GENERAL PHYSICS I M - ZModule FRONTAL TEACHING
Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: Maria Grazia GRIMALDIExpected Learning Outcomes
The training objective of the course is to provide an organic knowledge of classical mechanics and thermodynamics.
The training path to acquire this result is as follows:
● Study of the fundamental laws of classical mechanics of the material point and systems of points with particular regard to kinematics, Newton's laws and conservation principles.
● Study of the dynamics of the rigid body
● Study of universal gravitation
● Study of oscillatory and wave phenomena
● Study of fluid mechanics
● Study of elements of thermology
● Study of the laws of thermodynamics and applications to different physical systems.
The approach to the description of the systems and phenomena described above will be experimental like and the physical theories will be presented in terms of logical and mathematical structure and of experimental evidence. At the end of the course, the student will have acquired inductive and deductive reasoning skills, will be able to outline a phenomenon in terms of physical quantities and to set up a problem and solve it with analytical methods. The student will apply the scientific method to the study of natural phenomena and will be able to critically evaluate similarities and differences between physical systems and the methodologies to be applied. The student will be able to expose a topic of classical mechanics and / or thermodynamics with language properties, focusing on the inductive / deductive process which, from the starting hypotheses, allows one to reach conclusions.
Knowledge and understanding
Critical understanding of physics laws both in theoretical and laboratory aspects and their interconnections, also in interdisciplinary fields.
Applying knowledge and understanding
Ability to identify the essential elements in a phenomenon, in terms of orders of magnitude and approximation level, and being able to perform the required approximations
Ability to use analogy as a tool to apply known solutions to new problems (problem solving). Ability to develop experimental and theoretical procedures to solve new problems.
Making judgements
Ability to convey own interpretations of physical phenomena, when discussing within a research team.
Communication skills
Ability to discuss about physical concepts, both in Italian and in English..
Ability to present and discuss the procedure to solve problems.
Learning skills
Ability to acquire adequate tools for the continuous update of one's knowledge. Ability to use texts and bibliographic resources to improve one's knowledge.
Course Structure
Required Prerequisites
The student must master the elementary mathematics topics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, analytical geometry).
The knowledge of mathematical analysis necessary to understand the topics covered in the course will be progressively introduced by the teachers so that all students, regardless of the diploma obtained, can address the topics covered in class.
In fact, for the exposition of the physical concepts included in the course program, the following mathematical tools are used: equations and systems of 1st and 2nd-degree equations, trigonometric functions and their properties, exponential functions and their properties, logarithmic functions, and their properties, equations of loci of points in the plane and space, derivatives and integrals of functions of one variable, linear differential equations with constant coefficients.
For learning and/or consolidating the required preliminary knowledge independently, the basic mathematics and mathematical analysis courses available on e-learning platforms such as Federica Web Learning and Coursera for Campus, to which University students have access.
Attendance of Lessons
Attendance highly recommended
Detailed Course Content
Mechanics of material point: kinematics: motion in one, two, three dimensions; reference systems and relative motions; laws of dynamics; strength, work, kinetic energy; momentum; conservative forces, potential energy; conservation theorems; angular momentum; moment of a force/torque; central forces
Mechanics of systems of material points: center of mass, reduced mass; momentum conservation; angular momentum conservation; Konig theorems; kinetic energy theorem; elastic and inelastic collisions.
Dynamics of the rigid body: definition of a rigid body; rotations around a fixed axis; moment of inertia; Huygens-Steiner theorem; pure rolling motion; angular impulse and moment of impulse; ellipsoid of inertia; gyroscope; free rigid body; static.
Gravitation: Kepler's laws; law of universal gravitation; inertial and gravitational mass; gravitational field; gravitational potential energy; Gauss theorem; calculation of orbits.
Elastic properties of solids: traction and compression; scrolling; compressibility; torsion balance.
Oscillations and waves: harmonic oscillator; Damped harmonic oscillator; forced harmonic oscillator; resonance; longitudinal and transverse waves; Fourier analysis; physical nature of sound.
Mechanical properties of fluids: fluids statics: law of Stevino, Pascal, and Archimedes; fluids dynamics; steady regime and Bernoulli's theorem; viscosity; laminar and vortex motion.
