FISICA M - Z

Physical quantities and units. Vectors and vector operations.

Kinematics: Description of motion: position, velocity, and acceleration. Rectilinear and uniform motion, uniformly accelerated motion, circular motion, harmonic motion.

Dynamics: Forces and laws of motion. Gravitational force; frictional force; viscous friction and sedimentation, centrifugal force and centrifugation.

Energy and work: Definition of work. Kinetic energy and the dynamic force theorem. Conservative forces and potential energy. Conservation of mechanical energy. Conservation of energy in the presence of frictional forces. Power.

Fluid statics: Pressure. Pascal's principle. Stevin's law. Archimedes' principle. Pressure measurement and the sphygmomanometer. Surface tension, curved surfaces and Laplace's law, capillarity and Jurin's law, gas embolism.

Dynamics of perfect liquids, flow rate and the principle of continuity, Bernoulli's theorem. Aneurysm and stenosis. Laminar and turbulent flow. Viscosity. Hydrodynamics of the bloodstream.

The gaseous state: Ideal gas laws. Ideal gas equation of state. Kinetic theory of gases. Real gases and the Van der Waals equation of state. Saturated vapor and vapor pressure, PV diagram for real gases (Andrews diagram).

Thermodynamics: Temperature and heat, specific heat, internal energy, and the first law of thermodynamics. Thermodynamic transformations. Changes of state and latent heat. Heat propagation.

Electromagnetism: Electric charge and the Coulomb force. Electric field and electric potential. Capacitors and capacitance. Electric current, resistance, and Ohm's law. Elementary circuits. Electrophoresis. Magnetic field and current-carrying wires. Lorentz force. Mass spectrometer.

Wave phenomena: Characteristics of waves. Propagation. Interference, standing waves. Refraction and diffraction. Characteristics of sound. The auditory response. The Doppler effect. Ultrasound and sonography. Electromagnetic waves and light.

Geometric optics: Ray model. Laws of reflection and refraction. Lenses and image formation. The human eye and convergence defects.

Introduction to modern physics and biomedical applications.

A written exam consisting of exercises to be completed within one hour, followed by an oral exam.

Grading will also take into account the student's ability to thoroughly explore the topics covered and the clarity of the presentation.

Information for students with disabilities and/or learning disabilities (LDs):

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with applicable laws, interested students may request a personal interview to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on their learning objectives and specific needs. Students may also contact the CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or Learning Disabilities) contact teacher in our Department, Professor Santina Chiechio.

Exam dates are published on the Department of Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences website: https://www.dsf.unict.it/sites/default/files/2025-07-24-calendario%20esami%20CTF.pdf