In the electricity and magnetism (E&M) segment of the traditional introductory calculus-based physics course, many new and increasingly abstract concepts, embodied in complex formal relations, are introduced at a rapid pace. As a result, many students find E&M significantly more difficult than classical mechanics. We describe a different intellectual structure for the E&M course that stresses conceptual coherence, connects the abstract field concept to concrete microscopic models of matter, and follows a clear story line, culminating in the classical model of the interaction of electromagnetic radiation and matter. This sequence has proven to be effective in teaching the basic concepts of E&M.
<a href="https://www.per-central.org/items/detail.cfm?ID=13366">Chabay, Ruth, and Bruce Sherwood. "Restructuring the introductory electricity and magnetism course." Am. J. Phys. 74, no. 4, (April 1, 2006): 329 - 336.</a>
R. Chabay and B. Sherwood, Restructuring the introductory electricity and magnetism course, Am. J. Phys. 74 (4), 329 (2006), <https://doi.org/10.1119/1.2165249>.
Chabay, R., & Sherwood, B. (2006, April 1). Restructuring the introductory electricity and magnetism course. Am. J. Phys., 74(4), 329 - 336. Retrieved May 22, 2025, from https://doi.org/10.1119/1.2165249
Chabay, Ruth, and Bruce Sherwood. "Restructuring the introductory electricity and magnetism course." Am. J. Phys. 74, no. 4, (April 1, 2006): 329 - 336, https://doi.org/10.1119/1.2165249 (accessed 22 May 2025).
Chabay, Ruth, and Bruce Sherwood. "Restructuring the introductory electricity and magnetism course." Am. J. Phys. 74.4 (2006): 329 - 336. 22 May 2025 <https://doi.org/10.1119/1.2165249>.
@article{
Author = "Ruth Chabay and Bruce Sherwood",
Title = {Restructuring the introductory electricity and magnetism course},
Journal = {Am. J. Phys.},
Volume = {74},
Number = {4},
Pages = {329 - 336},
Month = {April},
Year = {2006}
}
%0 Journal Article %A Chabay, Ruth %A Sherwood, Bruce %D April 1, 2006 %T Restructuring the introductory electricity and magnetism course %J Am. J. Phys. %V 74 %N 4 %P 329 - 336 %8 April 1, 2006 %U https://doi.org/10.1119/1.2165249
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