Electrodynamics: Electric and Magnetic Fields

Overview

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This course is a continuation of Electrodynamics: An Introduction and Electrodynamics: Analysis of Electric Fields. Here, we will introduce magnetostatics and relate it to the material we learned previously. In addition, we will cover the basics of the electromotive force and how it can be used to build different devices. Learners will • Be able to use solutions from electric fields and relate them to other subjects (heat transfer, diffusion, membrane modeling) • Understand Maxwell's equations in the context of magnetostatics • Be introduced to energy and quantum mechanics relating to magnetic forces By relating the concepts in this lecture to other fields, such as heat/mass diffusion, and describing their potential applications, we hope to make this course applicable to our students careers. Because this course covers both basic concepts and device construction, we have designed it to be useful for researchers and industry professionals alike. The approach taken in this course complements traditional approaches, covering a fairly complete treatment of the physics of electricity and magnetism, and adds Feynman’s unique and vital approach to grasping a picture of the physical universe. Furthermore, this course uniquely provides the link between the knowledge of electrodynamics and its practical applications to research in materials science, information technology, electrical engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, energy storage, energy harvesting, and other materials related fields.

Syllabus

Electrostatic Analogs

This module covers the how electrodynamic solutions can be used to find solutions applicable to other fields. We describe how electrodynamics is comparable to heat transfer, membrane physics, neutron diffusion, and other natural phenomenon. Through these comparisons, understanding of other physics can be realized.

Magnetostatics

This module introduces magnetostatics, and the magnetic field outside of different geometries, and how relativity can be used to understand magnetic forces. To lead into this, we will describe how to characterize current in a wire and while doing this, attention will again be drawn to the similarities between electrostatics and magnetostatics

The Magnetic Field in Various Situations

This lecture introduces the concept of the magnetic vector potential, which is analogous to the electric potential. We explain the distribution of the magnetic potential and how to use it when solving for the electric field. The magnetic dipole is also introduced and the Biot-Savart law is described.

Assessing the Vector Potential

In the first part of this module, we explore the topic of energy and work in the context of electrodynamics. Then we explain the usefulness of the magnetic vector potential (A) and why it is a real field. Finally, we tie these concepts with quantum mechanical electrodynamics, and reveal equations that are useful beyond the scope of statics.

Induced Currents

In the final module, we mostly cover the electromotive force, induced currents, and how they may be applied to create devices. We show how forces, electric currents, and magnetism all interact in order to operate machinery.