PHYS 299: Introduction to Electricity, Magnetism, and Light – Course Overview and Study Guide

Course Overview

Introduction to Electricity, Magnetism, and Light

This course, PHYS 299, provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and applications of electricity, magnetism, and light. It is designed for college students seeking a foundational understanding of these topics, which are central to modern physics and technology. The course follows the textbook "University Physics" by Young and Freedman, 15th Edition, covering chapters 21–36.

• Lecturer: Dr. Chad Howard

• Textbook: University Physics, Young/Freedman, 15th Edition

• Prerequisites: PHYS 298 and MATH 206 (Calc II or equivalent)

Course Goals

• Deepen understanding of physics concepts related to electricity, magnetism, and light.

• Identify and correct misconceptions about the natural world.

• Sharpen problem-solving and critical thinking skills through practical exercises.

• Connect theory to modern technology and everyday phenomena.

• Develop quantitative and qualitative abilities common to science and engineering.

Topics Covered

Electrostatics

Electrostatics deals with stationary electric charges and their interactions.

• Coulomb's Law: Describes the force between two point charges.

• Electric Field: The region around a charge where other charges experience a force.

• Gauss' Law: Relates the electric flux through a surface to the charge enclosed.

• Capacitance: The ability of a system to store electric charge.

• Electric Potential: The work done to move a charge in an electric field.

• Energy Storage: Energy stored in capacitors and electric fields.

Electric Current and Circuits

Electric current is the flow of electric charge, and circuits are arrangements of components that control this flow.

• Current: Rate of flow of charge ($I = \frac{dq}{dt}$)

• Resistance and Resistivity: Opposition to current flow ($R = \frac{V}{I}$, $\rho$ is material property)

• Ohm's Law: $V = IR$

• Electric Power: $P = IV$

Magnetostatics

Magnetostatics studies magnetic fields produced by steady currents.

• Magnetic Field: Region where magnetic forces act.

• Biot-Savart Law: Describes magnetic field from a current element.

• Ampère's Law: Relates magnetic field in a loop to current enclosed.

Magnetic Induction and Inductance

Changing magnetic fields induce electric currents and voltages.

• Faraday's Law: $\mathcal{E} = -\frac{d\Phi_B}{dt}$

• Lenz's Law: Direction of induced current opposes change in flux.

• Inductance: Property of a circuit to oppose changes in current.

• AC Circuits: Circuits with alternating current.

Electromagnetic Waves and Maxwell's Equations

Electromagnetic waves are oscillations of electric and magnetic fields that propagate through space.

• Maxwell's Equations: Fundamental laws governing electricity and magnetism.

• Properties of EM Waves: Speed, polarization, energy transport.

Geometric Optics

Geometric optics explains the behavior of light in terms of rays.

• Reflection: Bouncing of light from surfaces.

• Refraction: Bending of light as it passes through different media.

• Mirrors and Lenses: Formation of images.

• Optical Instruments: Devices like microscopes and telescopes.

Physical Optics

Physical optics deals with the wave nature of light.

• Interference: Superposition of light waves.

• Diffraction: Bending and spreading of waves around obstacles.

• Single- and Multiple-Slit Diffraction: Patterns formed by light passing through slits.

Course Structure and Assessment

Homework

• Assigned daily, mainly from textbook exercises.

• Completed via Mastering Physics platform.

• Practice is essential; students are encouraged to solve additional problems.

Quizzes

• Brief quizzes after each chapter to reinforce learning.

Exams

• Three in-class exams and a cumulative final exam.

• Exams cover concepts and problem-solving skills.

• Primarily multiple-choice format.

Grading Policy

Item	Weight
First in-class exam	15%
Second in-class exam	15%
Third in-class exam	15%
Final exam	20%
Quizzes	15%
Homework	20%

Grade Cutoffs

Grade	Cutoff (%)	Grade	Cutoff (%)
A	92	C	70
A-	89	C-	67
B+	87	D+	64
B	82	D	58
B-	79	D-	55
C+	76	F	<55

Additional info: Instructor may lower cutoffs but will not raise them.

Learning Outcomes

• Relate everyday observations to physical principles (e.g., household circuits, lightning).

• Apply scientific principles to explain natural phenomena.

• Communicate understanding of scientific explanations, especially in recitation sections.

Schedule Overview

The course schedule follows textbook chapters and includes regular reviews and exams. Key chapters covered:

• Ch. 21: Electric Charge and Electric Field

• Ch. 22: Gauss' Law

• Ch. 23: Electric Potential

• Ch. 24: Capacitance and Dielectrics

• Ch. 25: Current, Resistance, and EMF

• Ch. 26: Direct-Current Circuits

• Ch. 27: Magnetic Field and Magnetic Forces

• Ch. 28: Sources of Magnetic Field

• Ch. 29: Electromagnetic Induction

• Ch. 30: Inductance

• Ch. 31: Alternating Current

• Ch. 32: Electromagnetic Waves

• Ch. 33: The Nature and Propagation of Light

• Ch. 34: Geometric Optics

• Ch. 35: Interference

• Ch. 36: Diffraction

Each chapter is accompanied by assigned readings and exercises, with periodic reviews and exams.

Key Formulas and Concepts (Selected)

• Coulomb's Law: $F = k_e \frac{|q_1 q_2|}{r^2}$

• Electric Field: $\vec{E} = \frac{F}{q}$

• Gauss' Law: $\oint \vec{E} \cdot d\vec{A} = \frac{Q_{enc}}{\varepsilon_0}$

• Ohm's Law: $V = IR$

• Faraday's Law: $\mathcal{E} = -\frac{d\Phi_B}{dt}$

• Maxwell's Equations: (Set of four fundamental equations)

• Snell's Law (Refraction): $n_1 \sin \theta_1 = n_2 \sin \theta_2$

• Interference Condition: $d \sin \theta = m \lambda$

Additional Information

• Students are expected to read assigned sections before each lecture.

• Homework is essential for mastering concepts and problem-solving.

• Collaboration is encouraged, but all submitted work must be individual.

• Excused absences require documentation; unexcused absences result in zero for missed exams.

• Title IX/Clery Act policies apply to all students and faculty.