General Physics II

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

Lecture method of teaching including frequent reference to physical systems whose description may interest more to Mechanical Engineering students. A reference to everyday situations that may be explained using concepts of Physics which are learned in this curricular unit, will be emphasized. Examples will be given to show the utility and importance of Physics as a structuring curricular unit in science and technology courses.

Learning Outcomes

Identify  and use concepts and basic principles of Physics, encouraging their connection to the study of systems that are important for Mechanical Engineering.

Know how to use the methodologies and techniques that are adequate in Physics, applying them in situations and in systems that are important for Mechanical Engineering.

Identify the importance of Physics in the interpretation and explanation of phenomena in the field of science and technology.

Prepare, process, interpret and communicate physical information, using pertinent bibliography sources, appropriate speech and tools.

General  skills to reach: competence in analysis and synthesis; competence to solve problems; critical thinking; competence in autonomous learning; competence in applying theoretical knowledge in practice; competence in organizing and planning; competence in oral and written communication; competence in information management;  adaptability to new situations; creativity.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

ELECTROMAGNETISM:

Electric charge and Coulomb’s law.

Electric field and electric potential

Conductors and dielectrics.

Electric current. Direct-current circuits.

Capacitors and RC circuits.

Magnetic field. Sources of magnetic field.

Lorentz force. Forces between electric currents.

Electromagnetic induction and Faraday’s law.

Inductors and RLC circuits.

 

OPTICS:

Principles of geometrical optics.

Mirrors and thin lenses; aberrations. Optical instruments.

The wave picture of light. The electromagnetic spectrum.

Polarization, interference and diffraction.

The basis of lasers.

 

RADIOACTIVITY:

Nuclear structure; isotopes.

Radioactive decay; nuclear radiations.

Nuclear reactions.

Head Lecturer(s)

Filipa Isabel Gouveia de Melo Borges Belo Soares

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

P.A. Tipler, G. Mosca “Física” 5ª ed., Livros Técnicos e Científicos, Rio de Janeiro, Vol.2 e 3 (2006)

Young & Freedman “Física” 12ª ed., Pearson Education do Brasil, São Paulo, Vol.III e IV (2009)

M. Alonso, E.J. Finn “Física”, Pearson Educación Espanha (em português), Madrid (1999)