MIT 8.02: Electricity and Magnetism
8.02 is MIT's electricity and magnetism GIR, covering electrostatics, circuits, magnetism, induction, and Maxwell's equations using multivariable calculus. It's the second required physics course for all MIT students and a heavily used OCW resource.
Fennie is independent and not affiliated with MIT. This is an unofficial study guide.
Build my 8.02 study planWhat makes it hard
E&M is more abstract than mechanics — fields can't be seen or felt, and the math (flux integrals, Gauss's law, Faraday's law) runs ahead of intuition for most students. 8.02 is widely considered the harder of the two physics GIRs, with induction and the integral theorems as the peak difficulty.
What you'll cover
- • Electrostatics and Gauss's law
- • Electric potential
- • Circuits and capacitance
- • Magnetic fields and forces
- • Faraday's law and induction
- • Maxwell's equations
The 8.02 study guide
How to study for MIT 8.02, step by step.
- 1
Solidify your vector calculus first
Weak surface and line integrals are the most common root cause of 8.02 struggles. Review 18.02's flux material before the course needs it — the physics is hard enough without the math fighting you.
- 2
Draw the field for every single problem
Fields can't be seen or felt, so the diagram is your only handle on them. Sketch field lines and Gaussian surfaces before computing, every time, until the visual habit is automatic.
- 3
Drill Gauss's law and Faraday's law setups
Choosing the surface, exploiting symmetry, and getting signs right form the exam core. Work these setups repeatedly — induction problems in particular reward students who've practiced the sign conventions to death.
- 4
Explain each law in words, then in math
If you can't state what a flux integral physically measures, the symbols will detach from meaning under exam pressure. Concept questions and verbal explanations bridge the gap pure computation leaves open.
- 5
Interleave it all with Fennie
Upload the 8.02 syllabus or your OCW sequence and Fennie's Daily Plan alternates concept review with problem practice so field intuition grows alongside the vector calculus, with quizzes generated from the actual course content. Free to start.
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How Fennie helps with 8.02
Daily Plans interleave 8.02's concept review with problem practice so the field intuition develops alongside the vector calculus. Chat through what a flux integral physically measures when the symbols detach from meaning, and drill practice problems on Gauss's and Faraday's law setups — the exam core.
FAQ
Is 8.02 harder than 8.01?
Most MIT students say yes — the abstraction of fields plus heavier vector calculus makes E&M the tougher GIR. Concurrent or prior 18.02 helps substantially.
What math do I need for 8.02?
Multivariable calculus concepts, especially surface and line integrals — 18.02-level material. Weak vector calculus is the most common root cause of 8.02 struggles.
How do I build intuition for E&M?
Draw field diagrams for every problem before computing, and explain each law in words. Simulations and concept questions help bridge the gap that pure computation leaves open.
Pass 8.02 with a plan, not a cram
Upload your 8.02 materials and Fennie generates a Daily Plan paced to your deadline — plus chat, flashcards, and quizzes built from the actual course content.
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