Course Topics
1. Fundamentals
Introduction to physical quantities and their measurement: SI units, unit conversions, and the role of dimensions. Use of dimensional analysis to check the plausibility and consistency of equations. Basics of vector algebra for describing position, velocity, forces, and field quantities (vector decomposition, magnitude/direction, vector addition).
2, Mechanics
Presentation of Newtonian mechanics, with Newton’s laws as the basis for analyzing motion and forces. Treatment of typical mechanical forces (e.g., gravitational force/weight, normal force, friction, spring force) and their application to simple systems. Introduction to work, energy, and power, as well as the concept of momentum. Analysis of collisions and motion processes with particular emphasis on energy conservation and related conservation laws.
3. Thermodynamics
Description of states of matter and phase transitions, as well as key thermal material properties (e.g., heat capacity, thermal expansion). Introduction to the ideal gas model and equations of state; basic processes (isothermal, isobaric, isochoric, adiabatic) are examined qualitatively and quantitatively. Application of the first law (energy conservation in thermal systems) and the second law (direction of thermal processes, entropy, efficiencies).
4. Electrostatics
Fundamentals of electric charge and the interaction of stationary charges. Discussion of Coulomb’s force and the concepts of electric field, field lines, electric voltage, and electric potential. Calculation and interpretation of simple field and potential distributions. Introduction to capacitors, capacitance, stored electrical energy, and typical applications.
5. Electric Current
Basic concepts of electric current and simple circuits, including direct current and alternating current (fundamental ideas and characteristic quantities). Application of Ohm’s law to analyze resistor networks in basic configurations. Relationship between electrical work/power and resistive heating based on Joule’s law; simple power and energy analyses in circuits.
6. Magnetism
Introduction to magnetic phenomena: permanent magnets and magnetic fields. Principles of electromagnets and the magnetic effects of current-carrying conductors. Treatment of magnetic forces (e.g., on conductors or on moving charged particles) and basic induction phenomena. Qualitative and simple quantitative discussion of electromagnetic induction and its technological significance.
Teaching format
Frontal lectures and occasional exercises in class.