5405

PHYSICS 5405
Electricity & Magnetism
FALL 2008(94609)

Professor M. Blecher
blecherm@alphamb2.phys.vt.edu
Robeson 211
Ext. 6525
Home Page

Course Policy:
Topics | Grading | Final Exam Time

Office Hours
Days/Time:
Tu, W: 4:00-5:00 PM
Th: 9:30-10:30 AM

If I am traveling to a laboratory I will let you know in lecture.
If I must miss class for an unexpected reason a notice will be posted on my door in the morning.

Text
Classical Electrodynamics, 3rd Ed
J. D. Jackson: Addison-Wesley

Lecture
Day: T,R
Time: 12:30 - 1:45 PM
Place: Robeson 122

Topics

Introduction and Review of the Subject
Charge, Coulomb Law
Gauss Law, Poisson, & Laplace Equations
Continuous Charge Distributions, Dirac Delta Function
Some Simple Calculations of Electric Fields & Potential
Special relativity
Relativistic Kinematics
Obtaining Maxwell's Equations In Vacuum With Relativity
General Properties of the magnetic field
Dielectric and Magnetic Materials (time permitting)

Grading
Homework - 30%

The homeworks are in a directory that you can get to by clicking on assignments above, i.e. www.phys.vt.edu/~blecherm/assignments. In order for you to have more problems to practice with, I have left assignments from former years in this directory. You must do the assignment for 2008 and not previous years. Typically assignments are due at the start of class on Thursday.

I know solutions to some of JDJ's problems exist on the web. Not all of them are solved correctly. You should not depend on these solutions. Rather you should try to fight your way through the problems. If you do, you'll be better prepared for exams. I am always available for help. It is an honor code violation to copy any of these solutions and present it as your own. Remember I also have access to the web.

It is also a violation to copy from the solutions of any other student whether now or previously enrolled. You can discuss homework problems, but must turn in your own solutions.

On all exams you may only refer to a formula sheet 8.5x11 in^2 and a calculator. Refering to notes or books is an honor code violation. Conversing with other students in class or on cell phones or looking at another's solutions during an exam is a violation. Students observing a violation are honor bound to report such to the honor court.

In-class (closed book) exams - 2 @ 20%
Final (closed book) exam - 30%

On all exams, if average is < 78%, grades will be re-normalized to make the average 78%.

A(93-100), A-(86-93),B+(81-85), B(76-80), B-(70-76),C(< 70).

Final Exam
T Dec. 11, 2008
10:05-12:05 PM
122 Robeson