GENERAL PHYSICS

The course is classified as one of the basic educational activities for the Bachelor Degree in Environmental Sciences. It is aimed first of all at acquiring the knowledge and the comprehension of the main physical phenomena related to the classical Mechanics and Thermodynamics, that are fundamental for the major part of the Degree, developing at the same time the capability of using the logical-deductive reasoning. A further aspect considered throughout the course is the relationship of the physical concepts with the environmental aspects and applications, in order to put the study within a general perspective of sustainability.

The instructional goals of the course are:
1) development of the capability to solve classical Mechanics and Thermodynamic problems, by applying their main laws;
2) favouring and stimulating the use of a correct logical-deductive reasoning in the resolution of problems and in general within the activities related to the learning;
3) development of the capability to present concepts and scientific reasoning in a correct and rigorous formal way, both orally and written.

1. Knowledge and understanding
1.1. To know and understand the main physics laws concerning the cassical concepts of kynematics, dynamics, thermodynamics, optics, electromagnetism.

2. Capability of applying knowledge and comprehension
2.1. To use the learned laws and concepts in the resolution of theoretical or practical problems, with a logical and deductive approach.
2.2. To know how the learned concept may find application in the study of environmental systems.

3. Capability of judgement
3.1. To evaluate the logical consistency of the results coming from the application of the learned physical laws.
3.2. To critically evaluate and recognize the presence of mistakes, by a correct evaluation of the used method and of the numerical results.

4. Communication skills
4.1. To communicate both the knowledge and the effects of its application using the proper scientific language.
4.2. To interact with the teacher and with the other students in a constructive way.

5. Capability of learning
5.1. To take comprehensive and rigorous notes, even by the interaction with the other students.
5.2. To properly select the bibliographic references for the study, even by the interaction with the teacher, possibly also for topics or examples that are not easily found in a textbook.

Having achieved the learning outcomes of the fundamental course “Mathematics and Exercises”. In particular, the student is expected to be familiar with concepts and methods of the vectors algebra, the differential and integral calculus, and the trigonometry.

INTRODUCTION
Presentation of the course and its contextualization within the learning process. Standard Unit System. Frame of reference.

KYNEMATICS OF THE MASS POINT
Position, velocity, acceleration. Uniform and accelerated rectilinear motion. Circular motion. Motion in a plane. Radial and transverse velocity, tangential and centripetal acceleration. Angular velocity and acceleration.

DYNAMICS OF THE MASS POINT
Concepts of force and (inertial) mass. First Newton law. Second Newton law. Classification of the forces. Weight, restraining reactions. Third Newton law. Static, dynamic and viscous friction. Elastic forces in one dimension. Simple harmonic motion. Work of a force. Kinetic energy. Kinetic energy theorem. Power of a force. Potential energy. Conservative systems: mechanical energy and its conservation. Energy balances.

DYNAMICS OF THE SYSTEMS
Definition of mass center. Theorem of the motion of mass center. Conservation of momentum. Angular momentum. Torque. Dynamic equations. Rigid body. Moment of inertia. Translational and rotational motion. Static equilibrium of bodies, statics equations.

FLUID MECHANICS
Density. Pressure. Stevin’s law. Pascal’s principle. Communicating vessels. Hydraulic jack. Hg barometer. Archimede’s principle. Motion in a fluid: Lagrangian and Eulerian descriptions. Streamline and streampipe. Flow rate. Ideal fluids. Bernoulli’s theorem. Venturi’s pipe. Cohesion, surface tension, capillarity.

THERMODYNAMICS
Heat and temperature. Temperature scales. Thermal capacity, specific heat. Internal energy. First principle of Thermodynamics.

ELECTRIC FIELDS
Electric field, magnetic field, Electric Potential

CURRENTS and CIRCUITS
Resistors, capacitor

MAGNETIC FIELDS
Fields generated by currents

ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES
Maxwell Equations

OPTICS
General description of phenomena, interference, diffratione

Any General Phisics textbook at a university level containing classical Mechanics and Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism is in principle suitable. Possibly, the student will show the text to the teacher for approval. It is however suggested the texts:
J. Walker, D. Halliday, R. Resnick, “Fondamenti di Fisica Meccanica Onde Termodinamica",
J. Walker, D. Halliday, R. Resnick, “Fondamenti di Fisica Elettromagnetismo ed Ottica”,
Or the single heavier volume
J. Walker, D. Halliday, R. Resnick, “Fondamenti di Fisica – Meccanica Onde Termodinamica Elettromagnetismo ed Ottica,

The method used to assess the acquired knowledge and skills consists of a written exam. The written exam consists of a series of exercises, to be numerically solved justifying the used methods, plus a few possible open questions. The student has to demonstrate both to have acquired the concepts provided during the class and to be able to apply them coherently in the problems resolution. Depending on the semester structure, the written exam might be replaced by two intermediate written tests, one at about the middle and the other at the end of the course. The duration of the written exam is at least of 1 hour. Typically, during a written exam, it is allowed only the use of a scientific calculator and the consultation of a formulary. The exam is passed with a minimun acceptable grade of 18/30 and a highest achievable grade of 30/30 (possibly cum laude).

The teaching activity is organized as lecture-style presentations, integrated by powerpoint presentations about examples of physical application in the field of environmental sciences. Furthermore, in the moodle platform of the University will be present the possible didactic material presented as powerpoint projections in the classroom, as well as further material (simulations, videos and conferences).

Italian

Accessibility, Disability and Inclusion
Accommodation and support services for students with disabilities and students with specific learning impairments:
Ca’ Foscari abides by Italian Law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) regarding support services and accommodation available to students with disabilities. This includes students with mobility, visual, hearing and other disabilities (Law 17/1999), and specific learning impairments (Law 170/2010). In the case of disability or impairment that requires accommodations (i.e., alternate testing, readers, note takers or interpreters) please contact the Disability and Accessibility Offices in Student Services: disabilita@unive.it.

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This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development