Static Charges and Fields - Physics (Undergraduate Foundation)

Static charges power every electronic device you use. This course explains how stationary charges create forces and fields without physical contact. You will move from basic atomic structure to advanced field calculations using Coulomb's law and Gauss's law. It covers charge conservation, induction, superposition, and symmetry. You will learn to model invisible forces that act across space. This foundation is critical for understanding all electrical phenomena. These principles explain lightning, photocopiers, and spray painting. In engineering, this knowledge helps design capacitors and manage electromagnetic interference. You will learn to protect circuits from static discharge and predict high-voltage behaviour. Understanding field distribution around conductors and insulators is vital for real-world applications. This skill set allows you to solve practical problems in power systems and electronics. It connects abstract physics to tangible technology used daily. By the end, you will calculate force between multiple charges using vector addition. You will determine electric field strength at any point in space for various shapes. You will apply Gauss's law to solve complex problems for spheres, cylinders, and plates. You will explain induction, conduction, and dipole behaviour. These skills enable accurate modelling of electrical interactions in academic and industrial settings. You will master the mathematical tools needed for electromagnetism. This course is for first-year university students and engineering aspirants. It suits science teachers and technical professionals needing a refresher on core physics laws. Even non-engineers will benefit from the analytical thinking developed here. You will gain a clear understanding of the laws governing modern electronic devices. It builds a strong base for further study in physics or electrical engineering. Anyone interested in how electricity works will find value in this structured approach.

35 hrs

$ 14.89

Enrolment valid for 12 months

This course is also part of the following learning track. You may join the track to gain comprehensive knowledge across related courses.

PHY 102: General Physics II - Electricity and Magnetism

Electricity and magnetism run every home, factory, and phone all over the world. This track builds the technical foundation to master laws governing electrical energy and signals. You will progress from stationary charges to alternating current and electromagnetic waves. It simplifies the NUC CCMAS syllabus into actionable knowledge for solving practical technical problems. The programme is for first-year university and polytechnic students in engineering or physical sciences. It also serves school leavers preparing for university physics or technical entrance exams. Science teachers and technicians who need a solid refresher on core electrical principles will find the material direct and relevant to their work. You will learn to calculate electrical forces, design functional DC and AC circuits, and predict how magnetic fields drive motors and generators. You will master the use of Gauss's Law, Kirchhoff's rules, and Maxwell's equations to solve engineering challenges. Completing this track ensures success in PHY 102 exams and prepares you for a career in power systems, telecommunications, or renewable energy.

Course Chapters

1. Introduction

This chapter defines the atomic basis of electricity and the fundamental laws governing static charges. These principles are required to calculate electrical forces and understand modern electronic systems. You will master charge calculations using mass and electron counts, apply conservation and quantisation laws, identify conductors and insulators, and perform charging by induction and conduction.

Concept Overviews

6 Lessons

1:33:10

Problem Walkthroughs

4 Lessons

59:59

2. Coulomb's Law

This chapter quantifies the force between stationary charges. You will master the inverse square law and vector addition to predict electrical interactions. These calculations form the basis for all electrostatic analysis in engineering. You will calculate net forces using superposition, solve for unknown charges, and analyse equilibrium in systems with springs or pendulums. Practical examples cover charge redistribution and geometric arrangements like triangles.

Concept Overviews

3 Lessons

1:19:26

Problem Walkthroughs

10 Lessons

3:48:22

3. Point Charge Fields

This chapter explains the strength of the electric field and the mapping of lines around a charge. It is the basis for calculating invisible forces and predicting the movement of charges in electrical systems. You will calculate the field of the point charge; apply the principle of superposition to multiple charges; find the location of the null field; and determine the path of the particle in a uniform field.

Concept Overviews

4 Lessons

1:57:19

Problem Walkthroughs

6 Lessons

2:09:42

4. Distributed Charge Fields

Real charges occupy space, not points. This chapter uses integration to calculate fields for lines and surfaces. It builds the skills needed to analyse real engineering components like capacitors and wires accurately. You will integrate linear and surface densities, derive fields for rings and disks, handle non-uniform charge, and apply superposition to solve complex multi-source problems.

Concept Overviews

2 Lessons

47:59

Problem Walkthroughs

9 Lessons

4:34:23

5. Electric Dipoles

Opposite charge pairs create unique fields. This chapter links basic rules to devices like capacitors by analysing dipole behaviour in external fields. You will see how separation creates torque and stores energy. Master the dipole moment vector, inverse-cube field decay, and torque calculation. Learn to compute work done during rotation and distinguish stable from unstable equilibrium positions for precise modelling.

Concept Overviews

5 Lessons

2:38:52

Problem Walkthroughs

5 Lessons

1:29:33

6. Gauss's Law

Gauss's Law links electric flux to enclosed charge. This shortcut replaces hard integration for symmetric shapes. You will learn why field lines matter and how conductors shield internal space. It is the fastest way to solve complex field problems in engineering. You will calculate flux through closed surfaces; convert charge densities for lines and volumes; apply symmetry to spheres, cylinders, and plates; and determine field distribution inside conductors and insulators using Gaussian surfaces.

Concept Overviews

8 Lessons

4:48:44

Problem Walkthroughs

8 Lessons

1:58:59

7. Conclusion

This chapter ties together Coulomb's law and Gauss's law. It confirms how static charges create fields and how symmetry simplifies calculation. You will see the full picture of electrostatics before moving to advanced topics. You will recap force between point charges; review electric field intensity; connect flux to enclosed charge; and solidify the link between discrete charges and continuous distributions for accurate problem solving.

Concept Overviews

1 Lesson

13:48