MPhys Physics with Theoretical Physics / Course details

Electricity and Magnetism

Pre-requisites:

Mathematics 1 PHYS10071 OR Introduction to Vector Calculus MATH11411

To develop a basic understanding of electric and magnetic fields in free space using the integral forms of Maxwell’s laws.

On successful completion, a student will be able to:

• Calculate electrostatic properties of simple charge distributions using Coulomb’s Law, Gauss’ Law and electric potential.
• Describe the electric field and potential, and related concepts, for stationary charges.
• Describe electromagnetic induction and related concepts, and make calculations using Faraday and Lenz’s Laws.
• Calculate magnetic properties of simple current distributions using Biot-Savart and Ampère’s Laws.
• Describe the magnetic field for steady currents and moving charges.
• Describe the basic physical content of Maxwell’s Laws in integral form.
   

Introduction

• Forces in nature; 
• electric charge and its properties; 
• vectors, fields, flux and circulation.

Electric Fields and Stationary Charges

• Coulomb’s law and superposition; 
• electric field and potential; 
• capacitance; 
• electric dipoles; 
• energy in electric fields.

Magnetic Fields and Steady Currents

• Magnetic fields; 
• Lorentz force; 
• Biot-Savart and Ampère’s laws; 
• magnetic dipoles.

Electrodynamics

• Electromotive force; 
• electromagnetic induction; 
• Faraday and Lenz’s laws; 
• inductance; 
• energy in magnetic fields.

Maxwell’s Equations

• Maxwell’s fix of Ampère’s law;
• Maxwell’s equations in integral form.

Assessment - Exam

Tutorial

Practical

Assessment - Revision/Preparation

Lecture

Independent Study

* 10% Tutorial Work/attendance 

Feedback will be given by tutors on students’ written solutions to examples sheets and model answers will be issued.

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