Developing Student Electromagnetic Intuition

This paper presents the construction details of five demonstrations intended to provide an eyes on and hands on intuitive link to the concepts of the electromagnetic force, superposition, and geometric implications of Maxwell’s equations. The vector calculus operators of Maxwell’s equations are described in terms of common concepts of atmospheric pressure and bolt action. Intuitive links between the equations and the right hand rules are presented. The mathematics and mechanisms are each presented with practical links to the sometimes faster access memory, intuition. Initial student responses indicate that the cost effective and relatively low power demonstrations add both to the enjoyment of study and the retention of the calculus concepts involved.