Course Overview

Introduction to Electricity and Magnetism

This course, PHYS 220B, covers the fundamental principles of electricity and magnetism as part of a calculus-based physics curriculum. The syllabus outlines the main topics, schedule, and evaluation methods, providing a roadmap for students to master electromagnetic phenomena and their applications.

• Course Title: PHYS 220B – Electricity and Magnetism

• Units: 3

• Prerequisites: PHYS 220A; MATH 150B or MATH 255B

• Textbook: University Physics with Modern Physics, 15th Edition (Young & Freedman), Part IV: Ch apters 21–31

Major Topics and Chapter Mapping

Core Concepts in Electricity and Magnetism

The course is structured around the following main topics, each corresponding to textbook chapters and weekly lectures:

• Electric Charge and Coulomb’s Law (Ch. 21)

• Electric Field and Electric Forces (Ch. 21–22)

• Gauss’s Law (Ch. 22)

• Electric Potential (Ch. 23)

• Capacitance and Capacitors (Ch. 24)

• Electric Current, Resistance, and Circuits (Ch. 25–26)

• Magnetic Field and Magnetic Forces (Ch. 27–28)

• Electromagnetic Induction and Inductance (Ch. 29–30)

• Alternating Current Circuits (Ch. 31)

Detailed Weekly Schedule

Topic Progression and Key Concepts

The course schedule is designed to build understanding from basic electrostatics to advanced electromagnetic phenomena. Below is a structured outline of weekly topics:

• Week 1: Introduction, Syllabus Overview, Coulomb’s Law

• Week 2: Electric Field and Electric Forces

• Week 3: Gauss’s Law

• Week 4: Applications of Gauss’s Law, Electric Potential

• Week 5: Calculating Electric Potential

• Week 6: Potential Energy of Charges, Capacitors and Capacitance

• Week 7: Capacitors in Circuits, Electric Current

• Week 8: Resistance, Resistivity, Electromotive Force (EMF), Circuits

• Week 9: Resistors in Circuits

• Week 10: Kirchhoff’s Rules, Circuits with Capacitors

• Week 11: Magnetic Field, Applications of Magnetic Forces

• Week 12: Magnetic Field of Current-Carrying Wires

• Week 13: Ampère’s Law

• Week 14: Induction Experiments, Faraday’s Law

• Week 15: Inductance, Inductors, Alternating Current

• Week 16: Resistance and Reactance, Course Review

Key Definitions and Concepts

Electric Charge and Coulomb’s Law

Electric charge is a fundamental property of matter that causes it to experience a force in an electric field. Coulomb’s Law quantifies the force between two point charges:

• Formula:

• Where: is the force, and are charges, is the distance, is Coulomb’s constant.

• Example: The force between two electrons separated by 1 meter.

Electric Field and Gauss’s Law

The electric field describes the force per unit charge at a point in space. Gauss’s Law relates the electric flux through a closed surface to the charge enclosed:

• Formula:

• Where: is the electric field, is the area element, is enclosed charge, is the permittivity of free space.

• Example: Calculating the field of a uniformly charged sphere.

Electric Potential and Capacitance

Electric potential is the work done per unit charge to move a charge between two points. Capacitance measures a capacitor’s ability to store charge:

• Formula for Capacitance:

• Where: is capacitance, is charge, is voltage.

• Example: Parallel plate capacitor calculation.

Electric Circuits: Current, Resistance, and EMF

Electric current is the flow of charge. Resistance opposes current, and EMF is the energy per unit charge supplied by a source:

• Ohm’s Law:

• Where: is voltage, is current, is resistance.

• Example: Calculating current in a resistor circuit.

Magnetic Fields and Forces

Magnetic fields arise from moving charges and currents. The force on a charge in a magnetic field is given by:

• Formula:

• Where: is charge, is velocity, is magnetic field.

• Example: Force on an electron moving perpendicular to a magnetic field.

Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Current

Faraday’s Law describes how a changing magnetic field induces an electric current. Alternating current (AC) circuits involve time-varying voltages and currents:

• Faraday’s Law:

• Where: is induced EMF, is magnetic flux.

• Example: Induced EMF in a loop as the magnetic field changes.

Evaluation and Grading

Assessment Structure

Student performance is evaluated through diagnostic tests, midterm exams, and a final exam. The grading scale is as follows:

Course Policies and Support

Attendance, Communication, and Academic Integrity

• Attendance: Regular attendance is expected for success.

• Communication: Students should check email and Canvas for updates.

• Academic Integrity: All students must adhere to university policies.

• Support: Physics tutoring and office hours are available for additional help.

Summary Table: Weekly Topics

Additional info: The syllabus provides a comprehensive structure for a calculus-based electricity and magnetism course, aligning with standard college physics curricula and textbook chapters. Students are expected to develop both conceptual understanding and quantitative problem-solving skills.