Natural Sciences

Knowledge of basic mathematical elements common to all five-year upper secondary school courses is necessary: ​​equivalences, proportions, powers, logarithms, exponential function, sine and cosine, elements of trigonometry, first and second degree equations, inequalities , systems of linear equations. Previous knowledge of: -) basic elements of vector algebra is recommended: concept of vector, components in a reference system, sum/difference of vectors, scalar and vector product. -) concept of derivative and integral, calculation of derivatives and integrals of elementary functions.

The exam will consist of a single oral test, lasting approximately 30 minutes. Three questions will be asked during the test. -) The first question will be dedicated to solving a simple Physics exercise on the topics of the course. In addition to the correctness of the result, the student's ability to correctly set the solution to the exercise, to schematize the physical system, and identify the laws and principles necessary for the solution will be evaluated. -) The other two questions will be asked to verify understanding of the theory relating to the topics covered in the course. Knowledge and understanding of the fundamental laws will be assessed, and where necessary the derivation of the laws starting from the hypotheses on the physical system in question.

The lessons are held in person and include theoretical explanations and the resolution of exercises.

The course will contain the fundamental elements of basic physics. Part 1 Basic Elements (6 hours): -) Physics for natural sciences -) Physical quantities and scientific method -) Elements of vector algebra Part 2 Mechanics (26 hours) 2.1 Kinematics -) Definitions of kinematic quantities -) Elementary motions in one dimension: uniform linear motion, uniformly accelerated motion -) Elementary motions in two dimensions: motion with constant velocity or acceleration, ballistic motion, uniform circular motion -) Relative motions and transformations of reference systems 2.2 Dynamics -) The laws of dynamics -) Examples of forces: weight force, constraint reactions, friction force, resistance of a medium -) Inclined plane without and with friction -) Harmonic motion -) Apparent forces 2.3 Work and Mechanical Energy -) Definitions of work and kinetic energy: the kinetic energy theorem -) Conservative forces and potential energy -) Conservation of mechanical energy 2.5 Basics on system mechanics -) Momentum, impulse of a force, first cardinal equation -) Impacts Part 3 Fluid Mechanics (4 hours) -) Definitions and physical quantities -) Statics of fluids: Archimedes' principle, Stevino's law -) Fluid dynamics: Bernoulli's law, notes on viscous fluids Part 4 Thermodynamics (12 hours) 4.1 Thermodynamic quantities and systems -) Definitions: thermodynamic systems, state variables, temperature, thermodynamic transformations -) Ideal gas law and basics on the kinetic theory of gases -) Heat, thermal capacity, and heat transmission processes 4.2 Work, internal energy and thermodynamic transformations -) Thermodynamic work -) First law of thermodynamics -) Ideal gases: internal energy, specific heat, thermodynamic transformations 4.4 Thermal machines -) Definitions of thermal machines and Carnot cycle -) Second law of thermodynamics and basics on entropy Part 5 Electricity and Magnetism (12 hours) 5.1 Electrostatics -) Electric charge and Coulomb's law in vacuum, the electric field -) Gauss' theorem and notable charge distributions -) Conservativity of the Coulomb force, potential energy and electrostatic potential -) Conductors and dielectrics 5.2 Electric currents -) Definition of electric current, drift speed -) Electrical resistance and Joule effect 5.3 Magnetostatics -) Magnetic fields and magnetic force -) Basics on magnetism in matter 5.4 Electromagnetic induction -) Magnetic induction, induced electromotive force -) Basics on Maxwell's equations and electromagnetic waves  

It is necessary to have knowledge of basic mathematics common to all five-year upper secondary school courses: equivalences, proportions, powers, logarithms, exponential function, sine and cosine, elements of trigonometry, first and second degree equations, inequalities, systems of linear equations. It is suggested to have knowledge of: -) basic elements of vector algebra: concept of vector, components in a reference system, sum/difference of vectors, scalar and vector product. -) concept of derivative and integral, calculation of derivatives and integrals of elementary functions.

Fondamenti di Fisica, J Walker, G. Organtini, Pearson Ed.

Attendance at lectures is not mandatory but strongly recommended.

The exam will consist of a single oral test, lasting approximately 30 minutes. Three questions will be asked during the oral examination. -) The first question will be dedicated to solving a simple Physics exercise on the topics of the course. In addition to the correctness of the result, the student's ability to correctly reach the solution to the exercise, to schematize the physical system, and identify the laws and principles necessary for the solution will be evaluated. -) The other two questions will be asked to verify understanding of the theory relating to the topics covered in the course. Knowledge and understanding of the fundamental laws will be assessed, and where necessary the derivation of the laws starting from the hypotheses on the physical system under analysis. Each of the three questions contributes a weight of one third to the overall exam score expressed out of thirty. To obtain an evaluation of 18/30 the student must demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental laws and the ability to apply them in simple cases. To obtain an evaluation of 30/30 it is necessary to demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of the course topics, and also to be able to demonstrate physical laws according to the program.  

- Ferrari, Luci, Pelissetto, Mariani: “Fisica” voll. 1 e 2 - Edizioni Idelson-Gnocchi - Raymond A. Serway e John W. Jewett, Jr. “Principi di Fisica”, V Edizione - David Halliday, Robert Resnick, “Fondamenti di Fisica”. - Exercises and additional supporting material will be provided on the e-learning website.

The course will consist in lectures in the classroom, that will include also sessions where exercises will be solved.