PHYSICS 3

The student is required to achieve the following educational objectives:

• knowing how to apply the notions concerning physical quantities and dimensional analysis properly;
• knowing how to apply vector calculus in solving physical problems of the surrounding world;
• be able to solve questions relating to kinematics, static and dynamic problems of the material point and the rigid body;
• knowing how to apply the knowledge of fluid statics and fluid dynamics to real problems;
• know how to apply the knowledge of optics to real problems;
• know how to apply the fundamental concepts related to electromagnetism.

The teaching (7 CFU) includes 49 hours of lectures and (1 CFU) 12 hours of other activities, mainly guided numerical exercises for solving problems and for in-depth analysist. 

PowerPoint presentations are mainly used to conduct lessons and exercises. 

If teaching is given in a mixed formula or remotely, necessary changes may be introduced to what was previously stated in order to comply with the provided and reported syllabus. Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it.

Information for students with disabilities and/or DSA

As a guarantee of equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on their specific needs and on teaching objectives of the discipline. It is also possible to ask the departmental contacts of CInAP (Centro per l’Inclusione Attiva e Partecipata - Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA), in the persons of professor Anna De Angelis.

Basic knowledge of algebra, geometry and trigonometry.

1. Introduction

State of a physical system and physically significant quantities; fundamental and derived units of measurement- Dimensional equations; Introduction to statistics and error theory.

2. Vector calculus

Reference systems and coordinate systems; Vectors as geometric entities; Vectors in physics and their use in physical space two-dimensional and three-dimensional; Vector and scalar quantities; The vectors in the plane and their decomposition by components; Versors; Sum between vectors; Scalar product and vector product between vectors; Multiplication of a scalar by a vector; Applications

3. Mechanics

Description of the motion of a body - Reference systems - Principle of inertia - Second law of dynamics - Third law of dynamics - Conservation of momentum - Force fields - Work of a force - Kinetic energy theorem - Conservative fields - Potential - Conservation of mechanical energy - Moment of forces - Conservation of angular momentum.

4. Mechanics of fluids

Properties of fluids - Statics of fluids: Pascal, Stevin, and Archimedes' laws - Ideal fluids and Bernoulli's theorem - Laminar motion of a viscous fluid: Poiseuille's law - Turbulent flow - Sedimentation - Surface phenomena: Laplace's law and capillarity phenomena .

5 - Thermodynamics

Thermometry and calorimetry - Specific heat of substances - Elements of kinetic theory of gases - State of a thermodynamic system - Joule experience - Equivalence between heat and work - Internal energy and first law of thermodynamics - Generality of thermodynamic transformations - Reversible and irreversible processes - Thermal engines - Second law of thermodynamics - Entropy.

6. Electromagnetic phenomena

Electric charges and Coulomb's law; Electric fields and sources of the electric field; Gauss's law; Electric potential and energy potential; Capacitance and capacitors; Current and Ohm's laws; Magnetic fields and sources; Time-varying magnetic fields; Introduction to Maxwell's Laws; Electromagnetic waves and properties; Applications

7. Wave phenomena

Free mechanical oscillations - Energy of a harmonic oscillator - Progressive harmonic waves - Longitudinal and transverse waves - Plane and spherical waves - Monochromatic waves - Fourier analysis - Doppler effect - Huygens principle - Sound and its characteristics - Physics of the ear - Ultrasound.

8. Elements of optics

Reflection and refraction - Snell's law - Approximation of geometric optics - Spherical diopter - Thin lenses - Geometric construction of images - Microscope - Physical optics - Coherent sources - Interference - Diffraction - Diffraction grating - Resolving power of an optical instrument - Polarization.

1. D. Halliday, R. Resnick, J. Walker "Fondamenti di Fisica" (2015) Casa Ed. Ambrosiana;
2. Mazzoldi, Nigro, Voci: “Elementi di Fisica Vol. 1 – Meccanica e Termodinamica. Seconda edizione.” (EdiSES)

Students are free to use any other text that may be more convenient for them.

The lecture notes (slides of the lectures) are available on the STUDIUM website during the course.

The exam consists of two tests, a written one and an oral one. The written test will be evaluated for the purposes of admission to the oral test. The evaluation of the oral test constitutes the final grade. The student can decide to take the oral part in the same session in which he/she took the written test or in the following session. After passing the written test, consisting of solving some exercises (usually 4), the oral exam will provide an opportunity to verify the knowledge, understanding and presentation of the topics covered during the lessons.

In itinere tests

Students attending will be able to take in itinere tests. Two in itinere tests will be carried out: the first halfway through the course on the part of the program up to fluid dynamics, the second at the end of the course on the topics of the remaining part of the program. Those who pass the in itinere tests are exempt from taking the written test required for the final exam, if this is taken within the First Exam Session.

The learning assessment may also be carried out electronically, if conditions require it.

Concerning the oral exam:

The student’s preparation will be evaluated based on the following criteria: learning ability and level of depth of the topics covered, properties of synthesis and exposition, and the student's ability to reason.

The vote follows the following scheme:

Unsuitable

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Important shortcomings. Significant inaccuracies

Ability to analyse and synthesise: Irrelevant. Frequent generalisations. Inability to synthesise

Use of references: Completely inappropriate

18-20

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: At the threshold level. Obvious imperfections

Analysis and synthesis skills: Just enough skills

Use of references: As appropriate

21-23

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Routine knowledge Analysis and synthesis skills: It is capable of correct analysis and synthesis. Argue logically and consistently

Using references: Use standard references.

24-26

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Good knowledge

Analysis and synthesis skills: Has good analysis and synthesis skills. The arguments are expressed consistently.

Using references: Use standard references.

27-29

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Knowledge more than good

Ability to analyse and synthesise: He has considerable skills in analysis and synthesis

Use of references: Has explored the topics.

30-30L

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Excellent knowledge

Ability to analyse and synthesise: He has considerable skills in analysis and synthesis.

Use of references: Important insights.

(Oral)

•  Discuss the principles of conservation of mechanical energy, momentum and angular momentum;
• Reflection, refraction and Snell's law;
• Bernoulli equation for an ideal fluid and applications;
• Describe the phenomenology related to electric and magnetic fields

 (Ongoing Checks)

•  A cannon fires a projectile at speed v0= 100 m / s. Calculate the gun firing angle to have the maximum range and determine its value.

• Calculate the pressure exerted by the weight force of a cube-shaped body made of aluminium, whose edge is 12 cm, resting with one face of the cube on a horizontal plane.