Physics
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course aims to: i) introduce students to the methodologies proper to physics; ii) to introduce the main themes of classical physics; iii) show examples of applications of physics to environmental sciences.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will be able to understand the fundamental concepts related to the mechanics of the material point, the description of fluids, thermodynamics, electrical and magnetic phenomena and electromagnetic induction. The student will develop skills related to the methodologies of physics as a very important tool for the study of environmental issues.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Not scheduled.
Course syllabus
Mechanics: physical variables and units of measurement - significant digits - scalars and vectors - kinematics - laws of dynamics - work and energy - principle of mechanical energy conservation - periodic/oscillatory motions - complements of mechanics - introduction to gravitation - introduction to fluid mechanics.
Thermodynamics: temperature and macroscopic variables - law of perfect gases - introduction to kinetic theory of gases - heat, work and internal energy: first law of thermodynamics - fundamental thermodynamics transformations - second law of thermodynamics - Carnot cycle and machine - entropy and irreversible transformations.
Electromagnetism: electric and magnetic phenomenon - electric charge and Coulomb's law - electric field - electric potential - electric circuits - magnetic field - electromagnetic induction.
Finally, the course presents an example of a very important application of physics: weather forecasting. This issue will be discussed only qualitatively considering the complexity of the topic.
Thermodynamics: temperature and macroscopic variables - law of perfect gases - introduction to kinetic theory of gases - heat, work and internal energy: first law of thermodynamics - fundamental thermodynamics transformations - second law of thermodynamics - Carnot cycle and machine - entropy and irreversible transformations.
Electromagnetism: electric and magnetic phenomenon - electric charge and Coulomb's law - electric field - electric potential - electric circuits - magnetic field - electromagnetic induction.
Finally, the course presents an example of a very important application of physics: weather forecasting. This issue will be discussed only qualitatively considering the complexity of the topic.
Prerequisites for admission
The competences that are necessary to pass the entrance exam to access the degree course in Environmental Science and Policy are sufficient to attend the course.
Teaching methods
Teaching method adopted in this course consists in alternating frontal lectures and exercises aiming at strengthening students' ability to apply the acquired competences. In any case, the role that physics and the methods proper of physics play within environmental sciences will be highlighted.
Teaching Resources
The course text book is: J. Walker, D. Halliday, R. Resnick - FONDAMENTI DI FISICA - Meccanica Onde Termodinamica Elettromagnetismo Ottica. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
Moreover, the main contents of the different lectures and exercitations will be uploaded on the course web site (http://ariel.unimi.it).
Moreover, the main contents of the different lectures and exercitations will be uploaded on the course web site (http://ariel.unimi.it).
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final test is an oral exam of about 30 minutes that aims at evaluating the acquired knowledge and at testing the ability of applying it to problems and exercises concerning the main issues faced in the course, with particular attention to aspects related to environmental sciences. The ability of a critical approach to the studied issues will be one of the main evaluated points.
FIS/01 - EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS
FIS/02 - THEORETICAL PHYSICS, MATHEMATICAL MODELS AND METHODS
FIS/03 - PHYSICS OF MATTER
FIS/04 - NUCLEAR AND SUBNUCLEAR PHYSICS
FIS/05 - ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS
FIS/06 - PHYSICS OF THE EARTH AND OF THE CIRCUMTERRESTRIAL MEDIUM
FIS/07 - APPLIED PHYSICS
FIS/08 - PHYSICS TEACHING AND HISTORY OF PHYSICS
FIS/02 - THEORETICAL PHYSICS, MATHEMATICAL MODELS AND METHODS
FIS/03 - PHYSICS OF MATTER
FIS/04 - NUCLEAR AND SUBNUCLEAR PHYSICS
FIS/05 - ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS
FIS/06 - PHYSICS OF THE EARTH AND OF THE CIRCUMTERRESTRIAL MEDIUM
FIS/07 - APPLIED PHYSICS
FIS/08 - PHYSICS TEACHING AND HISTORY OF PHYSICS
Practicals: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Professors:
Manara Veronica, Maugeri Maurizio
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)