Partnership for Integration of Computation into Undergraduate Physics

Physics Education Research (PER) studies have demonstrated that undergraduate students struggle with fundamental principles from Electromagnetism (EM) and Special Relativity (SR). However, few studies have approached the intersection of the two subjects: the role which EM played in inspiring the development of SR. To address this issue, this exercise set presents two simulations which highlight the fundamental role of special relativity in classical electrodynamics. The first simulation demonstrates the origin of the Lorentz Gamma Factor from Maxwell's Equations. The second simulation offers an experiential introduction to the Biot-Savart Law, from which the Displacement Current in Ampere-Maxwell's Law can be derived. These programs may be useful in an undergraduate electromagnetism course.