The 10 ECTs Course is proposed to students of Physical Engineering, of Electronic and Communication Engineering and of Computer Engineering. 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.
The course is divided in two sections:
- 1st part (6 ECTs-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. THIS PART IS for PHYSICAL ENGINEERING, for ELECTRIC and COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING and for COMPUTER ENGINEERING STUDENTS.
- 2nd part (4 ECTs-Introduction to Modern Physics), in which the subjects involve: the crisis of classical mechanics, the transition to the fundaments of modern physics, with emphasis on quantum physics and its implications in terms of methods and practice. THIS PART IS ONLY for PHYSICAL ENGINEERING STUDENTS.
The Course is offered in the first semester of the second year to students in Physical Engineering (06KXWOD, 10 CFU), and Electronic and Communications Engineering (15KXWLP, 8 CFU).
The course is organized in three parts. Part I and II are for all students. Part III is for physical engineering students ONLY.
- part I, Electromagnetism and Optics -6 ECTs. In this part of the course, we will cover the following foundational topics of classical physics: electromagnetism, Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic wave properties and physical optics. This part is for all students - PHYSICAL ENGINEERING, and ELECTRONIC and COMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING students.
- part II, Introduction to Modern Physics - 2 ECTs. In this part of the course, starting from the inadequacy of classical mechanics, we will introduce topics of modern physics with emphasis on quantum physics (wave-particle dualism, Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, the Schrodinger Equation). We will also cover basic concepts of electrons in solids. This part of the course is for all students - PHYSICAL ENGINEERING, and ELECTRONIC and COMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING students.
- part III, Introduction to Modern Physics -2 ECTs. In this part of the course, we will address concepts of quantum mechanics more in depth. THIS PART IS ONLY for PHYSICAL ENGINEERING STUDENTS.
FOR THE 1st PART:
- Knowledge of the basic principles of electrostatics and magnetostatics, of time-dependent electric and magnetic fields, of the Maxwell's equations, of the wave optics and of the electromagnetic waves
- Ability to apply these knowledges to solve simple problems.
FOR THE 2nd PART:
- Preliminary knowledge of laws and principles of quantum mechanics, and of the electronic properties of solids
- Ability to solve elementary problems of quantum mechanics
Acquiring basic knowledge of theoretical physics concepts in preparation of courses to be taken in following semesters. This is therefore a pivotal course for the ensuing career.
Specific learning outcomes include:
- acquiring knowledge of basic concepts of electrostatic and magnetism, and ability to apply such knowledge to solve simple problems in electro- and magneto-static
- acquiring knowledge of basic principles of time-dependent electric and magnetic fields
- acquiring knowledge of Maxwell's equations and their applications to simple problems
- acquiring knowledge of physical optics, electromagnetic wave properties, concepts of interference and diffraction
- acquiring basic knowledge of introductory quantum mechanics and ability to solve basic problems in quantum mechanics
- Basic physics (mechanics, thermodynamics)
- Basic mathematics and geometry
- Basic physics (mechanics, thermodynamics)
- Basic mathematics and geometry
- 1st PART (6ECTs):
ELECTROSTATICS (1 ECT) Static electric field in matter: conductors. Capacitance and capacitors. Energy density of the electric field. Dielectric materials: electrical polarization. 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 (2 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.
2nd PART (4 ECTs):
PHOTONS: e.m. radiation, blackbody radiation, photoelectric emission, stationary states
PARTICLES: the dualism particles and wave packets, Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, electrons in the double-slit experiment,
SCHRODINGER: Wave function and probability density, Schrodinger equation, applications and exercises on the stationary Schrodinger equation, finite potential well, 3D potential box, the harmonic oscillator, potential barrier penetration.
QUANTUM MECHANICS: Operators, eigenvalue equation, the time dependent Schrodinger equation, the angular momentum operators: L2 and Lz, the rigid rotator, the hydrogen atom
INTRODUCTION TO SOLIDS: periodic potentials, the electron gas model, electrons in solids, the reciprocal space, Bloch’s theorem, dynamics (velocity and acceleration as a function of k), effective mass.
- PART I (6ECTs):
ELECTROSTATICS (1 ECT): Static electric field in matter: conductors. Capacitance and capacitors. Energy density of the electric field. Dielectric materials: electrical polarization. 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 (2 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.
