Electromagnetism is the study of electric and magnetic fields and their interactions with matter. The course explores the fundamental principles described by Maxwell's equations, which unify electricity and magnetism into a single theoretical framework. Topics typically include electrostatics, magnetostatics, electric and magnetic fields in matter, electromagnetic induction, and electromagnetic waves. Students learn about concepts such as Gauss’s law, Ampère’s law, Faraday’s law, and the Lorentz force. The course also covers boundary conditions, potentials, energy conservation, and the behavior of fields in conductors, insulators, and waveguides. Overall, electromagnetism provides a foundational understanding of many physical phenomena and forms the basis for technologies ranging from motors and generators to wireless communication.
Objectives:
- To provide a deep understanding of the fundamental laws governing electric and magnetic fields.
- To develop the ability to apply Maxwell’s equations to physical systems.
- To analyze how electric and magnetic fields interact with materials and charges.
- To explore the generation, propagation, and properties of electromagnetic waves.
- To build a foundation for applications in physics, engineering, and modern technology.
Learning Outcomes:
- State and explain the physical meaning of Maxwell’s equations in both differential and integral forms.
- Analyze electrostatic and magnetostatics fields using vector calculus and symmetry arguments.
- Solve problems involving electric and magnetic fields in vacuum and in various media.
- Apply boundary conditions to determine field behavior at interfaces.
- Understand the principles of electromagnetic induction and the operation of devices like transformers and generators.
- Describe the propagation of electromagnetic waves in different media and understand their energy and momentum transport.
- Use the concepts of electric potential, magnetic vector potential, and electromagnetic energy density effectively in problem solving.
Academic Year 2024-2025
Lecturer: Alfred MUKURU
- Teacher: content creator
The Waves and Optics course introduces students to the fundamental principles of wave motion and the behavior of light. It covers the properties and types of mechanical and electromagnetic waves, including reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference, and polarization. The course also explores the nature of light as both a wave and a particle, examining optical instruments, lenses, mirrors, and the human eye. Through theoretical concepts and practical experiments, students gain a deeper understanding of wave phenomena and optical systems, and their applications in science, technology, and everyday life.
Objectives:
- To understand the fundamental properties and behavior of mechanical and electromagnetic waves.
- To explore the principles of reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference, and polarization.
- To analyze the dual nature of light and its wave-particle behavior.
- To study the functioning and applications of optical instruments and devices.
- To develop skills in scientific reasoning, experimentation, and problem-solving related to wave and optical phenomena.
- Describe and differentiate between types of waves (transverse, longitudinal, mechanical, and electromagnetic).
- Apply principles of wave behavior to explain phenomena such as reflection, refraction, and interference.
- Understand and use the laws of geometrical optics in analyzing mirrors and lenses.
- Explain the wave and particle nature of light and how it relates to modern physics.
- Perform basic experiments to investigate wave properties and optical systems.
- Solve theoretical and practical problems involving wave motion and optics using appropriate formulas and methods.
Course Code: PHY 2302
Academic Year 2024-2025
Lecturer: Ssessazi Alfred MUKURU
- Teacher: content creator