Physics 2000

Introduction to Physics II

In this course, we will study the theory of electric and magnetic phenomena, describing the laws that govern the motion of charged particles. In particular, we will start with electrostatics and the interaction between point-like charges, introducing the concept of field vector. We will follow studying circuit theory and some applications. Subsequently, we will introduce the magnetic interaction, thus studying the case of varying electric and magnetic fields. Of fundamental importance will be the global version of Maxwell's equations, that is Gauss's law for electric and magnetic fields, Ampere's law, and Faraday's law. Time permitting, some comments on the (local) Maxwell's equations will be given while introducing electromagnetic waves.

Throughout the course, we will use many mathematical tools and concepts students may not be familiar with. Hence, when necessary, we will first introduce these mathematical aspects, applying them to the needs of the course.