Ateneo - UPO

Elements of electromagnetism and optics. See “Programma esteso” (Extended Program) for more detailed information.

R. Wolfson, “Fisica”, vol. 2, Pearson-Addison Wesley, Milano. 
J. D. Jackson, Elettromagnetismo Classico, Zanichelli.

To provide to the students a basic knowledge of classic electrodynamic and optic. The course will also provide the abilities necessary to better understand the methods of analysis of physical and chemical properties of molecules and solve simple exercises. Communication skills: the students will be able to use a suitable vocabulary in relation to the topics described in the course. Ability of judgement: the course also aims to develop the critical sense that allows the student to draw conclusions on issues related to the topics covered.

Good knowledge of basic arguments of Physics I and Calculus I & II.

Lectures at the blackboard with classroom discussion.

The control of on-going learning will be carried out through discussions in the classroom.

Oral examination on the topics treated within the course.
The exam consists of 3 questions to assess the knowledge (theoretical questions), the ability to apply it (exercises), the critical sense (questions in which it is required to express a judgment or make a choice) and the communication skills (evaluation of the vocabulary).

Electric Charge - Quantization and conservation of electric charge - Conductors, Isolants, Semiconductors. Coulomb force, linearity and combinations of electric fields - Electric Field - Gauss theorem and applications. Electric potential and applications. Capacitors, capacity and electrostatic of a capacitor. Electric current - Ohm law - conductivity and resistivity. Energy and electric power. Electric circuits - Kirchoff rules. Measures of tensions, currents and resistance. Magnetic field. Lorentz force. Biot-Savart Law and applications. Ampere theorem and applications. Gauss theorem of magnetic field. Motion of a particle in a electromagnetic field. Force between two electric wires. Electromagnetic induction - Faraday Law. Self-induction. Dielectrics. Magnetic materials (paramagnetism, diamagnetism and ferromagnetism). Maxwell equations. Electromagnetic waves. Sinusoidal plane waves, electromagnetic spectrum, intensity of EM waves. Polarization. Interaction with matter. Diffraction, reflection and basis of the geometrical optics. Interferometry. Circuits with variable currents - RC, RCL, LC, RL circuits.

Knowledge and understanding:
- knowledge of the basic principles of electromagnetism, from
fundamental forces to Maxwell's equations
- knowledge of the basic principles
of electromagnetic waves.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding:
- know how to solve exercises on the basic principles of electromagnetism, from
fundamental forces to Maxwell's equations
- know how to solve exercises on the basic principles
of electromagnetic waves.
Communication skills
- acquire and know how to use an appropriate vocabulary in relation to the topics covered in the course.
Judgment skills
- know how to draw conclusions on issues related to the topics covered.