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3.9. Electromagnetism (ELM)

This area covers the physics of electric and magnetic fields, circuits, and electromagnetic waves at the level needed for Computing students to understand electronics hardware, digital circuits, signal transmission, and the physical foundations of computing devices.

Knowledge Area (KA)	CS Core	KA Core
3.9.1 Electrostatics: Electric Field and Gauss's Law	Elective
3.9.2 Electric Current, Circuits, and Kirchhoff's Laws	Elective
3.9.3 Maxwell's Equations and Gauge Transformations	Elective

3.9.1. ELM/Electrostatics: Electric Field and Gauss's Law ↑ Back to top

Analysis of stationary charges, the vector nature of the electric field, and the application of Gauss's Law, providing the basis for understanding capacitors and charge storage in computing hardware.
Topics:
Core

• Coulomb's law for point charges and the principle of linear superposition
• The electric field vector \(\vec{E}\) for discrete and continuous charge distributions
• Gauss's Law in integral form and its relation to enclosed charge
• Differential form of Gauss's Law: \(\nabla \cdot \vec{E} = \rho/\epsilon_0\)
• Applications of Gauss's Law to spherical and cylindrical symmetry

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Calculate the electrostatic force and field for charge distributions using superposition and Gauss's Law [Usage]
2. Evaluate the electric flux through surfaces and relate it to enclosed charge [Assessment]
3. Determine volume charge density from a given expression of the electric field using Gauss's law in differential form [Usage]

3.9.2. ELM/Electric Current, Circuits, and Kirchhoff's Laws ↑ Back to top

Study of electric charge flow, resistance, and DC circuit analysis using Kirchhoff's laws, essential for understanding digital logic hardware and embedded systems.
Topics:
Core

• Definition of current, current density, and the continuity equation
• Ohm's law, resistivity, and temperature dependence of resistance
• Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) for circuit node analysis
• Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) for circuit loop analysis
• Series and parallel circuit simplification and equivalent resistance
• RC and RL circuit transients and engineering time constants

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. Apply KCL and KVL to solve multi-loop DC circuits relevant to digital hardware design [Usage]
2. Calculate power dissipated and determine time constants for RC and RL circuits [Assessment]
3. Analyze the transient response of RC and RL circuits and relate it to signal timing in digital systems [Usage]

3.9.3. ELM/Maxwell's Equations and Gauge Transformations ↑ Back to top

The unified set of equations governing all classical electromagnetic phenomena and the Poynting vector, providing the physics basis for wireless communication and electromagnetic compatibility.
Topics:
Core

• Maxwell's displacement current and its role in completing Ampere's Law
• The complete set of four Maxwell's equations in integral and differential forms
• Poynting's theorem and energy conservation in electromagnetic fields
• The Poynting vector \(\vec{S} = \vec{E} \times \vec{H}\) as energy flux density
• Gauge invariance and the formulation of potentials in electrodynamics

Learning Outcomes:
Core:

1. State all four Maxwell equations and identify their physical content [Familiarity]
2. Calculate the displacement current and the Poynting vector for an electromagnetic configuration [Usage]
3. Analyze energy flow and power transport in electromagnetic systems including transmission lines [Assessment]