Educational offer - University of Padova

Syllabus

Prerequisites:	Elements of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, functions and vectorial calculus in the Maths courses of the previous semester.
Target skills and knowledge:	Knowledge of the theory and applications of the fundamental laws of mechanics and electromagnetism. Capability to analyze and solve simple problems. Familiarity with basic laboratory instrumentation (sensors of position and velocity, precision scales, multimeter, oscilloscope, waveform generators) and with software for the acquisition, analysis and presentation of the data. Capability to carry out simple laboratory experiments in a team and to analyize and elaborate the measured quantities and preparing a written report on them with scientific rigour. Familiarity with the analysi of problems from a scientific point of wiew.
Examination methods:	A written test plus an individual oral examination within one academic year. The written test can be passed also by two written assessment test carried out during the course. In this case, the oral examination could be performed through a written test.
Assessment criteria:	Written test: This comprises the analysis and solution of problems similar to those in the textbook, discussed during lectures or those proposed on line for self-assessment. Oral examination: An individual interview during which the student will be asked to respond to one or more questions about the theory learned during the course, or to analyse a problem based on general principles, or to discuss one of the experiemnts carried-out in the course lab. The overall evaluation takes into account results of the written and oral test, and the laboratory reports
Course unit contents:	Mechanics: Physical Quantities. The International System of units. Kinematics of unidimensional motion.velocitiy, acceleration. Motion in two dimensions, parabolic and circular mation. Dynamics of a particle. Newton's laws Motion of a particle. The fundamental forces. Gravity, weight, force on a falling body. Elastic forces and friction. Mechanical work, kinetic energy and its theorem. Conservative forces and potential energy. Energy conservation. Linear and angular momentum and its conservation. Many-body systems. Internal and external forces. Centre of mass. Motion of the centre of mass, theorems of the linear and angular momentum. Reference system of the centre of mass. Koenig's theorems. Motion of a rigif body. Momentum of inertia, Huyghens-Steiner theorem, dynamics of the tranlational and rotational motion. Collisions, elestic and anelastics. Electromagnetism: Electrical charge, electrostatic force, Coulomb's law. Electrostatic field and potential. Electric dipoles. Gauss' law. Conductors in electrostatic equilibrium. Electrical properties of matter, polarization, dielectrics. Capacitors. Electrical current, laws of Ohm and Kirchoff. Magnetic field B. Lorentz force and motion of charges in a B-field. Forces on a current carrying conductor. Sources of the magnetic field B, Ampere's law. Magnetic properties of matter, law of Faraday-Henry and Lenz's principle. Self and mutual induction. Maxwell's equations. Electromagnetic waves. Poynting vector and polarization of waves. Mechanical waves, interference, Doppler effect.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods:	Lectures of theory; analysis, discussion and solution of problems and examples. Laboratory: four simple experiments carried out ina team of three students in application of basic laws of mechanics and electromagnetism. Preparation of a report describing the experiments and the results obtained.
Additional notes about suggested reading:	Lecture notes related to the theory part, as well as a collection of problems with solutions, will be avilable online, for self- assessment and training in preparation of the written tests. Previous test with solutions will be made available. One hour in a week will be devoted to an activity of tutoring in which students can directly ask explanations and clarifications on everything presented in the course and for the preparation to the written test.
Textbooks (and optional supplementary readings)	Mazzoldi, Nigro, Voci, Elementi di Fisica Vol. 1 - Meccanica e Termodinamica. Napoli: Edises, 2008. Mazzoldi, Nigro, Voci, Elementi di Fisica Vol. 2 - Elettromagnetismo e Onde. Napoli: Edises, 2008.