Course Description
A review of vector calculus, electrostatics, and magnetostatics.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students must satisfactorily complete additional
assignments and/or term projects related to course material.
Athena Title
ELEC & MAGNETISM I
Undergraduate Prerequisite
PHYS 3700 and PHYS 3900 and MATH 2700 and (MATH 2270 or MATH 2500 or MATH 3510 or MATH 3510H)
Graduate Prerequisite
PHYS 3700 and PHYS 3900 and MATH 2700 and (MATH 2270 or MATH 2500 or MATH 3510 or MATH 3510H)
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
A student will be expected to have developed a working knowledge (which includes both a fluency in the fundamental concepts and problem-solving ability) in the topics listed in the topcial outline (item 5).
Topical Outline
a) Vector analysis including vector calculus; the gradient, divergence, curl, laplacian; Gauss' theorem, Stokes' theorem; curvilinear coordinates; the Dirac delta function in one and three dimensions. b) Electrostatics; electric field and Gauss' Law; electric potential; boundary conditions; electrostatic energy; perfect conductors. c) Special advanced topics: Laplace's and Poisson's equations; uniqueness theorem; method of images; separation of variables; multipole expansions. d) Magnetostatics: currents, Biot-Savart Law; Ampere's Law; vector potentials; multipole expansions. e) Electrostatics in matter: polarization; electric displacement; properties of linear dielectric materials.
Syllabus