6 ECTs on Electromagnetism and Optics, in which fundamental subjects of basic physics are treated, such as: electromagnetism and the Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves properties, physical optics, interference and diffraction.

Aim of the course (1st semester, 2nd year) is to provide the theoretical concepts to be used in all courses of the following semesters. This is therefore a pivotal course for the ensuing career.

- Basic physics (mechanics, thermodynamics) - Basic mathematics and geometry

ELECTROSTATICS (1.5 ECTs): Review on basic concepts, Electric field, Gauss’ law, Electric potential. Static electric field in matter: conductors. Capacitance and capacitors. Energy density of the electric field. Dielectric materials. Electric current. Conduction. Current intensity and current density. Direct current (DC). Resistance. Ohm’s law. Resistivity and conductivity. Electric power. Joule effect. MAGNETOSTATICS (1,5 ECTs): Magnetic field and magnetic induction. Second Maxwell’s equation. Force on a charge moving in a magnetic field: Lorentz’s force. Magnetic force on a current-carrying conductor. Sources of magnetic field. Field of a straight current-carrying conductor: Laplace’s law, and its applications. Magnetic field of a circular current loop. Magnetic dipole. Torque on, and potential energy of, a magnetic dipole in a magnetic field. Forces between parallel currents. Ampère’s law and its applications. Magnetic fields in matter: diamagnetism, paramagnetism and ferromagnetism. TIME-DEPENDENT ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS (1.5 ECTs): Faraday – Henry – Lenz law of electromagnetic induction and its applications. Third Maxwell’s equation. Inductance and self-inductance. Energy in an R-L circuit. Energy density of the magnetic field. Ampère-Maxwell law: fourth Maxwell’s equation. ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES (1.5 ECTs): Wave equation for electric and magnetic field. General characteristics of a wave. Electromagnetic waves. Propagation and attenuation of the electromagnetic waves in conductors and dielectrics. Wave optics. Interference, electromagnetic waves interference and its applications. Diffraction: the basic principles. Fraunhofer’s theory of a double slit interference and of a single slit diffraction. Polarization of light: the basic principles.

The course is divided in theoretical lessons and exercises with simple problem solving activities, in strict correlation with the previous theoretical lectures. In some cases scientific calculators (students' personal property) may be required. Slides, videos and other interactive materials will be used. Exercises to be solved at home (both individually and in groups) will be proposed. All the didactic material will be available on the didactic portal.

Suggested textbooks in English: * Giancoli, Physics for Scientists & Engineers with Modern Physics: Pearson New International Edition, 4/E or also: Alonso-Finn Fundamental Physics, vol. II; Young and Freedman University Physics with Modern Physics, Ed. Addison-Wesley; Halliday, Resnick, Krane Physics, vol.2, Ed. Wiley, and many others: Fishbane, Tippler, Cutnell…. Suggested textbooks in Italian: * Mazzoldi, Nigro, Voci, FISICA vol. 2, ed. EdiSes or also: Mazzoldi, Nigro, Voci, Elementi di Fisica, Elettromagnetismo e onde, ed. EdiSes Slides and video-registrations of previous academic year lessons will be available on the portal, however reading and studying the textbooks have to be considered absolutely necessary in order to pass the exam.

Modalità di esame: Prova scritta (in aula); Prova orale obbligatoria;

Exam: Written test; Compulsory oral exam;

... • The goal of the exam is to test the knowledge of the candidate about the topics discussed during the course’s lectures. • The exam consists in a written part followed by an oral. • The written part consists of two steps: • multiple choice test, duration 30”, from 5 to 10 questions, the minimal mark for admission to the oral is 15/30 • two problems and one open questions, duration 1h30”, the minimal mark for admission to the oral is 15/30 • The (brief) oral part is for the final assessment. • IMPORTANT: SYLLABUS, LIST OF FORMULAS and TABLES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED DURING THE WRITTEN EXAMS. All the requested numerical data for the solution of the exercises will be given in the classroom. Students can use ONLY a POCKET CALCULATOR.

Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilità o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unità Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione più idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.