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Paradigms in Physics: Static Fields | 2025-Fall
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Syllabus
Course Name
Paradigms in Physics: Static Fields
Course Number
PH 422 / PH 522
Year/Term
2025
Display other available years here.
Course Credits
4
Class meeting times
7 hours of lecture/discussion per week for five weeks.
Prerequisites
PH 422: PH 213, PH 335 (may be taken in the same term), MTH 255 (may be taken concurrently) PH 522: None
Course description
Theory of static electric, magnetic, and gravitational potentials and fields using the techniques of vector calculus in three dimensions.
Topic/Day
Activities
Resources
Homework Due
W1 D1: Math Bits
Introduction to the Static Fields (Math Bits)
Course Lecture Notes
Key Request Form
Research Consent Form
Densities
Acting Out Charge Densities
GSF: Densities
GEM 2.1.4
Non-uniform Densities
Modeling Nonuniform Density
Review Algebra/Calculus Basics
Do this on you own.
See HW 1 Practice.
Unit: (Math Bits) Integration and Differentiation in Curvilinear Coordinates
Introduction to the Unit
Learning Outcomes
Unit Learning Outcomes: Integration and Differentiation in Curvilinear Coordinates
W1 D2: Math Bits
Review Curvilinear Coordinates
GSF: Curvilinear Coordinates
GSF: Change of Coordinates
Scalar Line, Surface, Volume Elements
Total Charge of a Rod
Pineapples and Pumpkins
Scalar Surface and Volume Elements
Curvilinear Volume Elements
GSF: Scalar Surface Elements
GSF: Triple Integrals in Cylindrical and Spherical Coordinates
GEM 1.3.1, 1.4
Total Charge
Total Charge: Spheres \& Cylinders
GSF: Total Charge
W1 D3: Math Bits
Vector Differential
Vector Differential--Rectangular
Vector Differential--Polar
Vector Differential--Curvilinear
GSF: The Vector Differential
GSF: Finding \(d\vec{r}\) on Rectangular Paths
GSF: Other Coordinate Systems
GSF: Calculating \(d\vec{r}\) in Curvilinear Coordinates
HW 01 Practice w/Solution
HW 01 w/Solution
Use What You Know
Introduction to Use What You Know
Charge on a Parabola
Surface Area of a Paraboloid
GSF: Using \(d\vec{r}\) on More General Paths
GSF: Use What You Know
W1 D4: Math Bits
Vector Fields
Draw Vector Fields
GVC: Vector Fields for Mathematicians
GSF: Vector Fields for Physicists
Work and Vector Line Integrals
Vector Line Integrals (Contour Map)
Curvilinear Basis Vectors
Representations for Finding Components
Curvilinear Basis Vectors
GSF: Orthonormal Basis Vectors
GEM 1.4
Review of Derivatives
GSF: Leibniz vs. Newton
Partial Derivatives
Generalized Leibniz Notation
Partial Derivatives from a Contour Map
GEM 1.2.1
W1 D5: Math Bits
Review The Multivariable Differential
GMM: The Multivariable Differential
HW 02 Practice w/Solution
HW 02 w/Solution
Definition of Gradient
GSF: The Geometry of the Gradient
GSF: The Gradient in Rectangular Coordinates
GEM 1.2.2-1.2.3
Properties of Gradient
GSF: Properties of the Gradient
Visualizing Gradient
Acting Out the Gradient
Visualising the Gradient
GSF: Visualizing the Geometry of the Gradient
GSF: Using Technology to Visualize the Gradient
GEM 1.2.2-1.2.3
Taylor 4.3, 4.8
Gradient in Curvilinear Coordinates
GSF: The Gradient in Curvilinear Coordinates
GSF: Formulas for Div, Grad, Curl
Unit: Potentials Due to Discrete Charges
Introduction to the Unit
Learning Outcomes
Unit Learning Outcomes: Potentials Due to Discrete Charges
W2 D1
Introduction to Static Fields (Physics)
Introduction to Static Fields
Electrostatic & Gravitational Potential
