Course Description
This course expands on the coverage of electromagnetic theory you had in your Introductory Physics courses. I will introduce you to the application of some mathematical techniques from vector calculus and apply them to the theory of electromagnetism. Our goal is actually to work a bit backwards, developing the theoretical descriptions of electrostatics, electric currents, and magnetism (both in a vacuum and in matter), and showing how all the various components can be put together into four elegant equations call Maxwell’s Equations. Maxwell’s equations also illuminate the way to an understanding of light as an electromagnetic wave and provide the basis of what would eventually be developed by Einstein into the theories of Relativity. Prerequisites: MATH 366, PHYS 201
| Instructor: | |
| Office: | Hagen Hall 307B (218-477-2453) |
| Research Lab: | Hagen Hall 302 (218-477-2458) |
| Email: |
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| IM: | |
| Office Hours: | TBA |
| Class Homepage: | http://phys370.cabanela.com/ NOTE: In an effort to save on needless destruction of trees, we will provide the majority of handouts in the form of electronic documents posted to this website. As such, it would be highly beneficial for you to bookmark the class homepage and check it often. |
| Required Textbook: | David J. Griffiths, Introduction to Electrodynamics (3rd Edition). $130.00 New, $97.50 Used at MSUM Bookstore. Seen considerably cheaper online, but you can expect the book to take a few weeks to arrive if you purchase it online... you don't want to fall behind. |
| Lecture Times: | Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 12:30 pm - 1:40 pm |
By the end of this course you should be able to (not in
order of appearance in the course):
- apply the mathematical techniques from vector and differential calculus to electromagnetic problems. You’ll be expected to understand not only the mathematical rules but the physical concepts behind the vector field, the divergence and curl of a vector field, and the delta function.
- understand how to exploit symmetries and boundary conditions to solve certain electrostatics problems.
- apply the technique of separation of variables to solve certain types of partial differential equation problems typical in electrostatics.
- explain the origin of electric fields in relation to electric charges.
- relate the electric field to the electric potential and the work done by the motion of electric charges in that potential.
- describe the arrangement of electric and magnetic fields near and inside conductors and dielectric (non-conducting) materials.
- describe the relationship between moving electric charges and magnetic fields and how their interact.
- combine the ideas behind Gauss’ law, Faraday’s law, and Ampere’s law to produce Maxwell’s Equations, the four equations that describe all electromagnetic phenomena.
- explain the nature of light as an electromagnetic wave and the implications of this explanation of light.