The aim of the course is to introduce the basic concepts of Electromagnetism.
Course Prerequisites
Student's are supposed to be familiar with the basic concepts Mechanics (Newton's Laws, cinematics, Energy and Momentum conservation principles and Thermodynamics), Mathematical Analysis (Module A and B) and Geometry
Teaching Methods
Lectures (hours/year in lecture theatre): 38 Practical class (hours/year in lecture theatre): 12
Assessment Methods
The first part of the exam will test the student's ability in solution of problems (script: 6 simple questions, 2 problems/1,5 hours). The oral part of the exam is not compulsory. More information (in italian) are available in the official website of the course. Oral examination, with questions aiming at understanding which are the concepts acquired by the student and his/her ability to explain the topics discussed in the course. The minimum score to pass the exam is 18/30, the maximum score is 30/30 cum laude. Extraordinary exam session will differ from the ordinary ones.
Texts
There are many beautiful books treating all the arguments presented in this course, especially in English. Just to mention some of them...
Giancoli, D. C.. Physics for Scientists & Engineers. Vol. 2. Prentice Hall.
Serway and Jewett. Physics for Scientists and Engineers 6E .
Paul Tipler. Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Vol. 2: Electricity and Magnetism, Light .
E. Purcell. Electricity and Magnetism (Berkeley Physics Course, Vol. 2).
Contents
Electrostatics
Electric Charge: phenomenology. Coulomb's Law, Superimposition Principle Electric Field Electric Flux, Gauss Law Electrostatic Potential Energy and Electrostatic Potential Maxwell's Equation for the Electrostatics
Electric Field in the Matter
Behaviour of Conductors in presence of an Electrostatic Field Capacitance Electric Dipole Dielectrics and Polarization (microscopic and macroscopic description) boundary conditions for E and D fields
Electric Current
Drude model of Electrical Conduction Ohm's Law, Resistance Charge Conservation Principle, Continuity Equation Kirchhoff laws RC circuits
Magnetostatic
Phenomenology of Magnetism Gauss Law for Magnetic Field Charge in motion in a Magnetic Field, Lorentz Force Biot-Savart Law Ampere's Law
Magnetic Fields in the matter
Phenomenological consideration Dia- Para- and Ferro-Magnetism M and H vectors Ampere's Law for H field Electromagnets and Hysteresis Cycle
Non-Stationary Fields
Faraday's Law of Induction, non-conservative Fields Displacement current and Ampler-Maxwell equation Energy of the magnetic field, Inductance RL circuits Maxwell Equations in non-stationary conditions
Introduction to Electromagnetic Waves
Electromagnetic wave's equation Plane wave solution Properties of the pane waves Poynting Vector
