PHYSICAL METHODS
Learning outcomes of the course unit
The course aims at providing a basic understanding of physical processes and laws underlying the properties of matter. A particular focus will be placed on the analysis of chemical and biological processes. Laboratory experiments aim at providing some practical applications of the conceptual instruments highlighted in the class activity.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of differential calculus
Course contents summary
Class Lectures
Units, Dimensions & Errors, Vectors, Motion in one and two dimensions, Newton’s laws of motion, Friction, Circular motion.
Work, Energy & Power, Momentum, Collision, Centre of mass, Rotational mechanics Gravitation.
Simple Harmonic motion, Wave motion and Sound waves, Fluid mechanics, Properties of matter.
Thermal Expansion, Calorimetry, Heat Transfer, Kinetic theory of gases, Thermodynamics.
Electric Force, Field and Potential, Capacitors, Electric Current, Electric Circuits, Thermal, Thermoelectric and Chemical Effects of Current.
Magnetic Force and Field, Permanent Magnets, Earth’s Field and Magnetic Properties, Electromagnetic Induction, Alternating Current.
Reflection at Plane and Spherical Surfaces, Refraction at Plane and Spherical Surfaces, Optical Instruments, Defects of Vision, Wave Nature of Light.
Photoelectric effect, Dual nature of matter, X-rays, Atom and Nucleus (Radioactivity), Semiconductors, EM waves, Principle of communication.
Laboratory activity
Introduction to error theory, error distribution: standard deviation & normal distribution, error propagation, linear regression & non-linear approximations, Chi-squared test.
Use of "Origin" software for data analysis.
ESPERIMENTS.
Electromagnetism: Ohm’s law.
Optics: Measure of the diffraction index of a material.
Recommended readings
J. W. Jewett Jr. & R. A. Serway Principi di Fisica – EdiSES
J.S. Walker Fondamenti di Fisica – Pearson Italia.
J.R. Taylor Introduzione all'analisi degli errori - Zanichelli
Teaching methods
Class lectures and laboratory activity.
Assessment methods and criteria
Written and oral exams. All written exams are open-book and open-note exams
Other informations
Supporting activity:
IDEA project
