Module description
Syllabus
Electric and magnetic fields; charge; Lorentz force. Maxwell's equations (in various forms). Electrostatics; magnetostatics; wave equation.
Inertial frames, Newtonian space and time, Galilei transformations. Propagation of light and principle of relativity. Derivation of Lorentz transformations. Consequences: simultaneity, time dilation, length contraction, etc. Lorentz group; three- and four-vectors and -tensors. Relativistic mechanics: energy and momentum, E=mc2. Relativistic formulation of electrodynamics.
Prerequisites
Linear methods and vector calculus; Newtonian mechanics; elements of groups and symmetries. An interest for physical applications of mathematics helps. Before taking this module you are advised to take Linear Algebra and Geometry (4CCM113A or 4CCM114A)
You cannot take this module if you have already taken 5CCP2380 Electromagnetism or 5CCYB010 Electromagnetism
Assessment details
Written examination.
Educational aims & objectives
The first part of the module aims at understanding electromagnetism, both in its unified description in terms of Maxwell's equations and at the level of simple phenomena from electrostatics, magnetostatics and wave propagation. The aim of the second part is to give an introduction to Einstein's concept of space-time and to discuss Lorentz transformations and their far-reaching consequences.
Teaching pattern
Three hours of lectures per week and one hour of tutorials
Suggested reading list
Indicative reading list - link to Leganto system where you can search with module code for lists