Electrostatics

Intended for L1 ST/SM (LMD) students this booklet offers a rigorous step-by-step introduction to the basics of electrostatics for conductors and capacitors. After recalling the properties of a conductor in equilibrium (zero internal field boundary conditions) the text uses symmetries and Gauss's theorem to establish field and potential. It introduces self and mutual capacitance stored energy and electrostatic pressures then series/parallel associations useful for circuits. Emphasis is placed on the physics behind the equations (role of geometry Faraday cages geometry/dielectric dependence of C). Fully corrected exercises graduated from standard to realistic (charge sharing potential equalization) train reasoning and control of orders of magnitude. Harmonized notations (ε0 σ E V Q) and explicit assumptions (edge effects linear isotropic homogeneous media) secure learning and prepare for real dielectrics and electromagnetism.