2023
Introduction to Physics
Name: Introduction to Physics
Code: FIS01635L
5 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/130 hours
Scientific Area:
Physics
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
To develop an interest in physics; to learn about scientific thinking; to understand some physical explanations about natural phenomena; to understand the contribution of science to technological development; to contact with the history of some concepts in order to enhance the processes of construction of scientific knowledge; to acquire concepts and principles for developing scientific thinking; to acquire attitudes and skills for collaborative work
Contents
From the movement on the earth to the movement of the stars:
The universality of laws of motion.
What is energy? Energy conservation and energy crisis. Energy conversions using different devices
From the electric motor to solar energy:
Electricity and Magnetism.
The discovery of electromagnetic induction.
The electric motor.
The birth of the tungsten lamp.
The electromagnetic spectrum.
The photovoltaic panels.
From the rainbow to the composition of the stars:
White light and the solar spectrum - the colors are in the light!
The absorption spectra - signatures of substances - and knowledge of the chemical composition of the stars.
Optical phenomena.
From the atom to the electron:
Stories of the atom. X-rays, the discovery and development of radioactivity, electrical discharges in cathode ray tubes. The atom is not indivisible - nucleus and electrons. Electrical discharges and thunderstorms.
The universality of laws of motion.
What is energy? Energy conservation and energy crisis. Energy conversions using different devices
From the electric motor to solar energy:
Electricity and Magnetism.
The discovery of electromagnetic induction.
The electric motor.
The birth of the tungsten lamp.
The electromagnetic spectrum.
The photovoltaic panels.
From the rainbow to the composition of the stars:
White light and the solar spectrum - the colors are in the light!
The absorption spectra - signatures of substances - and knowledge of the chemical composition of the stars.
Optical phenomena.
From the atom to the electron:
Stories of the atom. X-rays, the discovery and development of radioactivity, electrical discharges in cathode ray tubes. The atom is not indivisible - nucleus and electrons. Electrical discharges and thunderstorms.
Teaching Methods
The themes are developed using a phenomenological physics. The entire course is organized to develop observation skills. The use of the camera is required to strengthen the epistemology of the eye. Toys, nature and gardens are fields for the exercise of observation. Stories, videos and simulations, "hands on" help to develop and appreciate the scientific thought.
The evaluation is the result of two types of work: individual e-portfolio (40%), where each student chooses some events from the lessons, complete them with some research to elaborate the interpretation and meaning of the phenomena in question; collaborative work (60% ), in developing a project work of experimental nature that is developed during the semester
The evaluation is the result of two types of work: individual e-portfolio (40%), where each student chooses some events from the lessons, complete them with some research to elaborate the interpretation and meaning of the phenomena in question; collaborative work (60% ), in developing a project work of experimental nature that is developed during the semester
Teaching Staff
- Maria da Graça Dias Carraça [responsible]
