Main Table of Contents

  0: Introduction
  1: The electromagnetic spectrum
  2: Electromagnetic waves
  3: Proportionality of electric and magnetic fields
  4: Calculating the speed of light from fundamental constants
  5: Creating electromagnetic waves: antennas
  6: Electromagnetic energy: the Poynting vector
  7: Intensity and energy density
  8: Earth's seasons
  9: Sample problem: seasonal flux
10: Radiation intensity and distance
11: Interactive checkpoint: an illuminated manuscript
12: Intensity and field strength around a dipole antenna
13: Radiation pressure optional
14: Sample problem: light pressure on a spacecraft optional
15: Interactive checkpoint: carrier waves optional
16: How electromagnetic waves travel through matter optional
17: Polarization
18: Polarization and intensity
19: Sample problem: gazing at the Sun
20: Interactive checkpoint: the polarized sandwich
21: Scattering of light
22: Optically active substances optional
23: Physics at work: liquid crystal displays (LCDs)
24: Gotchas
25: Summary

Quiz Boards

Problems