Electrostatic Potential Due to a Point Charge
GSF: Electrostatic and Gravitational Potentials and Potential Energies
GEM 2.3.4
GSF: Dimensions
Review Distance Formula
Visualizing Potentials I
Drawing Equipotential Surfaces
Read After Class:
GSF: Visualization of Potentials
W2 D2
Veterans Day (No Class)
W2 D3
Superposition of Discrete Charges
Electrostatic Potential Due to a Pair of Charges (without Series)
Read After Class:
GSF: Superpositions from Discrete Sources
GSF: Two Point Charges
GEM 2.3.4
HW 03 Practice w/Solution
HW 03 w/Solution
Potential Due to a Pair of Charges: Limiting Cases
Electrostatic Potential Due to a Pair of Charges (with Series)
Read After Class:
GSF: Power Series for Two Point Charges
Unit: Fields from Continuous Sources
Introduction to the Unit
Learning Outcomes
Unit Learning Outcomes: Fields from Continuous Sources
W2 D4
Visualizing Potentials (with Technology)
Using Technology to Visualize Potentials
Read After Class:
GSF: Using Technology to Visualize Potentials
Series for Multipoles
Multipole Expansions
Read After Class:
GSF: Using Technology to Visualize Power Series
\(1/r\) vs. \(1/r^2\)
$1/r/$ vs. $1/r^2$
Series Approximations
Using Technology to Explore Power Series Approximations
Read After Class:
GMM: Discussion of Approximations Using Power Series
GMM: Using Technology to Explore Power Series Approximations
Power Series Sensemaking
Sensemaking from Graphs of Power Series I
Sensemaking from Graphs of Power Series II
Electrostatic Potential in Curvilinear Coordinates
Electrostatic Potential Due to a Ring of Charge
Ring Sequence Electric Potential
Read After Class:
GSF: Potentials from Continuous Charge Distributions
GSF: Potential Due to a Uniformly Charged Ring
GEM 2.3.4
W2 D5
Multipole Expansion
Linear Quadrupole Follow-up
HW 04 Practice w/Solution
HW 04 w/Solution
Other Continuous Sources
Read After Class:
GSF: Potential Due to a Finite Line of Charge
GSF: Potential Due to an Infinite Line of Charge
GEM 2.3.2
Limiting Cases (V Ring)
Unit: Electric Fields
Introduction to the Unit
Learning Outcomes
Unit Learning Outcomes: Electric Fields, $\vec{E}(\vec{r})$
W3 D1
Constants, Variables, and Parameters
Constants, Variables, and Parameters
Electric Field Due to a Point Charge
Electric Field of a Point Charge
GSF: Electric Field of a Point Charge
Superposition for Electric Fields
Drawing Electric Field Vectors for Discrete Charges
Read After Class:
GSF: Superposition for the Electric Field
GSF: The Geometry of Electric Fields
GEM 2.2.1
Electric Field for Two Point Charges
Electric Field Due to a Pair of Charges (without Series)
Electric Field Lines
GSF: Electric Field Lines
GEM 2.2.1
W3 D2
Electric Field Due to a Point Charge as a Gradient
GSF: Electric Field
GEM 2.1.1-2.1.2
Electric Fields from Continuous Charge Distributions
Electric Field Due to a Ring of Charge
Ring Sequence Electric Field
Read After Class:
GSF: Electric Field from Continuous Charge Distributions
GSF: Electric Field Due to a Uniformly Charged Ring
GSF: The Electric Field of a Uniform Disk
GEM 2.1
Unit: Gauss's Law (Integral)
Introduction to the Unit
Learning Outcomes
Unit Learning Outcomes: Gauss's Law (Integral Form)
W3 D3
Products of Vectors: Cross Product
Triple Product
Cross Product Review
GMM: Cross Product
GEM 1.1.1-1.1.3
HW 05 Practice w/Solution
HW 05 w/Solution
Vector Surface Elements
Vector Surface and Volume Elements
Read After Class:
GSF: Vector Surface Elements
GEM 1.3.1
Flux Definition
Acting Out Flux
Read After Class:
