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8.02.3x

Electricity and Magnetism: Maxwell’s Equations

About this course

Electricity and Magnetism dominate much of the world around us – from the most fundamental processes in nature to cutting edge electronic devices. Electric and Magnet fields arise from charged particles. Charged particles also feel forces in electric and magnetic fields. Maxwell’s equations, in addition to describing this behavior, also describe electromagnetic radiation.

In this course, we finish up this introduction to Electricity and Magnetism. We begin by thinking about magnetic fields that change in time, working through Faraday’s Law and Inductors in Circuits. With the addition of Displacement Current, we complete Maxwell’s Equations. We finish the course by exploring the solution to Maxwell’s equations in free space – electromagnetic radiation.

What you'll learn

  • Faraday’s Law
  • Inductors in DC and AC Circuits
  • Displacement Current
  • Maxwell’s Equations
  • Properties of Electromagnetic Radiation

Syllabus

Concepts from Classical Mechanics (at the level of 8.01x Mechanics Series) will be necessary for the discussion of several topics.

  • 8.02.1x and 8.02.2x
  • Multivariable Calculus

Course staff

Peter Dourmashkin

Senior Lecturer, Physics
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Krishna Rajagopal

Dean for Digital Learning
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Kerstin Perez

Assistant Professor of Physics
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Analia Barrantes

Lecturer, Physics
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Michelle Tomasik

Lecturer, Physics
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Robert Redwine

Professor of Physics and Director of Bates Linear Accelerator Center
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

What textbook do I need for the course?

We have a purpose-written textbook available in PDF format. You won't need to purchase any textbook.

  1. Course Number:

    8.02.3x
  2. Classes Start:

  3. Classes End:

  4. Estimated Effort:

    12 hours/week
  5. Length:

    10 weeks
  6. Year Created:

    2020
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