MECHANIC OF POINT, SYSTEMS AND FLUIDS
Prerequisites
Elements of Physics and Mathematics at high school level.
Teaching objectives and expected learning outcomes
The purpose of the course is to provide an exhaustive presentation of the basic physical phenomena in the framework of kinematics and dynamics of point-like particles. Important concepts will be introduced, like energy conservation. At the end of the course the successful student will be able to solve problems and to develop simple models to describe physical processes.
Course program
Introduction. Measuring physical quantities. Units of measurement (MKS,cgs).
Vectors: sum, scalar product, vector (cross) product.
Coordinate systems: Cartesian, spherical and cylindrical.
Kinematics
Trajectory and the description of motion.
Elementary introduction to differential calculus.
Velocity and acceleration
Uniform motion, uniformly accelerated motion, harmonic motion. Uniform circular motion, centripetal acceleration. Tangential and normal acceleration.
Reference systems: principle of relativity.
Relationship between different reference systems: fictitious forces.
Dynamics
First and second laws of dynamics.
Third law and momentum conservation.
Weight.
Rheonomic constraints: inclined plane
Elastic forces: Hooke's law
The pendulum
Tensions: Atwood machine
Frictional laws and viscous forces
Impulse-momentum theorem
Variable masses
Kinetic energy, work: work-energy theorem.
Conservative forces, potential energy.
Conservation of mechanical energy.
Angular momentum.
Central forces and conservation of angular momentum.
Gravitation
Equivalence principle
Newton's law of gravitation
Measuring G: the Cavendish experiment
Gravitational potential energy.
Kepler laws
Center of mass and reduced mass
Gauss theorem.
Motion of a point in a gravitational point.
Elastic and inelastic collisions
Dynamics of systems of points: Newton's equations and the definition of torque.
Type of didactic activities
Lectures and exercise sessions.
Texts and teaching materials
Reference book: S. Rosati, “Fisica Generale 1”
Supplementary reference: The Feynmann Lectures, Vol. 1
Verification of learning skills
Written exams are scheduled after completion of the lectures. They include: solutions of problems to verify the understanding of the basic laws of mechanics; development of models to describe a physical system; critical discussion of experiments.
Final written tests are also scheduled throughout the year. If explicitly requested by students, an oral exam may be planned.
Modules
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Credits: 7
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Credits: 9