Electricity and Magnetism

This course examines the basics of the electromagnetic field in its static and stationary (slowly-varying) states. The course starts by summarising some fundamental prerequisites by insisting on their specific role and impact in the description of electromagnetic field phenomena. The electrostatic interaction is defined by starting from the electric charge (fundamental electric property of matter), the Coulomb force and electrostatic field. It then introduces the ensemble field description via Gauss's law. The energetic description of the electrostatic field is firstly given in terms of the electric potential, then the electrostatic energy (density) is defined and, finally, the capacitors (as energy storage devices) are examined. The description of the electric state is rounded off by introducing the electric current, in its classical interpretation. The second half of the course concerns the magnetic interaction that is firstly evidenced via the pertaining forces and the manners in which the field is produced. The effect of the presence of matter is briefly touched upon. The fundamental laws governing the magnetic interaction, namely Gauss's law, Ampère's law and Faraday's law are discussed at length, together with some pertaining practical applications. The course ends by highlighting the need for an integrated electromagnetic field description in terms of Maxwell's equations.