechanics (kinematics, statics and dynamics), including notes on rigid body mechanics, while the second part develop the theory of electromagnetism, up until the concept of electromagnetic waves. For all topics, students will be required to solve simple application exercises, in addition to learning the theory.
Syllabus
PHYSICAL QUANTITIES AND UNITS OF MEASUREMENT

MECHANICS
1) Kinematics of a point
Frames of reference
Introduction to the use of vectors
Position, velocity, acceleration
Relative motion
2) Newtonian dynamics
Principles of dynamics
Constraint reactions and inertial forces
Impulse and momentum
Mechanical work, energy and power
Energy theorems
Impact theory
3) Gravitational field
Universal law of gravitation
Elements of the motion of celestial bodies
Kepler's Laws
4) Oscillatory motion
Simple pendulum
5) Elements the rigid body dynamics
Moment of momentum
Moment of inertia
Work and energy in the rotation of a rigid body


ELECTROMAGNETISM
1) Electrical phenomena
Electrical charge
Coulomb's Law
Electric field and lines of force
Potential energy and electrical potential
Gauss' Law for the electric field
Electrostatics of conductors
Capacitors and energy of the electrostatic field
Phenomenology of dielectrics
Electromotive force
Electrical current
Conductors and isolators
Ohm's Law
2) Magnetic phenomena
Natural magnetism
Magnetic poles
Magnetic force acting on a moving charge and on an electric current
Magnetic action on a current-carrying coil
Origin of the magnetic field
Ampère's Law
Gauss' Theorem for the magnetic field
Phenomenology of magnetic materials
3) Electromagnetic phenomena
Faraday-Henry's Laws
Self-induction and energy of a magnetic field
Ampère-Maxwell Law
Maxwell equations in finite form and electromagnetic waves
Spectrum of electromagnetic radiation
Elements of the phenomenology of electromagnetic waves.
Examinations
There will be intermediate written progress tests, with an additional oral evaluation in the case of borderline results.
Students who do not pass all the progress tests will be required to sit a written exam on the full course programme, which may be followed by an oral evaluation.
Reading list
Frautschi, Olenick, Apostol, Goodstein, L'universo meccanico, Zanichelli, 1993.
Olenick, Apostol, Goodstein, Oltre l'universo meccanico, Zanichelli, 1993.
Lecturer's course notes. Available from Libreria Guerini.
Tutorials:
Collection of past exam papers with results - available from Libreria Guerini.