Syllabus Phys 3400: 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: "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 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. Solutions to homework problems that are assigned will be provided or discussed in class. Grading Scheme 1 2 3 4 homework 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