Physics 203

Course Description

This course includes the study of charge and matter, the electric field, electric potential, capacitors and dielectrics, direct current and resistance, electromotive force and circuits, the magnetic field, inductance, magnetic properties of matter, electromagnetic oscillations, alternating currents, electromagnetic waves, and the Maxwell Equations.

Student Learning Outcomes

The student will be able to

  1. Analyze and solve novel problems using the concepts, equations and methods of electricity and magnetism in both independent and collaborative settings.
  2. Investigate physical phenomena experimentally using appropriate equipment and methods, and make valid comparisons with theoretical predictions.
  3. Clearly communicate results of scientific inquiries in both oral and written form.

Course Content

The following topics will be covered in lecture

  1. Coulomb’s Law and Superposition
  2. Electric Fields
  3. Gauss’s Law
  4. Direct Current Circuits
  5. Electric Potential
  6. Capacitance and Dielectrics
  7. Resistance
  8. Magnetic Fields
  9. Determination of Magnetic Fields
  10. Effects of Magnetic Fields on Moving Electric Charges
  11. Time Varying Magnetic Fields
  12. Magnetism and Matter
  13. Electromagnetic Oscillations and Alternating Current
  14. Development and Application of the Maxwell Equations

Potential Experiments

The following experiments may be performed in lab

  1. Electric Field Lines and Equipotential Lines
  2. Capacitors in Series and Parallel
  3. Resistors in Series and Parallel
  4. Ohm’s Law
  5. Kirchhoff’s Laws
  6. RCL Circuits