Electrodynamics: Electric and Magnetic Fields

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/electrodynamics-electric-magnetic-fields

Introduction

**Course Review and Recommendation: Electrodynamics: Electric and Magnetic Fields** **Overview:** The "Electrodynamics: Electric and Magnetic Fields" course offered on Coursera is a serious and scholarly exam of advanced topics in electrodynamics. As a continuation of the preceding courses — "Electrodynamics: An Introduction" and "Electrodynamics: Analysis of Electric Fields" — this program builds upon foundational principles while venturing into new concepts such as magnetostatics and electromotive force. Designed for learners who have a basic understanding of electricity and magnetism, this course offers an orderly transition to more complex theories and applications. **Course Structure and Content:** The course is structured into several modules, each meticulously curated to provide clarity and depth. Let’s dive into the key modules: 1. **Electrostatic Analogs**: This introductory module contrasts electrodynamic solutions with various natural phenomena, demonstrating their interconnectedness. The application of electrodynamics to heat transfer, neutron diffusion, and membrane physics opens a broader perspective on how these domains intertwine. This section is particularly beneficial for students looking to apply theoretical principles in real-world scenarios. 2. **Magnetostatics**: Here, learners are introduced to the fascinating world of magnetostatics, exploring the characteristics of magnetic fields generated by currents. Understanding the relationship between electric and magnetic fields is essential; therefore, this module effectively builds a bridge between the two disciplines while incorporating the principles of relativity. 3. **The Magnetic Field in Various Situations**: This module further enhances comprehension by introducing the magnetic vector potential — a crucial concept analogous to electric potential. The applications of the Biot-Savart law add a vital numerical component that enriches the learning experience, giving students tools to solve complex problems. 4. **Assessing the Vector Potential**: Diving deeper, this segment addresses energy and work in electrodynamics and emphasizes the significance of the magnetic vector potential. Integrating quantum mechanical electrodynamics into discussions provides a modern twist that will intrigue those interested in the cutting-edge aspects of physics. 5. **Induced Currents**: Concluding the course, this module highlights the practical implications of the electromotive force and induced currents. The focus on real-world applications is particularly important as students explore how these principles can be employed to design and create functional devices, illuminating the direct impact of theoretical knowledge. **Learning Outcomes:** Upon completion, students will leave the course with a solid understanding of how electric field solutions apply across various scientific fields, the foundations of magnetostatics, and the concept of electromotive force. Mastery of Maxwell's equations will also serve students well in advanced studies in physics and engineering. This course is especially relevant for those looking to bridge theory with its practical application in technology and engineering. **Final Thoughts and Recommendation:** "Electrodynamics: Electric and Magnetic Fields" is an intellectually enriching course that successfully combines theory with practical relevance. With well-organized modules, engaging material, and the incorporation of complex applications, it is highly recommended for physics enthusiasts, undergraduate engineering students, and anyone pursuing a career in fields associated with electromagnetism. If you're keen on deepening your understanding of electrodynamics and learning how to apply it in various fields—from heat transfer to device creation—this course is undoubtedly worth your time and investment. Enroll today, and embark on a journey through the remarkable world of electricity and magnetism!

Syllabus

Electrostatic Analogs

This module covers the how electrodynamic solutions can be used to find solutions applicable to other fields. We describe how electrodynamics is comparable to heat transfer, membrane physics, neutron diffusion, and other natural phenomenon. Through these comparisons, understanding of other physics can be realized.

This module introduces magnetostatics, and the magnetic field outside of different geometries, and how relativity can be used to understand magnetic forces. To lead into this, we will describe how to characterize current in a wire and while doing this, attention will again be drawn to the similarities between electrostatics and magnetostatics

This lecture introduces the concept of the magnetic vector potential, which is analogous to the electric potential. We explain the distribution of the magnetic potential and how to use it when solving for the electric field. The magnetic dipole is also introduced and the Biot-Savart law is described.

In the first part of this module, we explore the topic of energy and work in the context of electrodynamics. Then we explain the usefulness of the magnetic vector potential (A) and why it is a real field. Finally, we tie these concepts with quantum mechanical electrodynamics, and reveal equations that are useful beyond the scope of statics.

In the final module, we mostly cover the electromotive force, induced currents, and how they may be applied to create devices. We show how forces, electric currents, and magnetism all interact in order to operate machinery.