The Electric Field
Introducing Coulomb's Law, superposition, and the concept of the E-field.
Electrostatics
This section explores electrostatics—the study of electric charges that are
stationary. The "static" condition is critical: if charges are moving, they produce
magnetic fields and complicate the problem significantly. By assuming charges have no velocity, we can focus
purely on the forces they exert on one another.
Ultimately, Coulomb’s Law and the principle of superposition constitute
the complete physical input for this entire subject. The rest is the mathematical framework we build upon
these two fundamental rules to solve for the force on any charge in any situation.
Gauss's Law
Understanding electric flux and using Gauss's Law to find the E-field for symmetric systems.
Electric Potential
Defining the scalar potential V, its relation to E, and solving Poisson's & Laplace's equations.
Work and Energy
Calculating the work required to assemble charges and the energy stored in an electric field.
Multipole Expansion
Approximating the potential of a charge distribution at large distances.