General Physics I

Year
1
Academic year
2019-2020
Code
01003166
Subject Area
Physics
Language of Instruction
Portuguese
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face
Duration
SEMESTRIAL
ECTS Credits
6.0
Type
Compulsory
Level
1st Cycle Studies

Recommended Prerequisites

Vectorial calculus, diferentiation and integration, elementary level (mathematics and physics, top secondary level).

Teaching Methods

Lectures where a detailed description of the concepts, theories and theorems is provided. Some problems are also solved to illustrate the practical applications of the theory. Problem classes where the students solve practical problems with a teacher’s guidance. The students may be evaluated throughout the semester or may sit for a final examination. The requirements for the continuous assessment are defined at the beginning of the semester.

Learning Outcomes

Aims: Learning (deep understand) the basic physics concepts and laws enabling the search for mechanical problems solution: particle model, rigid bodies and wave propagation. Practice their application, searching for problem solutions.

Competencies: ability to understand a great diversity of scientific supports (theories and experiments) for Engineering phenomena; problems solution and group work; basic preparation for more advanced courses.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Mechanics

a) One particle kinematics

Position, velocity and acceleration. Normal acceleration and tangential acceleration. Curved motion and circular motion. Relative motion.

b) One particle dynamics

Newton’s laws. Linear momentum, angular momentum, kinetic energy, work, conservative forces, potential energy and mechanical energy.

c) Dynamics of a system of particles

Centre of mass, angular momentum and energy. Centre of mass reference frame.

d) Rigid body

Number of degrees of freedom. Equilibrium and motion. Moment of inertia. Energy.

2. Wave phenomena

Wave function and wave equation. Interference, reflection, refraction and diffraction. Huygens’ law. Doppler effect.

Head Lecturer(s)

Décio Ruivo Martins

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam or Midterm exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

Maria Margarida Ramalho R. Costa e Maria José B. Marques de Almeida. Fundamentos de Física. 3ª ed. Coimbra: Almedina, 2012.

Alonso, Marcelo e Edward J. Finn. Física: um curso universitário, Vol. 1: Mecânica. São Paulo: Edgard Blucher, 1981.

Tipler, Paul A. e Gene Mosca. Física para Cientistas e Engenheiros, Vol. 1: Mecânica, Oscilações e Ondas, Termodinâmica, São Paulo: LTC, 2009.