Description

This is the second electromagnetism module taken by Physics students. It builds on PHY2021 (Electromagnetism I) and covers fundamental physics that students are capable of directly observing. The early part of the module provides a brief recap and reinforces the difficult material treated at the end of PHY2021. The Maxwell equations are stated and manipulated to obtain the wave equation, and the form of the solutions discussed. The dielectric and magnetic properties of solids are then introduced, with emphasis on the frequency dependence of their real and imaginary components, and the consequences for wave propagation. Wave propagation at interfaces between dissimilar materials is considered, leading to derivation of Fresnel reflection and transmission coefficients. The need to guide electromagnetic waves of different frequency is discussed, and guiding by transmission lines, waveguides and optical fibers is introduced. Finally the electromagnetic fields generated by charges moving with uniform or oscillatory velocity are discussed. A number of interesting physical phenomena are considered that are important in a wide variety of areas and in many key technologies. This is a core subject for Physics programmes and is supported by Stage 3 tutorials and problems classes.

Module Aims

The module aims to develop students' understanding of Maxwell's equations and their applications including some advanced topics. Specifically, students will get to the point where they can handle the fundamentals of fields due to moving charges and also to begin to explore the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

A student who has passed this module should be able to:

• Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  1. describe all the fundamental aspects of electromagnetism;
  2. explain and solve problems involving the magnetic properties of materials;
  3. explain and solve problems involving the dielectric properties of materials;
  4. explain many aspects of the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter;
  5. calculate the effect of such interactions using appropriate vector mathematics;
  6. calculate the fields of moving charges;
  7. solve problems requiring application of Maxwell's equations to a variety of situations as outlined in the syllabus below;
• Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  8. use vector analysis to solve problems in science and engineering;
• Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
  9. develop and present a coherent solution to a problem;
  10. self-evaluate, check and correct solutions to problems.

Syllabus Plan

1. Maxwell's Equations and Electromagnetic Waves
   1. Maxwell's equations for the electromagnetic field and constitutive equations
   2. The equation of continuity
   3. Scalar and vector potentials
   4. Gauge invariance, the Coulomb and Lorentz gauges
   5. Electromagnetic plane waves in an insulating isotropic medium
   6. Polarization, momentum and energy, the Poynting vector
2. Electromagnetic materials
   1. Classical description of atomic polarisability, dispersion
   2. Dielectrics, paraelectrics and ferroelectrics: general concepts
   3. Metals and the skin effect
   4. Classical model of atomic diamagnetism
   5. Diamagnetism, paramagnetism and ferromagnetics: general concepts
   6. Langevin (classical) theory of paramagnetism and electron paramagnetism
   7. M–B loops, and demagnetisation factors
   8. Gyrotropic media
   9. Metamaterials
3. Electromagnetic waves at boundaries and guiding waves
   1. Distributed impedance: the Telegrapher's equations
   2. Coaxial cables and planar waveguides
   3. Fresnel's equations and their optical consequences
   4. Dielectric waveguides
   5. Metallic waveguides
4. Fields Produced by Moving Charges
   1. Radiation from an oscillating dipole
   2. Radiation from a set of moving charges
   3. Scattering
   4. Lienard-Weichert potentials
   5. Fields of a uniformly moving point charge

Learning and Teaching

Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Assessment

Resources

The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that students are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Instructor(s).

Core text:

• Griffiths D.J. (2014), Introduction to Electrodynamics (4^th edition), Pearson Education, ISBN 978-0-321-85656-2 (UL: 537.6 GRI)

Supplementary texts:

• Garg A. (2012), Classical Electromagnetism in a Nutshell, Princeton University Press, ISBN 978-0-691-13018-7 (UL: 537 GAR)
• Kittel C. (2005), Introduction to Solid State Physics (8^th edition), Wiley, ISBN 978-0-471-41526-8 (UL: 530.41 KIT)
• Reitz J.R., Milford F.J. and Christy R.W. (1993), Foundations of Electromagnetic Theory (4^th edition), Addison-Wesley, ISBN 0-201-52624-7 (UL: 530.141 REI)

ELE:

• http://newton.ex.ac.uk/redirects/ELE/phy3051

Further Information

Prior Knowledge Requirements

Re-assessment

Re-assessment is not available except when required by referral or deferral.

Notes: See Physics Assessment Conventions.

KIS Data Summary

Miscellaneous