Syllabus
Phys 5400: Electricity & Magnetism and Applications
Spring Semester 2009 W 6:30 -9:15 PM
Dr. T. N. LaRosa, Dept. of Biology & Physics
Office: Science 439; phone: (770) 423-6038; ted@avatar.kennesaw.edu
nd
The Text: Purcell, E.M., Electricity & Magnetism (Berkeley Physics Course Vol II 2 edition:
McGraw Hill)
Prerequisite: Admission to MAT program and a "C" or better in Math 2202 and Phys 2212 (or
equivalent)"
Course Description
The primary objective of this course is to present the experimental and theoretical basis of the
principles of electricity & magnetism and their application in everyday phenomena and devices.
The course will begin with the concept of an electric field and will develop the idea of electric
potential energy differences. Application to conductor, capacitors and simple electric circuits
will be discussed. Next magnetic forces and field are introduced as well as the concept of
inductance and magnetic field energy. Applications to RL circuits and devices (e.g., security
screens, electric generators and motors) will be considered. Lastly unification of electricity and
magnetism will be established through the Theory of Special Relativity and will culminate in the
derivation of the electromagnetic waves equation from Maxwell’s Equations. To underscore all
of the conceptual developments of the course electromagnetic phenomenon will be further
explored in the natural world in both terrestrial and astrophysical contexts. Mathematical ideas of
vector calculus (e.g., curl, divergence) and simple differential equations will be developed in
parallel with the course content. General concepts used and developed in this course (waves,
energy conservation, special relativity, vector calculus all overlap with other courses in the
sequence and will significantly reinforce student learning.
Course Objectives
I. Knowledge and Conceptual Objectives:
 Understand the evidence for charges and electrostatic forces
 Understand work and energy in the context of electricity and magnetism
 Understand the difference between conductors, insulators, capacitors, and resistors in
circuit components and devices.
 Understand the theory of Special Relativity, including the experimental confirmations
and consequence and theoretical implications
 Understand the experimental results of Faraday and how they lead to the derivation of
Maxwell’s equations.
 Understand the signature of electromagnetic processes in naturally occurring
phenomenon in both terrestrial and space environments.
II. Skills Objectives
 Be able to understand and work with Maxwell’s equations in differential form
 Demonstrate the ability to consider a physical situations from different frames of
reference according to Special Relativity
 Be able to use dimensional analysis in the context of electricity and magnetism
 Demonstrate the ability to explain simple classroom demonstrations of
electrodynamic phenomenon.
 Be able to explain how simple electromagnetic devices work
Exams and Grading Scheme
There will be two (2) mid-term exams and final. No make up exams unless I am notified
prior to the exam. Missed exams will be replaced with the grade made on the final. Exams will
consist of problems similar to those assigned for homework. Hence problem solving is an
essential aspect of the course. The purpose of problem solving is not to obtain an answer but
rather to extend and cultivate your ability to think independently and creatively. A substantial
fraction of class time will be devoted to problem solving and you will be expected to work a
significant number of problems for homework even though no credit will be given for
homework. Solutions to homework problems that are assigned will be provided or discussed in
class. In addition to the exams there will be 2 pedagogic projects based concepts learned in the
course. These projects will be designed for secondary school students and will involve written
lesson plans and oral presentations. Students should consult with the instructor to agree on the
topics to be presented.
Grading Scheme
1
2
3
4
projects 30%
2 mid-term exams 40%
final exam 30%
A> 90%,B > 80%C> 70%,D > 60%F< 60%
Academic Integrity
Every KSU student is responsible for upholding the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct,
as published in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs. Section II of the Student Code of
Conduct addresses the University's policy on academic honesty, including provisions regarding
plagiarism and cheating, unauthorized access to University materials,
misrepresentation/falsification of University records or academic work, malicious removal,
retention, or destruction of library materials, malicious/intentional misuse of computer facilities
and/or services, and misuse of student identification cards. Incidents of alleged academic
misconduct will be handled through the established procedures of the University Judiciary
Program, which includes either an "informal" resolution by a faculty member, resulting in a
grade adjustment, or a formal hearing procedure, which may subject a student to the Code of
Conduct's minimum one semester suspension requirement.
Attendance & Participation
Students are expected to attend the lectures, take all tests and the final exam, and complete all
homework assignments. Please refer to the current catalog for the academic honesty statement.
Failure to comply with these rules and expectations may result in suspension or ignominious
expulsion. Last Day to Withdraw without academic penalty March 19: Please understand that
W grades on your transcript are not attractive to potential employers or graduate schools.
Furthermore Hope scholarship is based on hours attempted not hours completed. Therefore it is
crucial to minimize the number of W grades. Please be active is seeking out my help as soon as
possible to avoid unnecessary drops.
Tentative Schedule
Jan 10 – electrostatics, Coulomb’s law
Jan 17 – superposition and vectors electric fields & Gauss’ Law
Jan 24 – electric fields & Gauss’ Law
Jan 31 -curl & divergence of electric fields
Feb 7 -electric potential
Feb 14 -conductors & capacitors
Feb 21 Exam I
Feb 28 -DC circuits
Mar 7 -Spring Break
Mar 21 RC circuits
Mar 28 – magnetic forces and fields, Ampere’s Law
Apr 4 – inductance, magnetic fields energy
Apr 11 – Exam II
Apr 18 -Special Relativity -4 vectors
Apr 25 – wave equation
May 2 – Comprehensive Final Exam