Electrodynamics: Analysis of Electric Fields

The primary focus of the first portion of this module is the concept of dipole moments, both for a single molecule and an arbitrary distribution. The equations for both the potential and the electric field of a dipole are derived within the first part of the lecture. This lecture also describes the method of images and how it can be applied to solving the electric field from different geometries.

In this module, we cover how to solve for 2D electric fields, and also introduce some basic applications for electrostatics. We describe how imaginary numbers can be used to plot the electric field and equipotential surfaces. Then, we discuss how concepts such as natural resonance, potential distribution, and grid spacing can help design modern devices and experiments.

This module introduces the importance of electrostatic energy and describes how to evaluate it. It also covers how to use the concept of virtual work and how that can be used to find force; specifically we examine this in respect to capacitors. Finally, we discuss where the electrostatic energy can be located.

In the first module concerning dielectrics, we discuss what constitutes a dielectric material and how their presence effects the operation of a capacitor. Then, we cover many ways to characterize a dielectric such as susceptibility and displacement. Finally, we investigate the forces on a dielectric with respect to the capacitor.