Physics I

The courses cover basic topics of Classical Physics. At the beginning a reference in the specific chapter of classical mechanics called kinematics is made. It includes the study of a mass or a solid object in one or two dimensions, projectile motion and the uniform circular motion. Following the specific chapter of the mechanics called dynamics is also covered and studied in depth. It includes the definition and the interpretation of the Newton’s laws and inertial frames. The principle of energy conservation is studied thoroughly as well as the work-kinetic energy theorem. After that, the collisions theory in one or two dimensions is analyzed as well as the conservation law of the linear momentum and the rotational motion of a rigid object around a constant axis. Additionally the gravitational law and the Fluid mechanics are studied in details. Finally, the periodic movements and the simple harmonic motion through which we understand the mechanical wave’s propagation are also studied thoroughly.

Objectives

The main objective of this physics course is to present to the undergraduate students with an easy and logical way the basic concepts and principles of physics and further more to assist them in order to deeply understand those principles as well, through a big variety of their applications in the modern life. To achieve the above mentioned objectives, an emphasis in the analysis of the correct scientific way of thinking is primarily given, as well as in the methodology and the problem solving techniques. Very important objective is also the challenge to cause the interest of the undergraduate students in physics, using as a reference, several examples, achievements and applications of physics which have highlight the role of physics in other scientific sectors like those of Medicine and technical sciences.

Prerequisites

None

Syllabus

1.Standards of Length, Mass, and Time, Matter and Model Building, Density and Atomic Mass, Dimensional Analysis, Conversion of Units, Coordinate Systems, Vector and Scalar Quantities, Some Properties of Vectors, Components of a Vector and Unit Vectors Problems and Solving Techniques. 2.Coordinate Systems, Position, Velocity, and Speed, Instantaneous Velocity and Speed, Acceleration, Motion Diagrams, One-Dimensional Motion with Constant Acceleration, Freely Falling Objects, Kinematic Equations Derived from Calculus Problems and Solving Techniques. 3.The Position, velocity, and acceleration Vectors. Two -Dimensional Motion with Constant Acceleration. Projectile Motion. Relative Velocity and Relative Acceleration Problems and Solving Techniques 1 ο 1 ο 6. 4.Relative motion. Lorenz transformations. Uniform Circular Motion. Tangential and Radial Acceleration Problems and Solving Techniques. 5.The concept of force. Newton’s first law and inertial frames. Newton’s second law. The gravitational force and weight. Motion in accelerated frames. Problems and Solving Techniques. 6.Applications on the Newton’s second law to uniform circular motion. Newton’s third law. Applications on Newton’s laws. Forces of friction. 7.Systems and Environments. Work done by a constant and a varying force. Kinetic energy and the work - kinetic energy theorem. Potential energy of a system. The non isolated system. Conservation of energy. Problems and Solving Techniques. 8.Kinetic energy and the work -kinetic energy theorem. Conservative and non conservative forces. Changes in mechanical energy for non conservative forces. Relationship between conservative forces and potential energy. Problems and Solving Techniques. 9.Linear momentum and its conservation. Impulse and momentum. Collisions in one dimension. Two - dimensional collisions. 10.Angular position, velocity and acceleration. Rotational kinematics: Rotational motion with constant acceleration. Angular and linear quantities. Rotational kinetic energy. Calculation of moments of inertia. Problems and Solving Techniques. 11.The vector product and torque. Angular momentum. Angular momentum of a rotating rigid object. Conservation of angular momentum. The motion of gyroscopes and tops. Angular momentum as a fundamental quantity. Problems and Solving Techniques. 12.Torque. Relationship between torque and angular acceleration. Work, power and energy in rotational motion. Rolling motion of a rigid object. The center of mass. Motion of a system of particles. Rocket propulsion. Problems and Solving Techniques. 13.Motion of an object attached to a spring. Mathematical representation of simple harmonic motion. Energy of the simple harmonic oscillator. Simple harmonic oscillator and uniform circular motion. The pendulum. Damped and forced oscillations Problems and Solving Techniques. 14.Fluid mechanics. Variation of pressure with depth. Buoyant forces and Archimedes’s principle. Bernoulli’s equation. Problems and Solving Techniques.