Electromagnetic Theory  (PHY 355.001)-Spring Semester, 2004

Text:

Introduction to Electrodynamics by David J. Griffiths 3rd ed (1999)

Meets at:

9:25-10:40 TR, Willet Science Center (WSC) Room 106

Prerequisites:

MATH 293 and 330, PHY 162

Instructor:

Dr. Randall D. Peters

Office:

WSC Room 115, Office phone: 301-2747 (home phone: 745-6963)

Office hours:

MW 3:00, TR 11:00, or by appointment.  

e-mail:

peters_rd@mercer.edu

personal homepage:

http://physics.mercer.edu/hpage/peters.html

physics department homepage:

http://physics.mercer.edu

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This is an intermediate course in the theory of electricity and magnetism, for junior or senior level students.  Because of the prerequisites, students are assumed to know some basic physics that operates with vector calculus as applied to simple differential equations.  After some review, and expanding the base of vector mathematics, we will begin our study of electric and magnetic systems by looking at static fields in vacuum.  We will then see how field equations are modified by the presence of matter.  Once the influence of time variations have been included, we will develop Maxwell's equations. Suitably armed, we will attack some problems described in the text in either chapter 9 (electromagnetic waves) or chapter 11 (dipole radiation), according to student interest.

Essential elements of the first 7 chapters of the text, followed by selected topics as time permits.

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

• calculate various electrodynamic quantities, such as electric potential and electric field of a charge distribution, magnetic field generated by currents..
• determine the capacitance of a set of conductors.
• estimate the effects of matter on electric and magnetic fields
• understand how time varying fields result in electromagnetic wave propagation.

Final Exam: Saturday, 1 May 9-12..

Grading Scale: 60-D-70-C-80-B-90-A-100
(based on: Homework-1/3, Midterm-1/3, and comprehensive Final-1/3.

• I don't have a formal attendance policy-be forewarned, however, that students with more than an occasional absence usually do poorly.
• Quizzes and exams may be made-up if the student has an official excuse. There is no extra-credit work.
• The College of Liberal Arts academic misconduct policy will be followed.
• Any student who receives failing grades during the course is urged to meet with the instructor and discuss such work.
• If you have a problem of any kind, my door is open to you. (If your schedule should be in conflict with my office hours, then attempt to arrange an appointment either: (i) during class, or (ii) by a chance meeting using the information posted on my door.)
• Out of courtesy for all those participating in the learning experience, all cell phones and pagers must be turned off before entering any classroom, lab, or formal academic or performance event .
• Students with a documented disability should inform the instructor at the close of the first class meeting.  The instructor will refer you to the office of Student Support Services (SSS) for consultation regarding evaluation, documentation of your disability, and recommendations for accommodation, if needed.  Students will receive from SSS the Faculty Accommodation Form.  On this form SSS will identify reasonable accommodations for this class.  The form must be given to the course instructor for signature and then returned to SSS.  To take full advantage of disability services, it is recommended that students contact the Office of Student Support Services, immediately.  The office is located on the third floor of the Connell Student Center.