General Physics

Goals
Provide basic knowledge of classical physics (mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics), with emphasis on those aspects that are relevant for Industrial Chemistry.

Acquired skills
At the end of the course, the students will be able to solve standard problems in classical physics, they will have acquired the theoretical and mathematical skills to analyse a physics problem and to provide its solution.

Course content
Mechanics
1. Physical quantities and units
2. Kinematics of point masses. Reference frames
3. Dynamics of point masses. Newton's laws
4. Work, kinetic energy and potential energy. Conservation of energy
5. Angular momentum and torque
6. Linear momentum and scattering.
7. Kinematic and dynamics of rigid bodies
8. Waves and oscillations

Thermodynamics
1. Transformation of thermodynamic systems. The first principle of thermodynamics
2. Application of the first principle to ideal gas.
3. Thermal machines. Carnot's cycle. Entropy and the second principle of thermodynamics
4. Kinetic theory of gases.

Electromagnetism
1. Electrostatics: Coulomb's law and superposition principle
2. The electric field. Electric potential
3. Gauss law and its applications
4. Electrostatic energy. Dielectrics: electric dipole and polarization
5. Electric currents and charge conservation. Ohm's law.
6. Magnetostatics: the magnetic field
7. Lorenz force. Magnetic force of charges and particles
8. Magnetic field produced by currents: Biot'Savart's law. Ampere's law.
9. Time-dependent electric and magentic fields. Faraday's law
10. Displacement current and Ampere-Maxwell law Optics
1. Maxwell's equations. Electromagnetic radiation
2. Interference and diffraction. Reflexion and refraction of plane waves.
3. Geometric optics: mirrors and lenses.

Suggested prerequisites
Mathematics

Reference material
Serway-Jewett "Principi di Fisica" - EdiSES Edizioni

Assessment method
Written-oral. The written exam requires solving three out of six proposed questions. A minimum mark of 15/30 is required for the admission to the oral exam.

Language of instruction
Italian

Attendance Policy:
Strongly suggested

Mode of teaching:
Traditional

Website:
http://www2.fisica.unimi.it/lodato/Homepage_di_Giuseppe_Lodato/Fisica_Generale.html