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Physics I

Course developer

Course abstract

The aim of this course is to provide knowledge in physics, from mechanics to electrostatics and direct current, in accordance with the needs of further professional studies of energy engineers and machine design specialists, because physics is the basis for understanding of all natural and engineering sciences. Course of Physics consists of two parts and it is mastered within lectures, practical classes and laboratory works. The knowledge of Physics is essential for understanding of processes in energetics correlations in Physics, forms the basis for new innovations in economy. By solving the exercises in Physics the analytical thinking is developed. Modern specialists should know the basis of Physics for developing the worldview and creative use of physical correlations in practical activities.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

After completing the course students will have:
1. knowledge about regularity of essential concepts of physics and critical understanding of how to use it in real-world process description. – The knowledge is assessed in laboratory works and tests.
2. skills to use measurements of physical quantities and apply knowledge in calculation for their branch of research, summarize and analytically describe the results. – The skills are assessed in laboratory works.

3. competence to evaluate results of measurements and calculations, problem solving and understand what influence their professional activities have on environment. – The competence is assessed in laboratory works and tests and exam.

Course Content(Calendar)

Full time intramural studies:
1. Kinematics. Linear and circular motion. (Lecture - 2 h)
2. Linear motion dynamics, linear momentum. (Lecture - 2 h)
3. Rotational dynamics, momentum of inertia, angular momentum. (Lecture - 2 h)
4. Work, power, energy. Conservation of energy. (Lecture - 2 h)
5. Kinetic theory of gases. Ideal gas law. (Lecture - 2 h)
6. Transport processes. Diffusion, thermal conductivity, viscosity. (Lecture - 2 h)
7. Thermodynamics. Heat capacity and specific heat. (Lecture - 2 h)
8. Cyclic processes. Second law of thermodynamics. (Lecture - 1 h)
9. Second law of thermodynamics. (Lecture - 1 h)
10. Electric charges. Coulomb’s law. (Lecture – 1 h)
11. Electric field and potential. (Lecture – 1 h)
12. Electric field in insulators. (Lecture - 1 h)
13. Piezoelectric effect. (Lecture - 1 h)
14. Electric field in conductors. Capacitors. (Lecture - 2 h)
15. Electric currant. Contact potential. (Lecture - 1 h)
16. Contact potential. (Lecture - 1 h)
Practical classes
1. Practical classes in mechanics. 2 h
2. 1st test. Kinematics and dynamic. 1 h
3. Practical classes in molecular physics. 2 h
4. 2nd test. Calculation of thermal processes. 1 h
5. Practical classes in electrostatics. 1 h
6. 3rd test. Calculate the electric fields. 1 h
Laboratory works
1. Laboratory classes in mechanics (friction, momentum of inertia, rotational dynamics, power). 4 h
2. Laboratory classes in molecular physics (viscosity, specific heat, properties of liquids, phase transitions). 4 h
Part time extramural studies:

All topics specified for full time studies are accomplished, but the number of contact hours is one half of the number specified in the calendar

Requirements for awarding credit points

The requirement is – passing the written exam.

In order to be allowed to take exam, all tests must be written and laboratory works must be performed and defended.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Each student must process the experimental data obtained during the laboratory work (it is necessary to perform calculations in accordance to the assignment and, if required in the assignment, to plot a graph), and document the results in accordance to the requirements, as well as prepare for the defense of laboratory work by independently studying the study literature.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Knowledge control:
1) Theory and practical exercise tests – 3;

2) Laboratory works (work and defence) - 4.

Compulsory reading

1. Fizika. Valtera A. red., Rīga: Zvaigzne, 1992. 733 lpp.
2. Serway R. A., Jewett J. W. Physics for scientists and engineers, with modern physics. 9th ed. Boston, MA: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning, 2014. 1484 p.
3. Physics for scientists and engineers: an interactive approach. R. Hawkes et al. Toronto: Nelson Education, 2014. 946 p.

4. Tipler P. A., Mosca G. Physics for Scientists and Engineers. 6th edition. New York, NY: W. H. Freeman, 2008. 1172 p.

Further reading

1. Jansone M., Kalnača A. u.c., Uzdevumu krājums vispārīgajā fizikā. Rīga: RTU, 2000. 247 lpp.
2. Giancoli D. C. Physics Principles with Applications. Sixth Edition. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education International/Prentice Hall, 2005. 946 p.

3. Fizika visiem. https://estudijas.llu.lv/course/view.php?id=34

Periodicals and other sources

1. Terra. Rīga: Latvijas universitāte. ISSN 977-1407-7191

Notes

Compulsory course of TF professional higher education bachelor study programs “Applied Energy Engineering” and “Machine design and production”