Physics 3310: Principles of E&M I
Quick information
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Lectures: |
MWF 10-1050 P.M. in Duane G-2B21 |
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Professor: |
Prof. Charles T. Rogers |
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Duane F-631 |
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(303) 492-4476 |
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Charles.Rogers@colorado.edu |
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Web page: |
http://www.colorado.edu/physics/phys3310 |
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Introduction
Physics 3310, Principles of Electricity and Magnetism 1, is the first semester of our two-semester sequence of junior-level electromagnetism. This is your first course in the modern theory of classical electrodynamics; it uses the tools of vector calculus for solving static and dynamic properties of electromagnetic fields. The topics we will cover include special cases of static charge distributions (electrostatics), time-independent current distributions (magnetostatics), electric and magnetic properties of matter (constitutive equations of dielectrics and magnetic media), and initial coverage of fully time-dependent problems (Maxwell's equations). Physics 2170 is normally taken concurrently with the modern physics laboratory course, PHYS 2150. PHYS 2140, mathematical methods of physics, and PHYS 2170/2130, modern physics, are prerequisite for the course.
Physics 3310 covers topics in electricity, magnetism, and electrodynamics. It is intended as the first semester of your second course in E&M (Physics 1120 was the first), but the first course in a true field theory.
Classical electrodynamics in the form of Maxwell's equations is one of the most successful physical theories that we presently have. While it is a classical theory (no quantum mechanical Uncertainty Principle here), it's conflict with Newtonian mechanics eventually motivated Einstein's development of Special Relativity (SR). Thus, classical E&M is the first relativistically correct field theory. Also, Maxwell's unification of electricity with magnetism (at first viewed as separate phenomena) was the first example of unification of forces in physics. For these reasons, electromagnetism as inspiration for the creation of other physical theories including quantum mechanics and quantum field theory.
Further, classical E&M is at the root of a huge number of practical applications. Most of the phenomena of everyday experience, sights, smells, our sense of texture, etc. arise from a balance of electromagnetic interactions and quantum mechanics. E&M is essential in understanding the fundamental physics behind electrical power generation, power distribution, electronics, optics, laser physics, radio and microwave communications, and so forth. We view the universe around us primarily via the electromagnetic radiation. Clearly, we need to understand electricity, magnetism, and electrodynamics.
The text we will use is "Introduction to Electrodynamics" by David Griffiths. In addition to the required text, we will have a number of textbooks held on reserve. One of the most important of these is “The Feynman Lectures in Physics”, by Richard Feynman, Timothy Leighton, and Matthew Sands. Anyone interested in learning physics in a deep way should seriously consider investing in their own copy of Feynman. Other books on reserve:
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Title |
Author |
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The Feynman Lectures, Vols. 1, 2, and 3 |
R. P. Feynman, R. B. Leighton, M. L. Sands |
What can I say? An outstanding treatment of physics, by a great teacher. Vol. 3: quantum mechanics by a master. |
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Classical Electrodynamics |
J. D. Jackson |
The standard graduate text. |
Grading
Your course grade is determined by weekly homework assignments (40% of the grade), two midterm exams (20% of the grade each), and a final exam (20% of the grade).
Exams
The exams will be closed book, but you may bring a single 8-1/2 x 11” piece of paper with notes. The exam times will be determined, but will likely fall around Oct. 2 and Nov. 6, 2003.
Homework
There will be a written homework assignment due each week, except on exam weeks. These assignments are distributed via the course web site. Problems will be available on Wednesdays and will be due at the beginning of class on Wednesday the following week. We will skip these written assignments on exam weeks.
Homework is exceedingly important for developing an understanding of the course material. I strongly encourage you to find some partners and work on the homework together. Essentially all physicists work as part of a group. After all, we a dealing with some of the most important and powerful ideas that humans have had. However, it is important to be certain that you OWN the material by writing it up on your own. Work with a group, but write up your own work. If you feel that significant credit for ‘breaking’ a problem goes to one particular individual or reference work, feel free to reference the breakthrough and then press on.
The web page
The web page for Physics 3310 provides information on the class activities, homework assignments, contact information, etc. We are rapidly reaching the point where essentially all types of service, information, and products are available on the Internet. You are strongly encouraged to use the Physics 3310 web site and provide feedback on course services that you’d like to see included.