Physics for Electrical Engineering

1. Introduction

2. Classical Mechanics

• Kinematics
• Newtons Axioms
• Forces, Work, Energy, Conservation of Energy
• Rotation, Angular Momentum, Conservation of Angular Momentum
• special relativity theory

3. Oscillations and Waves

• Harmonic Oscillator (Free, Damped, Driven)
• Travelling and Standing Waves

4. Optics

• Geometric Optics
• Reflection and Refraction
• Wave Optics
• Interference
• Diffraction

5. Thermodynamics

• Kinetic Gas Theory
• Equations of State
• Laws of Thermodynamics
• Reversible nad Irreversible Processes
• Thermodynamic Machines

6. Hydrodynamics

• Fluids and Gases
• Pressure, Density and Surface Tension
• Fluid Flow

7. Quantum Mechanics

• Black Body Radiation
• Wave-Particle-Duality
• Schrödinger Equation

After successful completion of the module the student should:

1. know the general basics regarding methodology and measuring procedures in physics,
2. apply the relevant laws to the motion of point masses,
3. calculate mechanical oscillations,
4. deal with systems of several point masses,
5. calculate the dynamics of rigid bodies,
6. know the mechanical properties of rigid and fluid bodies as well as gases, and estimate their behavior in fluid dynamics, and
7. know the basics of mechanical waves and
8. understand thermodanymical systems and calculate relevant variables in thermodynamical processes.

Basic knowledge on physics and mathematics at the level of Abitur.

Lecture and large tutorial are held in ex-cathedra teaching, the exercises are given as interactive teaching (calculation of examples). The optional questioning hour e.g. after the lecture is of major support for students for questions on the study topics as well as organisational questions.

In the large tutorial relevant examples for problems are presented.

The tutorial is held in small groups. The students not only learn to reproduce the presented solution of the problems but also train to solve problems independently. For this exercise sheets are offered. The students prepare these problems on their own or in small groups. This helps them to deepen their understanding of the new methods and concepts. In the tutorial the weekly exercises are presented by the students and the tutor. They also provide room for discussions and additional explanations to the lectures.

Animated powerpoint presentation with figures of relevant physical devices and processes. Complicated matter (e.g. deduction of formulas) is written on a tablet PC into the ppt file and projected. Many experiments are shown.

• Douglas C. Giancoli, Lehr- und Übungsbuch, 3., aktualisierte Auflage, Pearson, ISBN: 978-3-86894-023-7
• Demtröder: Experimentalphysik Band 1&2, Springer Verlag
• Tipler-Mosca: Physik für Wissenschaftler und Ingenieure, Spektrum Akademischer Verlag,

There will be a written exam of 90 minutes duration. Therein the achievement of the competencies given in section learning outcome is tested exemplarily at least to the given cognition level using calculation problems and comprehension questions.

For example an assignment in the exam might be:

• Determine the total moment of force acting on a given construction.
• Determine the point of detachment for a point mass sliding down a sphere.
• Calculate the deflection angle of a perpendicular within an aeroplane due to the Coriolis force.
• Calculate the moment of inertia for an object rotating around a given axis.
• Sketch a p-V-diagram of a thermodynamic cyclic process and calculate the work/energy in each cycle.

Participation in the exercise classes is strongly recommended since the exercises prepare for the problems of the exam and rehearse the specific competencies.