PHYS 685: Classical Electrodynamics I

Homework

hw set 1, due on Sept. 4
hw set 2, due on Sept. 11
hw set 3, due on Sept. 18
hw set 4, due on Sept. 25
hw set 5, due on Oct. 2
hw set 6, due on Oct. 9
hw set 7, due on Oct. 16
hw set 8, due on Oct. 30
hw set 9, due on Nov. 6
hw set 10, due on Nov. 13
hw set 11, due on Nov. 20
hw set 12, due on Dec. 11

Solutions

hw solution 1
hw solution 2
hw solution 3
hw solution 4
hw solution 5
hw solution 6
hw solution 7
hw solution 8
hw solution 9
hw solution 10
hw solution 11
hw solution 12

Time and Location

Wednesday 4:30-7:10pm, Aug 26, 2013 - Dec 18, 2013, Innovation Hall 207

Instructor & Office hours

Erhai Zhao, Contact Email: ezhao2 [at] gmu.edu
Office hours: 2-3pm, Wednesday, Planetary Hall, Room 207; or by appointment.

Course Goals

This course treats the static properties of electromagnetic fields systematically and in depth. It covers electrostatics, boundary values problems, multipoles, magnetostatics, macroscopic media and Maxwell equations.

Textbook

Classical Electrodynamics, 3rd edition, J. D. Jackson, Wiley
We will cover Chapter 1 to Chapter 6. The students enrolled in this course are assumed to be familiar with an undergraduate E&M text on the level of Introduction to Electrodynamics, 3rd ed, D. J. Griffiths, Prentice Hall. There are many physically insightful, and mathematically pedagogical books that complement Jackson, such as Classical Electromagnetism in a Nutshell by Anupam Garg and Modern Electrodynamics by Andrew Zangwill.

Grades

Homework (50%) + Midterm (25%) + Final (25%).

Policy on homework: 1. Discussing problems with each another is encouraged. Copying solutions (including from solution manuals) can be easily spotted. Any violation of the honor code will result in zero credit. 2. You will receive partial credits provided the solution strategy is clearly presented. Narratives and reasoning are encouraged in the answer as long as they are succinct and on-target. 3. Homework will be posted online at this website. It is due at the beginning of each class (4:30pm) on the due date.

Policy on exams: There will be one midterm and one final exam. The midterm is tentatively scheduled from 4:30 pm to 7:10 pm, on Oct. 16. The final exam is scheduled 4:30 pm to 7:10 pm, Dec. 11. Both exams will be closed book and closed notes. You may be allowed to bring formula sheets.

Lecture Plan

  1. Math review
  2. Gauss' Law, Poisson and Laplace equations
  3. Potential of point charge by method of images
  4. Solving boundary value problems by Green functions
  5. Solving boundary value problems by separation of variables [3 lectures]
  6. Charge distributions and dielectric media [2 lectures]
  7. Magnetostatics [2 lectures]
  8. Time-dependent electromagnetic field [2 lectures]