Thermodynamics: temperature and thermometry; equation of state for gases; kinetic theory of gases; work and heat; first law of thermodynamics; second law of thermodynamics; entropy; thermodynamic transformations; thermodynamic potentials; phase changes; real gases; third law of thermodynamics.
Textbook Information
1) R. Mazzoldi, M. Nigro, C. Voci, Fisica – Vol. I , EdiSES - Napoli (Italia)
2) Focardi S., Massa I., Uguzzoni A., Villa M. - Fisica generale - MECCANICA E TERMODINAMICA, Casa editrice Ambrosiana
3) Halliday, Resnick, Krane, Fisica 1, Casa editrice Ambrosiana
4) Zemansky, Calore e Termodinamica, Zanichelli
5) Fermi, Termodinamica, Bollati Boringhieri
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mechanics of material point: 14 hours | |
| 2 | Mechanics of systems of material points: 10 hours | |
| 3 | Dynamics of the rigid body: 10 hours | |
| 4 | Gravitation: 10 hours | |
| 5 | Elastic properties of solids: 4 hours | |
| 6 | Oscillations and waves: 14 hours | |
| 7 | Mechanical properties of fluids: 8 hours | |
| 8 | Thermodynamics: 21 hours |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
The exam consists of a written test and an oral interview. The written test consists of 3 (or 4) problems to be solved in a maximum time of 2 hours. To learn about the types of problems proposed, consult the website http://nanostar.jimdo.com/.
The evaluation of the written test will take into account the problem-solving approach, the correctness of the numerical calculations and significant figures, the arguments supporting the procedure followed. The minimum grade for admission to the oral exam is 15/30.
The evaluation of the oral interview will take into account the student's ability to use orders of magnitude in the analysis of a phenomenon, the ability to critically evaluate analogies and differences between physical systems, the level of depth of the contents presented and his/her ownership of language and exposition.
The written test has limited validity, it is necessary to complete the exam by passing the oral interview in the same calendar year as the written test. If the student does not complete the exam within the calendar year, he/she must repeat the written test.
To facilitate the process, the exam can be divided into two partial tests, one relating to mechanics, gravitation, and elastic properties of solids (first partial test) and the second relating to oscillations and waves, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics (second partial test). Each partial test includes a written test (three problems to be solved in a maximum of two hours) and an oral interview. Passing both partial tests will determine the achievement of the exam. These partial tests are to be considered additional opportunities compared to the exams and do not preclude participation in the ordinary exams. It is necessary to complete the exam in the same calendar year as the first written test. To find out the type of problems proposed, consult the website http://nanostar.jimdo.com/. The minimum admission grade for the respective oral interviews is 15/30.
The first test takes place at the end of the first academic period, in the February exam session. Students who pass the written test will have access to the oral interview that will determine admission to the second partial test.
The second partial test can be taken in each of the ordinary exam sessions of the second and third sessions, according to the official calendar. Students who pass the second written test will have access to the oral interview that will determine the result of the exam.
Students who pass the second written test are allowed to take the second oral interview also in a subsequent exam session if it is within the calendar year of the written test.
In addition, for attending students:
The two partial written tests can be replaced by ongoing tests that will be scheduled in agreement between the teacher and students.
Information for students with disabilities and/or DSA
To ensure equal opportunities in compliance with current laws, interested students can request a personal interview to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on educational objectives and specific needs. It is also possible to contact the CInAP (Active and Participatory Integration Center - Services for Disabilities and/or DSA) contact teacher of the Department, Prof. Catia Petta.
Exam dates
The exam dates will be available at http://portalestudente.unict.it, https://www.dfa.unict.it/corsi/L-30/esami. Further information and updates at http://studium.unict.it, https://www.dfa.unict.it/corsi/l-30/avvisi. The reservation to take the exams must be made through the Smart_Edu platform.
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
- Fundamental laws and principles of Physics (e.g. laws of dynamics, principle of conservation of total mechanical energy, principles of thermodynamics, etc.)
- proof of fundamental theorems (e.g. kinetic energy theorem, angular momentum theorem, Bernoulli theorem, Carnot theorem, Clausius theorem, etc.)