Course content

The course consists of two parts: introductory mechanics and fluid mechanics, oscillations and mechanical waves.

Introductory mechanics

• Measurements, units, significant digits
• Kinematics, position, velocity, acceleration, equations of motion for constant accelerations. 3D motion, projectile motion, circular motion.
• Forces and Newton's laws. Tension, spring forces, friction and drag.
• Mechanical energy and work, conservative and non-conservative forces, energy conservation, the work-energy theorem, power.
• Momentum, conservation of momentum, linear collisions.
• Rotational kinematics and dynamics, equations of motion for constant angular acceleration, connection between linear and rotational motion, moments of inertia, Steiner's theorem, torque, Newton's second law for rotational motion, work and power for rotational motion.
• Rolling motion.

Fluid mechanics, oscillations and mechanical waves

• Density, pressure, fluid statics, fluid dynamics, Bernoulli's equation, viscosity and turbulence, lossy fluid flow.
• Oscillations, harmonic oscillator, energy in a harmonic oscillator, mathematical and physical pendulums, torsional pendulums, damped and forced oscillations, resonance.
• Mathematical description of mechanical waves, wave speed on a string, energy and power transfer by waves, interference, standing waves, resonance of mechanical waves.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The student

• can show knowledge of theories and concepts in classical mechanics, fluid mechanics and mechanical waves.
• can define and explain central terms from classical mechanics, fluid mechanics and mechanical waves.
• has knowledge of the laws of physics and how they are used to model observable phenomena, and be aware of a theory's domain of validity.
• is aware of relevant applications of physics.knows how to use relevant digital tools.

Skills

The student is able to

• interpret problems in classical mechanics, fluid mechanics and mechanical waves using etablished physical models, and solve these using analytical and numerical methods.
• identify variables in idealized models with real physical quantities.
• perform calculations with quantities and units in the SI system, and perform unit conversions.
• measure, analyze, interpret and document results.
• explain basic physical phenomena.
• have basic laboratory skills, including reporting and presenting results.

General competence

The student is able to

• Make reasoned decisions and communicate these to others by using basic concepts from physics.
• Participate in group activities in physics and communicate physics orally and in writing to others using relevant physics terminology.
• Describe the role of physics in technological advancement and general development of society. Have insight into environmental and ethical challenges in the present and in the future.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, exercises, laboratory work. Expected workload in the course is 225 hours (Lectures: Approx. 60 hours. Exercises: Approx. 20 hours. Laboratory work: Approx. 20 hours. Self studies: Approx. 125 hours).

Compulsory assignments

• Compulsory arithmetic exercises
• Laboratory work

Further on evaluation

Digital exam. Grade scale A-F. Re-sit exams can be changed from written exam to oral exam.

8 out of 10 calculation exercises as well as a report from laboratory work must be approved in order to get access to the exam.

Compulsory work from previous terms can be approved by the department.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

None.

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

University Physics, OpenStax.

A detailed curriculum and alternative textbooks/literature will be given at the start of the term.

Credit reductions