Environmental Physics

Fundamental knowledge of mathematics (at 12th grade level)

The curricular unit comprises:

– 1 theoretical class of 1 hour per week, where the teacher of the theoretical matrix briefly exposes the programmatic contents of the discipline;

– 1 theoretical-practical class of 1 hour per week, where the teacher applies the physical concepts presented in the theoretical class to the understanding of practical examples belonging to the universe of the Environmental Health professional, and introduces the student to the application of these concepts in problem solving;

– 1 theoretical-practical class of 1 hour per week, where students proceed to the resolution accompanied by practical application exercises formulated within the universe of the Environmental Health professional in order to clarify and relate the subjects addressed in the theoretical component, as well as to confer effective competencies in the analysis and resolution of real problems.

The curricular unit of Environmental Physics aims to provide Environmental Health students with a solid foundation in the fundamental concepts of Physics that are relevant in the practice of their future profession.

Knowledge to acquire:

Students should be familiar with the fundamental concepts and laws in the field of Mechanics, Acoustics, Thermodynamics , Electricity, Electromagnetic Radiation and Radioactivity.

 Skills to acquire:

-To apply the concepts and laws of Physics in problem solving;

– To use the concepts and laws of Physics to explain natural phenomena, in particular those directly related with physical hazards at workplace; 

– To apply the intellectual understanding and accuracy mechanisms underlying the scientific method, which transpire in the field of Physics;

Competencies to acquire:

– To use, in a critical way, calculation tools (ex. Excel) and data acquisition/processing equipment/software to quantify/measure physical quantities.

– To communicate, effectively, using the concepts and laws of Physics.

1 – Elements of classical physics and applications (3h T + 6h TP)

1.1 Units and dimensions – physical quantities; systems of units

1.2 Newton’s Laws

1.3 Principles of hydrostatics and hydrodynamics

1.4 Dissipative forces: friction

1.5 Drag forces; Drag and surface shape

1.6 Sedimentation and velocity sedimentation

2 – Energy (2h T + 4h TP)

2.1 Kinetic energy, potential energy, work

2.2 Principle of conservation of energy

2.3 Dissipative forces, power and energy efficiency

2.4 Production vs. Energy transfer

3 – Heat, thermal energy and thermodynamics (1h T + 2h TP)

3.1 Temperature and heat, heat capacity and specific heat

3.3 The laws of thermodynamics

3.4 Procedures for the transfer of thermal energy

4 – Electricity (2h T + 6h TP)

4.1 Electric Power, electric field, potential

4.2 Ohm’s Law; simple electrical circuits

4.3 Continuous current vs AC; capacitors

4.4 Bioelectricity: action potential propagation and the stimulus

4.5 Electrical safety

4.6 Production of electricity: power plants, hydroelectric, wind, wave and tidal energies

5 – Electromagnetic Radiation (1 h T + 2h TP)

5.1 Electromagnetic Spectrum

5.2 Photons and energy of electromagnetic radiation

5.3 Production of electricity: photovoltaic panels

5.4 Interaction of electromagnetic radiation with biological matter

6 – Radioactivity and nuclear energy (2h T + 4h TP)

6.1 The fundamental forces of nature

6.2 Introduction to nuclear physics and the properties of the atomic nucleus

6.3 Stable and unstable isotopes: beta decay, alpha decay and fission

6.4 Law of radioactive decay

6.5 Production of energy in nuclear power plants

6.6 Use of nuclear properties in medical imaging and environmental impact

7 – Acoustics (2h T + 2h TP)

7.1 Wave phenomena – wave concept and its qualitative characterization; wavefronts; periodic waves: amplitude, frequency, wavelength and propagation velocity

7.2 Sound waves – physical quantities used in their description: acoustic pressure, density of the medium, elongation and velocity of the particles; pure sounds; quantification of sound: sound energy, sound intensity, intensity level; sound propagation: speed of sound, the inverse square law of distance

7.3 Acoustic systems – specific characteristic impedance of a medium; reflection and transmission at a boundary

7.4 Instrumentation in acoustics: a measure of loudness; physical principles of operation of microphones and speakers

NAO

Main bibliography:

TIPLER e MOSCA, Física para Cientistas e Engenheiros (5ª ed.) – volumes 1, 2 e 3

Editor: LTC – Livros Técnicos e Científicos Editora Lda

Edition: 2006

GIANCOLI, Physics: Principles with Applications, Global Edition

Editor: Pearson Education

Edition: 2015

DURÁN, Biofísica – Fundamentos e Aplicações

Editor: Makron Books / Prentice Hall

Edition: 2003

Additional bibliography:

CLARE SMITH, Environmental Physics

Editor: Routledge Edt., NY

Edition: 2001

John Monteith e Mike Unsworth, Principles of Environmental Physics

Editor: Academic Press

Edition: 2013