GSF: Flux
GSF: Flux of the Electric Field
GEM 1.3.1, 2.2.1
W3 D4
Flux Calculation
Flux through a Paraboloid
Read After Class:
GSF: Highly Symmetric Surfaces
GSF: Less Symmetric Surfaces
Visualizing Flux
Visualizing Flux through a Cube
Read After Class:
GSF: Flux through a Cube
Gauss's Law in Integral Form
Gauss's Law in Symmetric Situations
Read After Class:
GSF: Gauss's Law
GSF: Gauss's Law and Symmetry
GSF: Gauss's Law for High Symmetry
GEM 2.2.3
W3 D5
Step Functions
Read After Class:
GMM: Step Functions
GEM 1.5.2
Video:
Step & Delta Functions
HW 06 Practice w/Solution
HW 06 w/Solution
Delta Functions
Read After Class:
GMM: The Dirac Delta Function
GMM: Properties of the Dirac Delta Function
GMM: Representations of the Dirac Delta Function
GEM 1.5
W4 D1
Big Quiz
Static Fields Equation Sheet
Gravity w/Solution
Unit: Maxwell's Equations in Differential Form
Introduction to the Unit
Learning Outcomes
Unit Learning Outcomes: Divergence and Curl
W4 D2
More Gauss's Law
Derivatives of Vector Fields
Derivatives of Vector Fields
W4 D3
Definition of Divergence
Read After Class:
GSF: The Definition of Divergence
GEM 1.2.4
HW 07 Practice w/Solution
HW 07 w/Solution
Visualization of Divergence
Visualization of Divergence
Read After Class:
GSF: Exploring the Divergence
GSF: Visualizing the Divergence
Divergence Theorem
GSF: The Divergence Theorem
GEM 1.3.4
Taylor 13.7
W4 D4
Thanksgiving (No Class)
W4 D5
Thanksgiving Break (No Class)
HW 08 Practice
HW 08
Unit: Magnetic Fields
Introduction to the Unit
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Unit Learning Outcomes: Magnetostatic Fields
W5 D1
Divergence in Curvilinear Coordinates
Read After Class:
GSF: The Divergence in Curvilinear Coordinates
GSF: Exploring the Divergence in Polar Coordinates
Differential Form of Gauss's Law
GSF: Differential Form of Gauss's Law
GSF: The Divergence of a Coulomb Field
GEM 2.2.1-2.2.2
Current Density
Acting Out Current Density
Read After Class:
GSF: Current
GEM 5.1.3, 5.2.2
W5 D2
Big Quiz Redux
Total Current
Current from a Spinning Cylinder
Ampère's Law in Integral Form
Amp\`ere's Law in Symmetric Situations
Read After Class:
GSF: Ampère's Law
GSF: Current in a Wire
GSF: Ampère's Law and Symmetry
GSF: Ampère's Law on Cylinders
GEM 5.3.3
W5 D3
Curl
Visualization of Curl
Read After Class:
GSF: The Geometry of Curl
GSF: The Definition of Curl
GSF: The Curl in Curvilinear Coordinates
GSF: Exploring the Curl II
GSF: Visualizing the Curl
GEM 1.2.5
HW 09 Practice w/Solution
HW 09 w/Solution
Proportional Reasoning Practice w/Solution
W5 D4
Stokes' Theorem
GSF: Stokes' Theorem
GEM 1.3.5
Differential Form of Ampère's Law
GSF: Differential Form of Ampère's Law
GEM 5.3.3
Introduction to the Lorentz Force Law
Lorentz Force Law to Words
GSF: The Lorentz Force Law
GEM 5.1, 5.3.4
Taylor 2.5
Relationship of Fields
V, $\vec{E}$, U, $\vec{F}$
Read After Class:
GSF: The Relationship between \(V\), \(\vec{E}\), \(U\), and \(\vec{F}\)
GEM 2.3.1-2.3.2
Taylor 4.2
Work
Read After Class:
GSF: Conservative Vector Fields
GSF: Independence of Path
GSF: Visualizing Conservative Vector Fields
GSF: Finding Potential Functions
GSF: Finding the Potential from the Electric Field
GEM 1.3.2-1.3.3
GEM 2.4.1
Taylor 4.2
Lorentz Force Law
Lorentz Force and Work Done on a Rectangular Loop
Curl-Free Vector Fields
Read After Class:
GSF: Curl-Free Vector Fields
GEM 1.6.2
Taylor 4.4
Electrostatic Energy Due to Discrete Charges
Electrostatic Energy of Discrete Charges
Read After Class:
GSF: Electrostatic Energy from Discrete Charges
GEM 2.4.1-2.4.2
Electrostatic Energy from a Continuous Charge Distributions
Read After Class:
GSF: Electrostatic Energy from Continuous Sources
GEM 2.4.3-2.4.4
W5 D5
Product Rule
Integration by Parts
Second Derivatives
Laplace's Equation
GSF: Product Rules
GSF: Integration by Parts
GSF: Second Derivatives
GSF: Second Derivatives and Maxwell's Equations
GSF: The Laplacian
GEM 1.2.6-1.2.7, 1.3.6
GEM 2.3.3
HW 10 Practice w/Solution
HW 10 w/Solution
Magnetic Vector Potential
Magnetic Vector Potential Due to a Spinning Charged Ring
Ring Sequence Magnetic Vector Potential
Read After Class:
GSF: Magnetic Vector Potential
GEM 5.4.1
Magnetic Field \(\vec{B}\) from Magnetic Vector Potential \(\vec{A}\)
GEM 5.4.1
Biot Savart Law
Magnetic Field Due to a Spinning Ring of Charge
Ring Sequence Magnetic Field
Read After Class:
GSF: The Biot-Savart Law
GSF: The Magnetic Field of a Straight Wire
GSF: The Magnetic Field of a Spinning Ring
GSF: Comparing \(\vec{B}\) and \(\vec{A}\) for a Spinning Ring
GEM 5.2.2
Conductors
Conductors
Read After Class:
GSF: Conductors
GEM 2.5
Boundary Conditions
GSF: Dot Products and Components
GSF: Boundary Conditions on Electric Fields
GSF: Boundary Conditions on Magnetic Fields
GEM 2.3.5, 5.4.2
Review
Introduction to Static Fields
Static Fields Review
GSF: Learning Outcomes
GSF: The Relationship between \(\vec{E}\), \(V\), and \(\rho\)
GSF: The Relationship between \(\vec{B}\), \(\vec{A}\), and \(\vec{J}\)
GEM 2.3.5, 5.4.2
GEM 5.3.4
More Paraboloids
12/10, noon
FINAL EXAM
Static Fields Equation Sheet
335 Prereqs: Power Series
Definition of Power Series
Derive Power Series Coefficients
Adding Functions Pointwise
The Functions $1/r$ and $1/r^2$
Review Reading:
Read Before Class:
GMM: Definition of Power Series
GMM: Calculating Power Series Coefficients
Calculating Coefficients of Power Series
Calculating Coefficients for a Power Series
Read After Class:
GMM: Calculating Power Series Coefficients
Guessing Power Series
Read After Class:
GMM: Guessing Power Series from Graphs
Power Series Approximations (Sine Example)
Visualization of Power Series Approximations
Read After Class:
GMM: Visualization of Power Series Approximations
More Power Series Information
Read After Class:
GMM: Common Power Series
GMM: Dimensions in Power Series
GMM: Convergence of Power Series
GMM: Theorems about Power Series
335 Prereqs: Derivatives
Zapping with d
Differentials
Review
how to find total differentials
Watch some short video:
Rules for Differentials
Product Rule
Chain Rule
and/or Read:
GSF: Leibniz vs. Newton
GSF: Differentials
GSF: Rules for Differentials
GSF: Properties of Differentials
GSF: The Multivariable Differential
GSF: Differentials: Summary
335 Prereqs: Coordinates and Vectors
Review on your own(as needed):Basic Calculus, Exponentials & Logarithms, Vectors
Review Reading
GSF: Review of Single Variable Differentiation
GSF: Vectors
GSF: Bases
GSF: Unit Vectors
GEM 1.1.1-1.1.2
Taylor 1.2
Rules for Differentials
Representations of Vectors
Representations of Vectors
Dot Product
Dot Product Review
Read After Class:
GSF: The Dot Product
GEM 1.1.1
Position Vector
Read After Class:
GSF: The Position Vector
GEM 1.1.4
Calculating the Distance Between Two Points
The Distance Formula (Star Trek)
Read After Class:
GSF: The Distance Formula
GEM 1.1.2, 1.1.4
Curvilinear Coordinates
Curvilinear Coordinates Introduction
GSF: Curvilinear Coordinates
GSF: Change of Coordinates
GEM 1.4