The course aims to establish some of the basic principles of the physical phenomena studied in acoustics, electronics, and telecommunications. A first block focuses on classical mechanics (Newton’s laws) and the harmonic oscillator, and a second block on electrostatics and magnetostatics.
Titular Professors
Professors
Elementary calculus (derivatives, integrals, differential equations) and vector algebra.
At the end of the course, the student will be prepared to understand the foundations of basic oscillating and acoustic systems, will have mathematical tools for the integro-differential analysis of the properties of vector and scalar fields, and will know the origin and fundamental properties of electric and magnetic fields in the static regime.
SEMESTER 1. Basic Mechanics and Harmonic Oscillator
- Vector analysis. Elementary vector algebra and operations.
- Basic mechanics. Newton’s laws. Applications.
- Simple harmonic oscillator. Differential equation and solution. Energy. Equilibrium.
- Damped oscillations. Differential equation and solution. Degrees of damping and classification.
SEMESTER 2. Electric and Magnetic Fields
- Field theory. Differentiation operations. Flux. Circulation. Gauss’s and Stokes’ theorems.
- Electric field. Coulomb’s law. Gauss’s theorem. Applications.
- Electric potential energy and electric potential. Work.
- Conductors and capacitors. Capacitance.
- Magnetic field. Force exerted by a magnetic field. Biot–Savart law. Ampère’s law. Maxwell’s equations.
Understanding the physical phenomena addressed in the course requires a solid theoretical framework. Part of this theoretical content will be presented in class, as these are often complex concepts that may be difficult to assimilate through simple reading. In addition, students will receive guidance on which concepts can be studied independently, and which sections of the notes should be read in advance of each session.
The main objective of the course is the correct application of theory in the formulation and solving of problems, which constitutes the core of the assessment through exams. It is important to highlight that individual student work in problem-solving, both in class and at home, is essential for achieving the intended competencies.
After each session, a list of problems will be provided for independent work, indicating which of them will be discussed in the following session, preferably with direct student participation. Consequently, most sessions will combine a theoretical and discussion component with a problem-solving component. Some sessions will also include time devoted to continuous assessment.
Continuous assessment has a formative character, in the sense that it forms part of the learning process and allows both teachers and students to monitor progress in the acquisition of knowledge. This assessment mode will include individual tests (one per topic) and will consider presentations that students might give on topics related to the course content. Other proposed activities will also be considered, such as simple experiments to be performed at home or simulations of physical systems.
To improve the student's achievement level, the students may have personalized tutorial sessions with the professor. They may ask questions related to the subject´s themes or any other aspect related with it (study methods, review additional problems, etc.) A set of solved problems, taken from exams of previous years, is also available. Each problem is discussed in detail and every aspect analyzed in depth, as the main goal was to write a practical guide of study.
The course assessment is conducted through a continuous assessment system or, alternatively, via final exams.
Students who aprove the continuous assessment tests throughout the semester may be exempt from taking the final exam.
Each semester must be passed separately.
The following will be assessed:
- Conceptual understanding of the fundamentals of physics.
- Correct application of theoretical concepts to problem-solving.
- Rigour and coherence in mathematical reasoning.
- Precision in calculations and correct interpretation of results.
- Clarity and structure in the presentation of procedures and solutions.
[1] Paul A. Tipler, Gene Mosca, Física para la ciencia y la tecnología, Ed. Reverté, 6ª ed. 2010
[2] Froilán Maraña, Apunts de Física, Enginyeria i Arquitectura La Salle 2001
[1] Simón Ramo, John R. Whinnery, Theodore Van Duzer, Campos y Ondas: Aplicaciones a las comunicaciones electrónicas, Ed. Pirámide, 1974
[2] Reitz, Milford y Christy, Fundamentos de la Teoría Electromagnética, Ed. Hispanoamericana, 1969
[3] Richard P. Feynman, Física, Ed. Bilingua, 1964
[4] Paul A. Tipler, Física, Ed. Reverté