Aim
The student should develop his understanding of basic concepts within fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and electricity and magnetism necessary for his future role as a fire engineer and as needed in later courses. Many of the concepts introduced are also of great importance for a deeper understanding of the world around us and as parts of a general scientific knowledge. The course should also train the student in scientific problem-solving techniques and in writing presentations of experimental data and comparisons to physics models.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• understand the relation between experiments, models and theory

• be able to analyze thermodynamic processes and estimate their efficiencies

• be able to calculate the heat transport in media using different processes

• be able to calculate the strength of electric and magnetic fields in simple geometries

• be able to describe the electric system in buildings and its potential as a fire hazard.

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to formulate and solve problems in physics using mathematical methods.

• be able to plan and carry-out physics experiments.

• be able to write a laboratory report that presents and analyzes experimental data in relation to physical models.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to evaluate models and technical applications in a scientific manner

• increase his ability to work in a group towards a common goal

Contents
Experimental methodology: analysis and presentation of experimental data.
Electricity and magnetism: Electrostatics, electric and magnetic fields. Potential, electromagnetic induction, A.C. and D.C. circuits.
Physics of gases and fluids: Pressure, basic hydromechanics, ideal and real gases, phase transitions and the kinetic theory of gases. Thermodynamics, first and second law. Heat and cold engines. Heat transport through conduction, convection and radiation.

Literature
Borgström, B, Jönsson, G. och Kullberg, R. Elektricitetslära med tillämpningar. Studentlitteratur 2000.
Jönsson, G. Grundläggande fysik om gaser och vätskor. Studentlitteratur 2002.
Laborationsinstruktioner för BI, Fysiska institutionen.
Reistad N. Börja med MatLab.