PHY1104 Fundamental Electromagnetism I
2007-2008
Code: PHY1104
Title: Fundamental Electromagnetism I
Instructors:
Dr J.L. Patience
CATS credits: 10
ECTS credits: 5
Availability: unrestricted
Level: 1
Pre-requisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Background Assumed: AS level Physics or equivalent
Duration: Semester II
Directed Study Time: 22 lectures
Private Study Time: 66 hours
Assessment Tasks Time: 12 hours
Observation report: 2002/03 JRS
Aims
Electromagnetism is the study of electric charges, at rest and in motion.
It is the second strongest of the four basic interactions of Physics and
accounts for a wide range of the phenomena of everyday life. The
theoretical treatment of electromagnetism and the use of appropriate
mathematical techniques is progressively developed in the level 2
(PHY2006) and level 3 (PHY3143) electromagnetism modules.
This module surveys the phenomena associated with electrostatics (charges
at rest) and magnetostatics (the magnetic effects associated with steady
currents). It introduces and develops the use of the electric and
magnetic field vectors and relates them by considering electromagnetic
induction at a classical level. The connection between these fields and
conventional circuit parameters R, C and L is developed, together with the
techniques to deal with elementary transient phenomena.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Students should be able to:
- describe the vector nature of the electric field and its relation to a
scalar potential; be able to calculate
the force on a stationary charge due to other charges at rest and be able
to relate this to the electrostatic energy of the system,
- state Gauss' law and appreciate its consistency with Coulomb's law;
apply it usefully for charge distributions with high symmetry'
- describe the vector nature of a static magnetic field; be able to
calculate the magnetic field, using the Biot-Savart law or Ampère's law as
appropriate, for simple (but useful) circuits supporting steady currents
and to be able to calculate the forces on such circuits when situated in a
steady magnetic field,
- relate the electric and magnetic field vectors in
circumstances where Faraday's law is valid, and solve related
problems; give examples of the wide range of practical applications,
- relate the circuit parameters to the fields and the
energy of those fields; know the features of transient response for circuit
parameters in simple circuits.
Transferable Skills
Ability to apply principles of electromagnetism to basic practical applications
Learning and Teaching Methods
Lectures, tutorials, problems classes, and on-line teaching resources.
Assignments
Two mid-semester tests and preparation for problems classes.
Assessment
Problems-class assignments (10%), two 30-minute tests (40%) and one 90-minute examination (50%).
Syllabus Plan and Content
- Charge and Current
- Phenomena and practical applications of electrostatics
- Conservation and quantization of charge. Charge of an
electron
- Units of current and charge
- Coulomb's Law, Electric Field, Electrostatic Potential
- Coulomb's Law and the permittivity of free space.
- Electric field; vector nature of field, principle of
superposition, field calculations for simple static
charge distributions including dipole-field.
- Electrostatic potential; electrostatic potential energy
of an assembly of charges, concept of potential and
relation between electrostatic potential and electric
field; the volt.
- Equipotential surfaces and field lines
- Gauss' Law for Electrostatics
- Gauss' law and application to field calculations for
simple geometry
- Fields and potentials for charged conductors.
Electrostatic shielding
- Consistency with Coulomb's Law
- Capacitance
- Determination of capacitance for simple electrode
geometry
- Series and parallel connection of capacitors
- Introduction of dielectric; relative permittivity
- Energy stored in a capacitor and in unit volume in a
uniform electric field
- Steady Currents
- Current and current density
- Conductivity and resistivity; elementary model for a
typical conductor
- Sources of EMF. Kirchhoff's rules. Dissipation of power
in a resistor
- Magnetic Effects of Steady Currents
- Elementary magnetic phenomena. Origin of static
magnetic fields
- The Lorentz force law. The magnetic (induction) field
B, the tesla. Measurement of B; the Hall-effect meter
- The Biot-Savart law. The permeability of free space.
Calculations of B for simpler circuit
geometry including the magnetic-dipole/current-loop.
- Ampère's law, demonstrated for magnetic field of
a long straight wire carrying a steady current.
Application to calculation of B for simple circuit
geometry.
- Forces on a Current in a Magnetic Field
- Force on current element
- Couple on a coil with simple geometry
- Force between parallel wires; definition of the
ampère
- Forces on Charges in Electric and Magnetic Fields
Simple examples, e.g. cathode-ray oscilloscopes,
television tubes, cyclotron, etc.
- Electromagnetic Induction
- Phenomena and practical applications
- Faraday's and Lenz's laws
- Motional and transformer EMF's
- Self- and mutual inductance; the henry
- Calculation of self inductance of a long solenoid
- Stored energy
- Transients
Time constants; growth and decay of current and voltage
in CR and LR circuits.
Core Text
Young H.D. and Freedman R.A. (
2000),
University Physics (with Modern Physics) (
10th edition),
Addison-Wesley,
ISBN 0-201-60336-5 (UL:
530 YOU)
Supplementary Text(s)
Not applicable
Formative Mechanisms
This module is supported by problems classes and tutorials. Students are able to
monitor their own progress by attempting problems sheets provided in the
lectures. The graded mid-semester test scripts are discussed by tutors.
Students with specific problems should first approach their tutor, and if the
problem is not resolved, the lecturer.
Evaluation Mechanisms
The module will be evaluated using information gathered via the student representation mechanisms, the staff peer appraisal scheme, and measures of student attainment based on summative assessment.
