Electricity and Magnetism: PHYS 220B Syllabus and Course Structure

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:

$F = k_e \frac{q_1 q_2}{r^2}$

• Where: $F$ is the force, $q_1$ and $q_2$ are charges, $r$ is the distance, $k_e$ 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:

$\oint \vec{E} \cdot d\vec{A} = \frac{Q_{enc}}{\varepsilon_0}$

• Where: $\vec{E}$ is the electric field, $d\vec{A}$ is the area element, $Q_{enc}$ is enclosed charge, $\varepsilon_0$ 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:

$C = \frac{Q}{V}$

• Where: $C$ is capacitance, $Q$ is charge, $V$ 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:

$V = IR$

• Where: $V$ is voltage, $I$ is current, $R$ 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:

$\vec{F} = q \vec{v} \times \vec{B}$

• Where: $q$ is charge, $\vec{v}$ is velocity, $\vec{B}$ 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:

$\mathcal{E} = -\frac{d\Phi_B}{dt}$

• Where: $\mathcal{E}$ is induced EMF, $\Phi_B$ 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:

% Range	Letter Grade
0–40	F
41–45	D-
46–50	D
51–54	D+
55–60	C-
61–66	C
67–71	C+
72–76	B-
77–81	B
82–87	B+
88–92	A-
93–100	A

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

Week	Topic
1	Introduction, Coulomb’s Law
2	Electric Field and Forces
3	Gauss’s Law
4	Applications of Gauss’s Law, Electric Potential
5	Calculating Electric Potential
6	Potential Energy, Capacitance
7	Capacitors in Circuits, Electric Current
8	Resistance, Resistivity, EMF, Circuits
9	Resistors in Circuits
10	Kirchhoff’s Rules, Circuits with Capacitors
11	Magnetic Field, Magnetic Forces
12	Magnetic Field of Wires
13	Ampère’s Law
14	Induction Experiments, Faraday’s Law
15	Inductance, Alternating Current
16	Resistance and Reactance, Review

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.