Physics 121 -- Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism

Physics 121 is the second quarter of a three-quarter sequence on the theory of electromagnetic interactions. Physics 120 covers the theory of static electric and magnetic fields, and dielectric and magnetic materials. Physics 121 covers Maxwell's equations and dynamic electromagnetic fields. Physics 124 (next fall) covers electromagnetic radiation. While Physics 124 covers some more advanced material---including a first glipse of relativistic field theory---Physics 120 and 121 cover material that is a basic part of academic training in Physics.

Physics 121 meets MWF at 11:00am. Course materials, including information sheets, problem sets, and lecture notes will be posted on this page. If you need any further information, please e-mail the prof.

General Course Information for Physics 121

Problem sets for Physics 121:

• Problem Set 1 (due Friday, April 12).
• Problem Set 2 (due Friday, April 19).
• Problem Set 3 (due Friday, April 26).
• Problem Set 4 (due Friday, May 10).
• Problem Set 5 (due Friday, May 17).
• Problem Set 6 (due Friday, May 24).
• Problem Set 7 (due Friday, May 31).

Lecture Notes for Physics 121:

• Set 1: Magnetic induction.
• Set 2: Circuits and impedance.
• Set 3: Fourier transforms.
• Set 4: Green's functions.
• Set 5: Maxwell's equations.
• Set 6: The stress tensor.
• Set 7: Electromagnetic waves.
• Set 8: Electromagnetic waves - 2.
• Set 9: The wave equation.
• Set 10: Reflection, transmission, refraction.
• Set 11: Reflection, transmission, refraction - 2.
• Set 12: Waves in Less Ideal Media.
• Set 13: Waves in Less Ideal Media - 2.
• Set 14: Waveguides.
• Set 15: The wave equation in cylindrical coordinates.
• Set 16: Theory of Relativity.
• Set 17: Theory of Relativity - 2.
• Set 18: Energy, Momentum, and Forces in Special Relativity.
• Set 19: Special Relativity and Maxwell's Equations

Exams for Physics 121:

• Midterm Exam (May 3); solutions
• Final Exam (June 12); solutions

Java applets and other programming materials for Physics 121 can be found in this directory. Here is an introduction to Physics 120 series Java applets.