Physics

Knowledge of Physics: at the level of secondary education.
Mathematical knowledge: integral and differential calculus.

In Theoretical-Practical lessons a theoretical exposition of each subject is made which is immediately followed by the resolution of application exercises. In the laboratorial component students should perform four group works (Statics, Rotation Dynamics, Surface Tension and Fluid Dynamics with a Venturi tube) and to deliver a final statement at the end of the lesson. Evaluation: a kind of continuous evaluation is optional. It consists on three tests (T) during the semester and a minimum of 75% assiduity is demanded. Also approval in Practical works (P) is mandatory (minimum of 2 points). The final mark is Tx0,8+P, where T is worth 20 points and P 4 points. The approval requires that the mark P is greater than or equal to 2 points. There is also the option to perform Final Exam (E). In a similar manner the final mark is Ex0,8+P, where E is worth 20 points and P 4 points. The approval requires that the mark P is greater than or equal to 2 points.

Objectives: To acquire knowledge to be able to analyze rigid body equilibrium as well as its translation and rotation motions under the action of systems of forces and couples; Understanding of concepts, principles and fundamental laws in Fluid Mechanics field.

Generics skills: Ability to perform scientific decisions and judgments associated both with the theoretical and practical knowledge acquired; Practising the interchanging of ideas and the discussion of problems and solutions and developing a professional attitude in his relation to work; Developing self-knowledge acquisition habits.

Specific skills: Understanding and ability to manipulate the physical entities and units covered. Ability to make the application of acquired knowledge in specific practical situations. Ability to make the interpretation and the discussion of the numerical expression and the physical meaning of data from laboratorial experiments.

1. Systems of Units: The International System of Units; Dimensional equations; Conversion of units.
2. Vectors: Vector addition; Unit vectors; Magnitude of a vector; Vector components; Scalar product; Vector product.
3. Systems of Forces and Couples: Moment of a force (torque); Moment of a force about a specified axis; Moment of a couple; Equivalent force systems; Equations of equilibrium of a rigid body; Free-body diagrams; Support reactions.
4. Rotational Dynamics of a Rigid Body: Angular momentum of a system of particles and rigid body; Moments of inertia; Equation of rotation dynamics of a rigid body; Rotational and translational kinetic energy of a rigid body.
5. Fluid Mechanics: Pressure in fluids; Pascal’s Principle; Archimedes’s Principle; Surface tension: capillarity; Streamline and turbulent flow; Equation of continuity; Bernoulli’s equation; Venturi tube; Viscosity; Poiseuille’s Law; Stokes’ Law; Reynolds Number.

NAO