Learning objectives
At the end of the course the student is expected to be able to:
- Know the fundamental laws of classical mechanics
- Represent a physical phenomenon schematically
- Communicate the acquired knowledge using the correct specific language
- Make connections between the topics covered in the course
- Set up and solve problems that require the use of acquired knowledge
Prerequisites
Knowledge of algebra, trigonometry, principles of analytical geometry, principles of differential and integral calculus.
Course unit content
Physical quantities. Vector calculus. Kinematics of material point. Dynamics of material point. Dynamics of systems of material points. Dynamics of the rigid body. Gravitation. Oscillatory phenomena. Wave phenomena. Statics and dynamics of ideal fluids.
Full programme
- Physical quantities and units, dimensions, scalar and vector quantities. Vectors operations.
- Kinematics of material point. Motion at constant velocity and uniformly accelerated motion. Free-fall motion. Projectile motion. Uniform circular motion. Relative motions.
- Dynamics of material points. Newton’s laws of motion. Gravity. Normal force. Tension. Elastic force. Friction. Inclined plane. Dynamics of uniform circular motion. Inertial and non-inertial frame of references.
- Work. Kinetic energy. Kinetic energy theorem. Power. Conservative and non-conservative forces. Potential energy. Conservation of mechanical energy.
- Motion of systems of material points. Centre of mass. Linear momentum. Conservation of linear momentum. Impact force. Collisions.
- Motion of the rigid body. Rotational kinematics. Rotational dynamics. Moment of inertia. Rotational kinetic energy. Torque. Angular momentum. Rolling motion. Conservation of angular momentum.
- Laws of universal gravitation. Kepler's laws.
- Elastic properties of solids.
- Oscillatory phenomena. Simple harmonic motion. Simple pendulum and physical pendulum. Damped Oscillations. Forced Oscillations. Resonance.
- Mechanical waves. Wave function. Interference of harmonic waves. Standing waves.
- Fluids. Stevin’s law. Archimedes' principle. Continuity equation. Bernoulli's equation.
Bibliography
- Fondamenti di Fisica – R. A. Serway, J. W. Jewett Jr. – Sesta Edizione - EdiSES
- Fondamenti di Fisica (Meccanica, Onde, Termodinamica) - D. Halliday, R. Resnick, J. Walker – Settima Edizione - Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
- Fisica 1 – R. Resnick, D. Halliday, K. S. Krane – Quinta Edizione – Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
Teaching methods
Teaching will be based on lectures with the support of lecture materials (e.g., lecture slides). Lecture materials, for the exclusive use of the students of the course, will be uploaded weekly on the Elly platform. To download the lecture materials, the online registration to the course is required.
During the lectures, the explanation of course topics will be supported by examples and exercises to fix and clarify the concepts covered.
It is recommended that all students register on the course's Elly page before the start of the course and always check the available materials and other information/communications provided through the platform.
Assessment methods and criteria
The assessment consists of a written exam and an oral exam. The written exam will consist of solving problems related to the course topics, with justification for each step. The written exam will be held after the end of classes, during the exam sessions indicated on the ESSE3 platform. After passing the written exam, students must take the oral exam. The oral exam will consist of a discussion on the course program. The overall grade will be based on the written exam (40%) and the oral exam (60%). Online registration for the exams is mandatory on ESSE3. Note: on ESSE3, the written exam can be found among the "partial exams", as it represents only a part of the exam and there is no verbalization after the written exam. The grade will be verbalized after passing the oral exam.
Other information
Office hours upon appointment by e-mail.
