Physics

Knowledge of Physics and Mathematics at secondary school level.

Theoretical exposition of contents on theoretical classes, including brief historical reviews and many examples of application. Students will be invited to participate in classes, exposing their suggestions and doubts, discussing the issues with colleagues and the teacher.

In the theoretical-practical classes, exercises will be solved, applying subjects taught in the theoretical classes. Critical analysis and discussion of the results obtained will be encouraged. In each class, other exercises for home application will be proposed.

In laboratory classes, students carry out practical work in small groups (2, 3 or 4 students). Carrying out experimental work confers various skills to the student, namely autonomous acquisition of knowledge in the preparation of the work; use of computer tools for data acquisition and analysis; handling materials and measuring instruments; data interpretation (including statistical analysis and error analysis); personal and interpersonal skills of relationship with group colleagues and with the teacher, namely in the critical discussion of results.

To equip students with the fundamental knowledge and skills in Physics required to understand, model and solve problems relevant to Electromechanical Engineering, covering systems of units and vector calculus, rotational dynamics, work and energy, electromagnetism and its technical applications, and geometric optics.

To develop the ability to apply physical laws and principles, interpret and evaluate results, carry out experiments and analyse experimental data, relating the knowledge acquired to engineering situations and applications.

1. Unit systems and vector calculus.

S.I. fundamental quantities and units

Units derived from the S.I.

Dimension equations.

Scalar and vector quantities.

Multiples and submultiples.

Unit systems.

Unit Conversion.

Scientific notation and significant figures.

Vector representation.

Analytical and graphical vector addition and subtraction.

Unit vectors.

Projection of a vector.

Vector product and dot product.

2. Rotation of the rigid body.

Kinematics – Translation and rotational movement. Relationship between linear and angular quantities. Uniform circular motion (periodic). Evenly varied circular motion.

Newton’s 2nd Law of Rotation. Torque. Total torque. Moment of inertia. Movement of an object that rolls without sliding.

Work and energy: Work; power; kinetic energy of translation and rotation; potential energy; mechanical energy.

Conservation of angular momentum.

3. Electromagnetic phenomena and technical applications:

Introduction to electromagnetism. Charge. Currents. Fields.

Electric field created by point charges. Overlap principle. Coulomb’s Law. Electric force, electric potential and electrostatic energy of point charges.

Electrical induction in conductor systems. Capacitors.

Parallel-plate capacitor. Relationship between tension and electric field. Relationship between electric field and surface charge density. Capacity. Dielectric constant. Association of capacitors in series and in parallel. Stored energy.

Movement of charges within an electric field. Variation of electrical potential energy and variation of kinetic energy. Conservation of mechanical energy.

Electric current. Ohm’s Law.

Relationship between current and charge. Resistivity. Dependence of resistivity on temperature. Power and energy. Power dissipated in a resistor.

Generation of magnetic field. Magnets and Electromagnets.

Biot-Savart’s Law.

Electromagnetic behaviour of materials.

Magnetic force on charges and currents. Movement of charges within a magnetic induction field.

Lorentz’s force.

Magnetic induction. Magnetic flux. Faraday’s Law. Lenz’s Law.

Self-induction. Mutual induction. Torque about a turn within a magnetic field. DC Motor. Induction motor.

Ideal transformer.

Electromagnetic radiation. Poynting vector.

4. Geometrical optics.

Reflection. Flat mirrors and concave and convex spherical mirrors.

Refraction. Snell’s Law. Apparent depth. Scattering. Total reflection.

Thin lenses. Lens Manufacturers Equation. Power of a lens. Lens association.

Optical instruments: eye, magnifying glass, microscope and telescope.

Association of optical elements.

Practical work:

Rotation dynamics.

Magnetic forces between fields and currents.

Thomson tube.

Speed of light.

Students can opt for a distributed assessment regime with practical work and tests or laboratory work and final exam.

Distributed Evaluation Regime

The distributed evaluation consists of performing 4 laboratory assignments and 3 tests carried and requires an attendance rate of more than 80% at theoretical and theoretical-practical classes.

The laboratory component, P, has a weight of 4.0 points, with each laboratory work being quoted at 1.0 point.

The 1st test covers the chapters: ‘Systems of Units and Vector Calculation’ and ‘Rotational Dynamics’, has a mark of 5.0 and will be taken in the 6th week of term.
The 2nd test covers the chapter ‘Electromagnetism’, has a mark of 8.0 and will be taken in the 13th week.
The 3rd test (3 marks) covers the chapter ‘Geometric optics’, has a mark of 3.0 and will be taken on the date of the normal exam.

The student passes if P≥2.0 and (P+T1+T2+T3)≥9.5.

Despite having started the distributed assessment regime, the student can choose to abandon this type of assessment and take the exam in the normal period, quoted at 16 points.

Assessment by final exam and laboratory work

Students can be evaluated by performing 4 laboratory assignments throughout the semester and by taking the final exam. The laboratory component, P, has a weight of 4 values, with each laboratory work being quoted at 1 value.

Students who obtain a classification P≥2.0 will get approval if C = (E+P) ≥ 9.5, where E is the classification of the final exam, rated from 0 to 16 values.

If students do not obtain the minimum grade in P (≥2), but obtain a grade C ≥ 9.5, the final grade will be 9 points.

Mandatory or optional final written exams are those contained in the ISEC regulations.

Notes:

- In accordance with paragraph 6 of Article 11 of ISEC’s academic regulations for the first cycle, the laboratory assessment component successfully completed in the previous two academic years may be used in the current academic year, and students are exempt from repeating the practical work.
- During tests and examinations, the use of any electronic device or reference material is not permitted, except for the form provided. The use of a non-graphical calculator is permitted. The use of unauthorised materials or equipment will result in proceedings being initiated on suspicion of fraud.
- In the event of a well-founded suspicion of fraud detected during the marking of the examination, the student will be called upon to sit an oral examination to verify the knowledge and skills demonstrated. This assessment is carried out by an examination board comprising the course unit lecturer and two further lecturers from the same academic discipline. If the student fail to demonstrate the knowledge and skills shown in the written examination, the examination will be marked as invalid.

NAO