PHYSICS

The Physics course (FOY14) of the Foundation Year aims to introduce fundamental concepts such as uniform linear motion, Newton's laws of motion, as well as the concepts of Work and Energy. The course will provide the foundations to develop critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities.

Students are expected to actively engage in the learning process, which includes attending lectures, completing assignments, and asking questions. They should also be prepared to develop strong problem-solving skills, apply mathematical concepts to physical calculations, and understand the fundamental principles that underlie physical phenomena.

Basic knowledge of mathematics as studied in Secondary Schools

Lecture 1 - The Nature of Science and Physics (2h)
• Introduction to Science and the Realm of Physics, Physical Quantities, and Units
• Physical Quantities and Units
• Accuracy, Precision, and Significant Figures
• Approximation

Lecture 2 - Kinematics of a point: rectilinear motion (2h)
• Introduction to One-Dimensional Kinematics
• Rectilinear motion
• Velocity in the rectilinear motion
• Acceleration in rectilinear motion
• Vertical motion of a body
• Simple harmonic motion
• Rectilinear exponential motion break
• Velocity and acceleration as a function of body position

Lecture 3 - Kinematics of a point: motion on a plane (4h)

• Motion on a plane. Position and speed
• Acceleration of the motion on a plane
• Circular motion
• Parabolic motion of bodies
• Motion in space
• Summary

Lecture 4 - Dynamics of a point: Newton's Laws of Motion (4h)
• Inertia Principle. Introduction to the Force Concept
• Newton’s Law of Motion
• Momentum and impulse concepts
• Resultant of forces. Equilibrium. Constraint reactions
• Forces classification
• Dynamical action of forces
• Weight
• Friction force
• Inclined plane
• Elastic force
• Viscous friction force
• Centripetal force
• Simple pendulum

Lecture 5 - Dynamics of the point: Work, Energy, and Energy Resources (4h)
• Work, power, and kinetic energy
• Work of the Weight force
• Work of the elastic force
• Work of the friction force
• Conservative Forces and Potential Energy
• Conservation of the mechanic energy
• Angular momentum and force momentum

Lecture 6 - Relative Motions (2h)

• Reference systems, velocity, and relative accelerations
• Inertial reference systems
• Galilean relativity

Lecture 7 - Dynamics of complex systems (4h)
• Complex systems of points. Internal and external forces
• Center of mass
• Conservation of Momentum
• Angular momentum conservation theorem
• Center of mass reference system
• König’s theorems
• Kinetic energy theorem

Lecture 8 - Mechanical properties of fluids (4h)
• Introduction
• Pressure
• Static equilibrium of a fluid
• Archimedes’ principle
• Internal Friction. Viscosity. Ideal fluid.
• Motion of a fluid. Stationary regime. Flow rate.
• Bernoulli theorem
• Laminar motion

Lecture 9 - Rotational Motion and Angular Momentum (4h)
• Introduction to Rotational Motion and Angular Momentum
• Angular Acceleration
• Kinematics of Rotational Motion
• Dynamics of Rotational Motion: Rotational Inertia
• Rotational Kinetic Energy: Work and Energy Revisited
• Angular Momentum and Its Conservation
• Collisions of Extended Bodies in Two Dimensions

Lecture 10 - Fluid Statics (4h)
• Introduction to Fluid Statics
• What Is a Fluid?
• Density
• Pressure
• Variation of Pressure with Depth in a Fluid
• Pascal’s Principle
• Gauge Pressure, Absolute Pressure, and Pressure Measurement
• Archimedes’ Principle
• Cohesion and Adhesion in Liquids: Surface Tension and Capillary Action


Lecture 11 - Temperature, Kinetic Theory, and the Gas Laws (4h)

• Thermodynamics systems and states
• Thermodynamic equilibrium
• Temperature
• Adiabatic systems. Joule experiments. Heat.
• First principle of Thermodynamics
• Thermodynamics transformations. Work and Heat.
• Calorimetry
• The Ideal Gas Law
• Phase Changes
• Humidity, Evaporation, and Boiling

a) Free Physics Book from OpenStax (source: RICE University)
b) PDF or PPT notes
c) Elementi di Fisica (Authors: Mazzo, Nigro, Voci)

The final grade will be based on a mid-term evaluation and a final exam.

The final grade is calculated as follows:

a) Participation and Attendance – 20%
b) Mid-term Evaluation – 30%
c) Final Exam – 50%

The mid-term examination is written.
The final exam is composed of a written and optionally oral part.

- Power point presentations
- Exercises on the blackboard

English

written and oral