PHYSICS I P - Z

The course provides the basic knowledge and skills in general physics required for the education of industrial engineers.

Knowledge and understanding: knowledge of the main physical quantities, dimensional analysis, conservation principles, and the fundamentals of mechanics, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics.

Applying knowledge and understanding: ability to apply vector calculus and physical laws to the solution of problems in particle kinematics and dynamics, rigid-body dynamics, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, checking the physical and dimensional consistency of the results.

The course includes 87 hours of teaching activities: 42 hours of Teaching Delivery (DE) devoted to theoretical lectures and 45 hours of Interactive Teaching (DI) devoted to classroom problem-solving sessions.

Lectures provide the theoretical foundations, while problem-solving sessions focus on guided problem-solving and the application of physical and mathematical models. Self-assessment activities and guided exercise discussions may also be proposed.

If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above to ensure consistency with the syllabus.

Basic knowledge of algebra, trigonometry and the main geometrical relations is required and considered essential.

Familiarity with the analysis of mathematical functions, graph reading, and elementary differential and integral calculus is also important.

Attendance is compulsory for at least 70% of the teaching hours, in accordance with University regulations.

Physical quantities - 2 h DE, 1 h DI

Physical quantities and units of measurement. International System of Units. Dimensional analysis. Measurement errors and significant figures.

Vector calculus - 4 h DE, 3 h DI

Scalar and vector quantities. Reference frames and Cartesian representation. Vector algebra. Scalar and vector products.

Kinematics - 8 h DE, 12 h DI

Position, displacement, velocity and acceleration. Uniform and uniformly accelerated rectilinear motion. Projectile motion and circular motion. Relative motion.

Dynamics - 14 h DE, 12 h DI

Newton's laws. Inertial and non-inertial reference frames. Forces and constraint reactions. Weight, frictional force and elastic force. Work, power and energy. Kinetic and potential energy. Conservation of mechanical energy. Momentum and impulse. Systems of particles and centre of mass. Elastic and inelastic collisions. Angular momentum and torque. Rigid bodies, moment of inertia, rotational and rolling motion. Simple harmonic motion: mass-spring system and simple pendulum. Conservation of energy in harmonic motion.

Fluid mechanics - 6 h DE, 7 h DI

Density and pressure. Fluid statics. Stevin's law. Pascal's and Archimedes' principles. Fluid motion, flow rate and continuity equation. Bernoulli's equation and Torricelli's theorem. Introduction to viscosity.

Thermodynamics - 8 h DE, 10 h DI

Temperature and heat. Zeroth law of thermodynamics. Thermal expansion, heat capacity and specific heat. Latent heat. Ideal gases and thermodynamic processes. Work, heat and internal energy. First law of thermodynamics. Heat engines and efficiency. Second law of thermodynamics. Carnot cycle. Entropy.

CONTRIBUTION OF THE COURSE TO THE GOALS OF THE 2030 AGENDA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

SDG 4 - Quality Education, Targets 4.3 and 4.4: basic scientific education and development of technical and scientific skills.

SDG 5 - Gender Equality.

SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities.

1. P. Mazzoldi, M. Nigro, C. Voci, Fisica Vol. 1 - Meccanica e Termodinamica, EdiSES.
2. D. Halliday, R. Resnick, J. Walker, Fondamenti di Fisica, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.

Additional teaching material will be provided by the lecturer.

The written test consists of four exercises, generally covering: particle kinematics and dynamics; systems of particles or rigid bodies; fluid mechanics; thermodynamics.

Each exercise is assigned a score ranging from 0/30 to 7.5/30, based on the correct formulation of the physical and mathematical model, the solution procedure, and the numerical and dimensional correctness of the result.

A minimum grade of 18/30 in the written test allows access to the oral examination. For grades greater than or equal to 15/30 and lower than 18/30, the oral examination will include an additional assessment of the student's basic knowledge.

The oral examination consists of an interview lasting at least 30 minutes and assesses the student's knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the subject, ability to establish connections among different topics, ability to provide examples and applications, appropriate use of scientific terminology, and clarity of presentation.

If the student fails the oral examination, they must repeat the written test.

The final assessment will take into account the results of both tests, the correct formulation and solution of problems, and the ability to interpret the obtained results from a physical point of view.

Discuss the principles of dynamics in inertial and non-inertial reference frames.

Discuss the conservation principles of mechanical energy, momentum and angular momentum.

Describe simple harmonic motion with reference to the mass-spring system and the simple pendulum, discussing the conservation of energy.

Describe rigid-body dynamics and the main features of rotational motion.

Derive Bernoulli's equation for an ideal fluid and discuss its conditions of validity.

State and discuss the first and second laws of thermodynamics and their main applications.

Example of exercise: solve a problem involving particle kinematics and dynamics, including a dimensional check of the result.

Example of exercise: solve a problem involving a rigid body, fluid mechanics or thermodynamics.