B11
Course Coordinator: 
Tsumoru Shintake
Classical Electrodynamics
Description: 

Learn the theory and application of classical electrodynamics and special relativity, covering the essential equations and their applications, and build a firm grounding for later studies of quantum physics.  Through lectures and exercises, an understanding of static electromagnetic fields is extended through Maxwell’s equations to a discussion of dynamic vector fields and electromagnetic waves. Numerous physical and technical applications of these equations are used to illustrate the concepts, including dielectrics and conductors, wave guides, and microwave engineering.  Special relativity is introduced with discussion of relativistic and non-relativistic motion and radiation, using linear accelerators and synchrotron radiation as illustrative applications. Demonstrate understanding and application of these concepts in mid-term and final exams. 

Aim: 
Covers the theory and application of classical electrodynamics and special relativity, and provides a firm grounding for later studies of quantum physics.
Course Content: 
  1. Charge and Gauss's Law
  2. Current and Ampere's Law
  3. Divergence and Rotation
  4. Induction
  5. Capacitance and Inductance
  6. Maxwell's Equation 1
  7. Maxwell's Equation 2
  8. Vector and Scalar Potentials
  9. Electromagnetic Waves
  10. Energy, Dispersion
  11. Impedance Concept
  12. Reflection and Matching Condition
  13. Relativistic Equation of Motion
  14. Radiation from a Moving Charge
  15. Synchrotron Radiation
Course Type: 
Elective
Credits: 
2
Assessment: 
Midterm tests, 2 x 30%; Final written test, 40%.
Text Book: 
  • Electrodynamics of Continuous Media, 2 edn, by Landau, Pitaevskii, Lifshitz (1984)
Reference Book: 
  • Classical Electrodynamics, 3 edn, by JD Jackson (1998) Wiley
  • Electricity and Magnetism (Berkeley Physics Course, Vol.2) 2 edn by Edward M. Purcell (1986)
  • The Classical Theory of Fields, 4 edn, by DL Landau (1980) Butterworth-Heinemann
  • Waves (Berkeley Physics Course, Vol.3) 2 edn by Frank S. Crawford (1968) Butterworth-Heinemann
Prior Knowledge: 
Undergraduate level knowledge of mechanics, and calculus and vector mathematics.
Notes: