A general overview of Classical Physics and an introduction to Modern Physics, with emphasis on subjects relevant to geologists.
The course includes basics of mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, waves mechanics and radioactivity.
Giancoli,
“Fisica con Fisica Moderna” (II Ed.), Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
D. Halliday, R. Resnick, J. Walker,
“Fondamenti di Fisica – Meccanica, Termologia” (VI Ed.),
“Fondamenti di Fisica – Elettrologia, Magnetismo, Ottica” (VI Ed.),
“Fondamenti di Fisica – Fisica Moderna” (V Ed.),
Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
Every didactic Physics book dealing at the same level the program arguments (with related practice).
Learning Objectives
This course aims to give a solid introduction to Classical Physics and some rudiments of Modern Physics, with particular emphasis to aspects more relevant to basic knowledge and needs of the Bachelor’s degree in Geology.
Prerequisites
Mastering mathematics taught in previous courses.
Teaching Methods
Lectures and exercises.
Further information
Even if not mandatory, attendance to lectures is warmly recommended.
Type of Assessment
Written exam, with oral integration if needed.
Course program
Fundamental and derivative physical quantities. Uncertainties and units of measure. Fundamentals in vector calculus. Kinematics. Newton’s laws. Examples of forces. Conservative force field. Conservation laws of energy and momentum. Mechanics of systems and of rigid bodies. Gravitational field and potential. Fluid mechanics: pressure; Stevino’s, Pascal’s and Archimede’s laws; equation of continuity; Bernoulli’s theorem; viscosity; Poiseuille’s law. Introduction to thermodynamics: temperature; heat; thermal expansion of bodies; specific and latent heat; heat transfer. Work and heat. First and second law of thermodynamics. Ideal gases. Static electricity: electric charge; Coulomb’s law; Gauss’s theorem; electric field and potential. Conductors and dielectrics. Stationary currents in elementary circuits. Ohm’s laws. Joule effect. Magnetism: magnetic field; Lorentz’s force; Ampère’s law; Faraday-Lenz’s law; magnetic properties of matter. Wave mechanics: general aspects of wave propagation; reflection; refraction and diffraction. Electromagnetic waves. The photon. Fundamentals of Modern Physics; basics of nuclear physics; radioactive decays; activity; mean and half life; radiometric dating.