COMPLEMENTI DI FISICA

Academic Year 2023/2024 - Teacher: ROSARIO PIZZONE

Expected Learning Outcomes

The approach to describing the systems and phenomena described above will be experimental in nature, and physical theories will be presented in terms of logical and mathematical structure, as well as experimental evidence. By the end of the course, the student will have developed the ability for both inductive and deductive reasoning. They will be capable of conceptualizing a phenomenon in terms of physical quantities and framing and solving problems using analytical methods. The student will apply the scientific method to the study of natural phenomena and will be able to critically evaluate similarities and differences between physical systems and the methodologies to be applied. The outcome will be a deep understanding of the topics of Electricity, Magnetism, and wave phenomena outlined in the course curriculum, as well as the ability to tackle and solve problems related to these subjects.

Course Structure

The course consists of lectures and practical exercises.

During the practical exercises, similar exercises to those in the exam will be solved

Required Prerequisites

It is essential for the student to have a command of elementary mathematical topics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry) and knowledge of mathematical analysis (differential and integral calculus). In fact, the following mathematical tools are used to explain the physical concepts included in the course curriculum: equations and systems of first and second-degree equations, trigonometric functions and their properties, exponential functions and their properties, logarithmic functions and their properties, equations of loci of points in the plane and in space, derivatives and integrals of single-variable functions, linear differential equations with constant coefficients.

For learning and/or independently reinforcing the required preliminary knowledge, basic mathematics and mathematical analysis courses may be helpful. A thorough understanding of the concepts of mechanics and thermodynamics is naturally required.

Attendance of Lessons

Strongly recommended

Detailed Course Content

Electrostatics

Introduction and review of vector calculus. Vector operators. Electric charge: properties. Conductors and insulators. Coulomb's law. Electric field of a point charge. Electric field of charge distributions. Electric field flux and Gauss's law. Conductors in electrostatic equilibrium. Electric potential and potential energy. Electric potential and potential energy of discrete and continuous charge distributions. Charged conductors: electric field and potential. Capacitors. Electric field energy and energy density. Dielectrics. Polarization of dielectrics. Capacitors with dielectrics.

Electric Current

Current intensity and current density. Classical conduction model. Resistance and Ohm's law. Resistance, resistivity, and temperature dependence. Electric energy and power. Electromotive force. Kirchhoff's laws. RC circuits.

Magnetism

Magnetic field lines. Lorentz force. Motion of charged particles in a magnetic field. Cyclotron. Forces on conductors carrying current. Mechanical moment on planar circuits. Magnetic field generated by steady currents. Ampere's law. Gauss's law for magnetism. Brief introduction to the magnetic properties of matter.

Electromagnetic Induction

Induced electromotive force. Faraday's and Lenz's laws. Alternator. Self and mutual induction. Magnetic field energy and energy density. Brief introduction to alternating current and RLC series circuits. Impedance. Power. Transformer.

Wave Phenomena

Review of mechanics, simple harmonic oscillator, damped and forced oscillators. Description of a wave. Differential equation of plane waves. Transverse and longitudinal waves. Mechanical waves. Acoustic waves. Intensity of acoustic waves. Electromagnetic waves. Electromagnetic wave spectrum. Intensity of electromagnetic waves.

Geometric Optics Overview

Speed of light and measurement methods. Laws of reflection and refraction. Total internal reflection. Diffraction and interference of light waves.

Introduction to Modern Physics

Elements of environmental radioactivity. Overview of the radon problem in buildings.

Textbook Information

1. P.Mazzoldi, M.Nigro,C.Voci–Elementi di Fisica-Elettromagnetismo e onde- EdiSES

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

The written exam will consist of several exercises to be completed within a two-hour time frame, followed by an oral examination.

The evaluation will also take into account the ability to delve into the topics covered and the clarity of presentation.

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

Coulomb's law

Gauss's law

Electric potential

Capacitors

Dielectrics

Electric current

Ohm's law

Electric power

Magnetic field

Ampere's law

Electromagnetic induction

Simple, damped harmonic oscillator

Mechanical waves

Electromagnetic waves

Snell's Laws

Degree Course in

Civil, Environmental and Management Engineering