Physics I

The following basic knowledge is recommended:

• Secondary school physics (10th and 11th grades);
• Differential and Integral Calculus, acquired in the Curricular Unit of Mathematics I.

The Curricular Unit (CU) consists of 3 types of classes:

1. Theoretical classes, in which the contents of the CU program are exposed.
2. Problem solving classes, in which exercises are solved by applying the knowledge exposed in the theoretical classes.
3. Laboratory classes, in which experiments are carried out within the scope of the CU syllabus.

Inappropriate behavior that in any way compromises the normal functioning of the class is not permitted, the use of cell phones in any typology of classes, and the use of tablets and computers is not permitted in theoretical and theoretical-practical classes. Students who use, or attempt to use, any of the aforementioned devices, or who in any way disrupt the normal functioning of classes, will be expelled from classes and will be marked as an unjustifiable absence.

Goals:

• Understanding the fundamental laws of Nature in the field of Classical Mechanics.
• Assimilation of the contents described in the program.
• Application of the knowledge acquired in solving problems and interpreting results.

Skills:

• Ability to understand the theoretical concepts of physical laws and to relate them to practical situations.
• Problem solving.
• Critical analysis of the results obtained.
• Autonomous acquisition of knowledge.
• Interpretation of physical phenomena.
• In the execution of laboratory work, technical skills are acquired by operating measurements instruments and interpersonal skills are acquired from the exchange of ideas and decisions taken in group.

1. Systems of Units, Significant Figures and Errors
1.1. SI base quantities and units, and derived units
1.2. Dimensional equation and principle of dimensional homogeneity
1.3. SI units used in engineering
1.4. Conversion between unit systems
1.5. Significant figures
1.6. Precision and accuracy
1.7. Error propagation formula for uncorrelated variables

2. Vector Calculus
2.1. Scalar and vector quantities
2.2. Graphical representation of vectors
2.3. Bound, sliding, and free vectors
2.4. Graphical operations with free vectors: multiplication by a scalar, vector addition and subtraction
2.5. Unit vectors
2.6. Projection of a vector along an arbitrary direction
2.7. Cartesian representation of vectors: vector components, position vector, vector magnitude, direction cosines
2.8. Analytical operations with vectors: scalar multiplication, vector addition and subtraction, dot product, cross product, triple products, and vector differentiation

3. Particle Kinematics
3.1. Reference frames
3.2. Position, velocity, and acceleration vectors
3.3. One-dimensional motion: laws of motion
3.4. Circular motion
3.5. Projectile motion
3.6. Three-dimensional motion

4. Particle Dynamics
4.1. Linear momentum of a particle
4.2. Conservation of linear momentum
4.3. Newton’s laws
4.4. Impulse of a force
4.5. Applied forces, constraint forces, and friction forces

5. Rotational Dynamics
5.1. Angular momentum of a particle
5.2. Moment of a force about a point and about an axis
5.3. Angular momentum of a rigid body
5.4. Moment of inertia
5.5. Rotation of a rigid body
5.6. Conservation of angular momentum

6. Work and Energy
6.1. Definition of work: general case and particular cases
6.2. Definition of power
6.3. Kinetic energy
6.4. Work–energy theorem
6.5. Conservative forces: potential energy
6.6. Collisions

7. Statics of the Particle and the Rigid Body
7.1. Equilibrium of a particle
7.2. Equilibrium of a rigid body
7.3. Supports and sufficiency of supports
7.4. Structural equilibrium analysis

NAO