Physics and astronomy
Electrodynamics
Module code: F3204
Level 5
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Class, Lecture, Workshop
Assessment modes: Coursework, Unseen examination
This is a first module on electro/magnetostatics and electrodynamics in differential form with key applications.
Topics covered include:
- Mathematical Revision
- Electrostatics: equations for the E-field, potential, energy, basic boundary-value setups
- Electrostatics: dielectrics, displacement and free charge
- Magnetostatics: forces, equations for the B-field, vector potential, Biot-Savart, dipole field of current loops
- Magnetostatics: diamagnetism and paramagnetism, auxiliary field H, ferromagnetism
- Electrodynamics: Faraday's law, inductance and back emf, circuit applications, Maxwell-Ampere law, energy and Poynting's theorem
- Electromagnetic waves: wave equation, plane waves, polarization, waves in dielectrics, reflection at an interface, wave velocity/group velocity/dispersion
- Potentials and dipole radiation
Pre-requisite
Pre-requisites:
Level 4: (F3201) Maths Methods 1 [T1]
Level 4: (F3210) Classical Mechanics [T1]
Level 4: (F3240) Classical Physics [T2]
Level 4: (F3202) Maths Methods 2 [T2]
Co-requisites:
Level 5: (F3205) Maths Methods 3 [T1]
Module learning outcomes
- State and explain the physical content of Maxwell's equations.
- Solve standard electro/magnetostatics problems.
- Apply EM theory to simple situations involving induction and inductance.
- Solve simple EM wave problems.