Field Theory

Summary

An electromagnetic field (also EMF or EM field) is a physical field produced by electrically charged objects. It affects the behavior of charged objects in the vicinity of the field. The electromagnetic field extends indefinitely throughout space and describes the electromagnetic interaction. It is one of the four fundamental forces of nature (the others are gravitation, the weak interaction and strong interaction).

The field can be viewed as the combination of an electric field and a magnetic field. The electric field is produced by stationary charges, and the magnetic field by moving charges (currents); these two are often described as the sources of the field. The way in which charges and currents interact with the electromagnetic field is described by Maxwell's equations and the Lorentz force law.

From a classical perspective in the history of electromagnetism, the electromagnetic field can be regarded as a smooth, continuous field, propagated in a wavelike manner; whereas, from the perspective of quantum field theory, the field is seen as quantized, being composed of individual particles

Course Objectives:

1. To study different coordinate systems for understanding the concept of gradient, divergence, and curl of a vector.

2. To study the application of Coulomb’s Law and Gauss Law for electric fields produced by different charge configurations.

   1. To evaluate the energy and potential due to a system of charges.

3. To study the behaviour of the electric field across a boundary between a conductor and dielectric and between two different dielectrics.

• 1. To study the magnetic fields and magnetic materials.

  2. To study the time-varying fields and propagation of waves in different media.

Course Outcomes:

• 1. At the end of the course the student will be able to:

  2. Use different coordinate systems to explain the concept of gradient, divergence, and curl of a vector.

  3. Use Coulomb’s Law and Gauss Law for the evaluation of electric fields produced by different charge configurations.

  4. Calculate the energy and potential due to a system of charges.

  5. Explain the behavior of the electric field across a boundary between a conductor and dielectric and between two different dielectrics.

  6. Explain the behavior of magnetic fields and magnetic materials.

  7. Assess time-varying fields and propagation of waves in different media.

Some Inspirational Images of shows importance of Electromagnetic Field theory