The module deals with the fundamentals of thermodynamics, electrostatics and magnetostatics in vacuum.
The course wants to provide Students with the capability i) to solve simple problems on the above indicated topics, making use of the acquired knowledge on mathematics, ii) to critically examine results obtained and to understand in which contexts they can be applied; 3) to transfer the acquired knowledge through a proper technical-scientific language.
High-school Physics knowledge
Lectures in lecture theater
Written test (during the course or at its end) and oral exam (at the end of the course).
Written test requires the solution of open answers to ascertain the knowledge of the fundamentals of mechanics, thermodynamics, electrostatics and magnetostatics in vacuum. The oral exam focuses on the discussion of the theoretical basis needed to solve the written test.
30-30 cum laude
Comprehensive, deep and critical knowledge of the course topics, excellent skills in understanding and applying independently the acquired knowledge to solve the proposed questions;
29-27
Comprehensive and deep knowledge of the course topics, very good skills in understanding and applying independently the acquired knowledge to solve the proposed questions;
26-25
Comprehensive knowledge of the course topics, good skills in understanding and applying independently the acquired knowledge to solve the proposed questions;
24-22
Proper knowledge of the course topics, skills in understanding and applying independently the acquired knowledge to solve the proposed questions;
21-18
Basic knowledge of the course topics, basic skills in understanding and applying the acquired knowledge to solve the proposed questions.
Fundamentals of physics – Wiley – D. Halliday, R. Resnick, J. Walker.
Principles of Physics – Brooks/Cole Thomson Learning – R.A. Serway, J.W. Jewett
THERMODYNAMICS. Thermodynamic systems and states. Thermal equilibrium temperature. Laws of ideal gases. Work on an ideal gas. Heat. Thermal capacity and specific heat capacity. Specific heat capacity of ideal gases. First principle of thermodynamics. Reversible and irreversible transformations. Heating machines. Carnot’s Cycle. Refrigerating machines. Second principle of thermodynamics. Carnot’s theorem. Entropy. Entropy of the ideal gas.
ELECTROSTATICS AND MAGNETOSTATICS IN VACUUM. Coulomb’s law. Field E e potential V. Gauss’ theorem and applications. Capacitance. Capacitors connected in series and in parallel. Current intensity and density. Steady conditions. Ohm’s law. Resistors connected in series and in parallel. Joule effect. Field B. Laplace’s formulas. Electrodynamic forces between electric circuits. Lorentz’s force. Magnetic momentum of a turn. Ampere’s and applications. Concept of magnetic circuit and Hopkinson’s law.
