ELEMENTI DI MATEMATICA E STATISTICA - FISICA A - L

Module FISICA

Expected Learning Outcomes

The purpose of the course is to provide basic qualitative and quantitative knowledge on the topics of Classical Physics included in the "Detailed Course Contents" section, as well as the ability to know how to apply the Scientific Method to solving real and concrete problems.

In particular, and with reference to the so-called Dublin Descriptors, the course aims to provide the following knowledge and skills.

Knowledge and understanding abilities

Knowledge of the main phenomenological aspects related to Classical Physics and understanding of their physical implications and their mathematical description, in order to develop an ability to reflect on scientific issues in a way that presents traits of originality.

Applying knowledge and understanding ability

Ability to recognize the main physical laws that govern a phenomenon in Physics, and to apply them to solve problems and exercises in different fields and at different levels of complexity, and therefore of approximation, with the use of appropriate mathematical tools.

Ability of making judgements

Ability to estimate and calculate the order of magnitude of the variables that describe a physical phenomenon. Ability to discern the level of importance of a physical law (axiom, conservation principle, universal law, theorem, law in global / integral or local / differential form and its generality, properties of materials, etc.). Ability to be able to evaluate the Physical Model and the corresponding Mathematical Model that best apply to the description of a physical process and therefore to the solution of quantitative problems.

Communication skills

Ability to present scientific concepts belonging to Physics but also, and more generally, information, ideas, problems and solutions with properties and not ambiguity of language, at different levels and to different, both specialists and non-specialists, audiences.

Learning skills

Ability to learn the scientific concepts of Physics, necessary to undertake subsequent studies with a high degree of autonomy.

Classroom-taught lectures and exercises.

Should the circumstances require online or blended teaching, appropriate modifications to what is hereby stated may be introduced, in order to achieve the main objectives of the course.

Information for students with disabilities and / or SLD.
To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and / or dispensatory measures, based on the teaching objectives and specifications needs.
It is also possible to contact the CInAP contact person (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and / or SLD) of the Department, prof. Teresa Musumeci.

Elementary algebra and geometry. Trigonometry. First and second degree equations. Trigonometric equations. First and second degree inequalities. Basic elements of differential calculus.

Physical quantities: Introduction. International System. Physical quantities. Vectors. Measure units. Errors. Significant digits.

Kinematics: Introduction. Reference system. Position, velocity and acceleration. Uniform rectilinear motion and uniformly accelerated motion. Uniform circular motion.

Dynamics: Introduction. First law. Forces. Second law. Mass and weight. Center of gravity. Linear momentum. Third law. The friction force. The elastic force.

Work and energy: Introduction. Work. Kinetic energy and kinetic energy theorem. Energy and conservation of energy. Energy transformations. Conservation of mechanical energy. Power.

Static: Introduction. The moment of a force. Equilibrium conditions for translation and rotation. Levers.

Fluid mechanics: Introduction. Pressure. Fluid equilibrium. Archimede’s law. Dynamics of perfect fluids. The viscous friction force.

Thermodynamics: Introduction. Temperature. Thermal equilibrium. Thermal expansion. Heat. Specific heat. Phase transitions. First law of thermodynamics. Thermodynamic transformations. Thermodynamics in biological systems.

Electromagnetism: Introduction. The electric charge. The Coulomb law. Electric field. Electric potential energy and electric potential. Capacitors. The electric direct current. Electrical resistance and Ohm law. Magnetic field. The Lorentz force. Motion of a charged particle in a uniform magnetic field.

Mechanical waves: Introduction. Wave model. Wave propagation. Stationary waves. Sound.

Optics: Introduction. Nature of light. Huygens Principle. Reflection. Refraction. Light dispersion. Thin lenses. The human eye as an optical system.

1.    R.A. Serway, J.W.Jewett, “Fondamenti di Fisica” (EdiSES)

2.    A. Lascialfari, F. Borsa, A.M. Gueli, “Principi di Fisica per indirizzo biomedico e farmaceutico” (EdiSES)

3.    G.M. Contessa, G.A. Marzo, “Fisica applicata alle scienze mediche" (CEA)

1.    Slides projected in class

Learning Assessment Procedures

Two ongoing checks are scheduled:

1. the first, halfway through the course, concerning the part of the program up to fluid dynamics,

2. the second, at the end of the course, concerning the topics of the remainder of the program.

Those who pass the ongoing checks are exempted from taking the written test required for the final exam. The checks consist of a certain number of exercises. The duration of the checks is set at 90 minutes. Only students regularly attending the course can participate in the on-going tests.

The final exam consists of a written test, consisting in solving some problems, and an oral exam to verify the knowledge, understanding and presentation of the topics covered during the lessons. Students who have reported serious insufficiency in the written test are not recommended to attend the oral exam.

Exam dates are published on the website of the Department of Drug and Health Sciences http://www.dsf.unict.it/corsi/l-29_sfa/calendario-esami

Verification of learning can also be carried out by remote connection, should the conditions require it.

Information for students with disabilities and / or SLD.
To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on the didactic objectives and specifications needs.
It is also possible to contact the referent teacher CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and / or SLD) of our Department, Prof. Santina Chiechio.

A car launched at 100 km/h takes 3.1 seconds to stop. How much space does it cover in the last second?

Discuss the principle of conservation of mechanical energy.

How does the gravitational potential energy vary as the position of a body varies?

Find the Bernoulli equation for an ideal fluid.

How do the velocity and pressure of a liquid flowing in a variable section duct with constant flow vary?

Discuss the metabolism.

State Coulomb's law.

Describe the properties of capacitors.

What is the current flowing through a given resistor subjected to a certain d.d.p.?