PART II (2 ECTs):
PHOTONS: e.m. radiation, blackbody radiation, photoelectric emission, stationary states
PARTICLES: the dualism particles and wave packets, Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, electrons in the double-slit experiment,
SCHRODINGER FORMULATION OF QUANTUM MECHANICS: Wave function and probability density, Schrodinger equation, applications of the stationary Schrodinger equation, finite potential well, 3D potential box, the harmonic oscillator, potential barrier penetration. The time dependent Schrodinger equation, simple examples
INTRODUCTION TO SOLIDS: periodic potentials, the electron gas model, electrons in solids, the reciprocal space, Bloch’s theorem, dynamics (velocity and acceleration as a function of k), effective mass.
PART III (2 ECTs):
More advanced concepts of quantum mechanics
Class exercises concern with simple problem solving activities, in strict correlation with the previous theoretical lectures. In some cases scientific calculators (students' personal property) may be required.
The course is organized in lessons during which theory and problem solving will go hand in hand. In some cases, scientific calculators (students' personal property) may be required.
Slides, videos, and other interactive materials may be used.
Exercises to be solved at home (both individually and in groups) will be proposed.
1st PART suggested textbooks in English:
* Giancoli, Physics for Scientists & Engineers with Modern Physics: Pearson New International Edition, 4/E
* 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….
1st PART suggested textbooks in Italian:
* Mazzoldi, Nigro, Voci, FISICA vol. 2, ed. EdiSes, Mazzoldi, Nigro, Voci, Elementi di Fisica, Elettromagnetismo e onde, ed. EdiSes
2nd PART suggested textbooks:
* Alonso-Finn: University Physics, vol. III, Quantum and Statistical Physics, ed. Addison-Wesley
* Singh: Introduction to Modern Physics. International Publishers
Reading and studying on textbooks are absolutely necessary in order to pass the exam. Some study material will be available on the portal.
PART I suggested textbooks in English:
Serway and Jewett, "Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics" , 10th Edition, Cengage Learning
Giancoli, "Physics for Scientists & Engineers with Modern Physics", Pearson New International Edition, 4/E
Alonso-Finn, "Fundamental Physics", vol. II;
Young and Freedman, University Physics with Modern Physics, Ed. Addison-Wesley;
Halliday, Resnick, Krane Physics, vol.2, Ed. Wileyand many others: Fishbane, Tippler, Cutnell….
PART I 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
PART II and III suggested textbooks:
Serway and Jewett, "Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics" , 10th Edition, Cengage Learning
Krane, "Modern Physics", 4th edition, Wiley Publishers
Giancoli, "Physics for Scientists & Engineers with Modern Physics", Pearson New International Edition, 4/E
Alonso-Finn: University Physics, vol. III, Quantum and Statistical Physics, ed. Addison-Wesley
Singh: Introduction to Modern Physics. International Publishers
Slides; Libro di testo; Esercizi; Esercizi risolti; Materiale multimediale ;
Lecture slides; Text book; Exercises; Exercise with solutions ; Multimedia materials;
E' possibile sostenere l’esame in anticipo rispetto all’acquisizione della frequenza
You can take this exam before attending the course
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 written exam consists of two steps:
1. multiple choice test, duration 30”, from 5 to 10 questions, minimal mark 15/30
2. two problems and one open questions, duration 1h30”, minimal mark 15/30
3. a (brief) oral part for the final assessment.
The two problems and the open questions will concern the 10 ECTs program for Physical Engineering Students, and the 6 ECTs program for ECE and Computer Engineering students.
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.
Exam: Written test; Compulsory oral exam;
The goal of the exam is to test the candidate's knowledge on the topics covered.
The exam consists of a written and an oral (mandatory) part as described below.
IMPORTANT: SYLLABUS, LIST OF FORMULAS and TABLES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED DURING THE WRITTEN EXAMS. The instructor will provide a formula sheet as needed. Students can ONLY use a POCKET CALCULATOR.
Written exam (2h duration) for a total of 30 points::
- multiple choice questions (10 points)
- two problems (10 points each)
To be admitted to the oral exam, you must have scored at least 18/30 in the written test:
- at least 6 points from the multiple choice questions
- at least 12 points from the problems
Oral exam (15-30 minutes duration) will consist of questions about material covered
The final grade will be the average of the oral and written exam scores.
IMPORTANT:
To pass the exam, the oral exam and the written test must be passed during the same session.
In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have been agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.