Spring 2015

The Maxwellian Synthesis: Dynamics of Charges and Fields, Optics

Listed in: Physics and Astronomy, as PHYS-124

Formerly listed as: PHYS-24

Faculty

David S. Hall (Section 01)

Description

In the mid-nineteenth century, completing nearly a century of work by others, Maxwell developed an elegant set of equations describing the dynamical behavior of electromagnetic fields. A remarkable consequence of Maxwell’s equations is that the wave theory of light is subsumed under electrodynamics. Moreover, we know from subsequent developments that the electromagnetic interaction largely determines the structure and properties of ordinary matter. The course will begin with Coulomb’s Law but will quickly introduce the concept of the electric field. Moving charges and their connection with the magnetic field will be explored. Currents and electrical circuits will be studied. Faraday’s introduction of the dynamics of the magnetic field and Maxwell’s generalization of it will be discussed. Laboratory exercises will concentrate on circuits, electronic measuring instruments, and optics. Four hours of lecture and discussion and one three-hour laboratory per week.

Requisite: MATH 121 and PHYS 116 or 123. Spring semester. Professor Hall.

PHYS 124 - LEC

Section 01
M 12:00 PM - 12:50 PM MERR 3
W 12:00 PM - 12:50 PM MERR 3
F 12:00 PM - 12:50 PM MERR 3

PHYS 124F - DIS

Section 01
Th 01:00 PM - 01:50 PM MERR 211

PHYS 124L - LAB

Section 01
W 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM MERR 208

Offerings

Other years: Offered in Spring 2008, Spring 2009, Spring 2010, Spring 2011, Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2023, Spring 2024