Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Electromagnetism II
Code PHYS370
Coordinator Professor C Touramanis
Physics
C.Touramanis@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

To build on first and second year modules on electricity, magnetism and waves by understanding a range of electromagnetic phenomena in terms of Maxwell's equations; to understand the properties of solutions to the wave equation for electromagnetic fields in free space, in matter (non-dispersive and dispersive dielectrics, and conductors); to understand the behaviour of electromagnetic waves at boundaries; to understand the behaviour of electromagnetic waves in cavities, waveguides and transmission lines; to understand the properties of electric dipole radiation; to introduce an explicity covariant formulation of electromagnetism in special relativity'o further develop students' problem-solving and analytic skills.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) An understanding of the properties of solutions to the wave equation for electromagnetic fields in free space and in matter (non-dispersive and dispersive dielectrics, and conductors).

(LO2) An understanding of the behaviour of electromagnetic waves at boundaries.

(LO3) An understanding of the behaviour of electromagnetic waves in cavities, waveguides and transmission lines.

(LO4) An understanding of the properties of electric dipole radiation.

(LO5) The ability to explain an explicity covariant formulation of electromagnetism in special relativity.

(S1) Problem solving skills.

(S2) Numeracy.

(S3) Communication skills.


Syllabus

 

Introduction: Maxwell's equations. Maxwell's equations and their physical significance. Continuity equation and conservation of charge. Poynting's theorem: energy density and energy flux in an electromagnetic field. Electromagnetic waves in dielectric media. Non-dispersive media: derivation of the wave equation. Dispersive media: atomic model, normal and anomalous dispersion. Electromagnetic waves in conducting media. Derivation of the wave equation in a conductor. Properties of the solution to the wave equation in the limits of low conductivity and high conductivity. Attenuation and skin depth. Drude model: frequency-dependent conductivity. Waves incident on a boundary between two media. Boundary conditions for electromagnetic fields. Derivation of Fresnel's equations. Physical consequences of Fresnel's equations: total internal reflection and critical angle; polarisation by reflection and Brewster angle. Electromagnetic cavities and waveguides. Solutions t o the wave equations with perfectly-reflecting boundaries. Resonant cavities. Waveguides: TE and TM modes; phase and group velocity; cut-off frequency. Transmission lines. LC model of a transmission line. Solution to the wave equation for current and voltage. Phase velocity and characteristic impedance in an infinite transmission line. Termination of a transmission line.  Impedance matching.  Voltage standing wave ratio. Lossy transmission lines: dispersion. Calculation of characteristic impedance in parallel wire and coaxial transmission lines. Electromagnetic potentials. Relationship between potentials and fields. Gauge invariance: Coulomb gauge and Lorenz gauge. Wave equations for the potentials with source terms. Solutions to the wave equations for the potentials. Sources of electromagnetic radiation. Hertzian dipole: solution for vector potential, and for electric and magnetic fields. Properties of dipole radiation: spatial intensity, polarisation. Radiation resistance. Half-wave antenna. Electromagnetism and special relativity. Lorentz scalars, four-vectors and tensors. Lorentz transformation of potentials and fields. Explicitly covariant form of Maxwell's equations.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - In person Lecture
Description: real time lecture using slides and electronic board, in the scheduled time slots.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - In Person, small groups Tutorial
Description: there are four problem classes where problems will be made available to the students a week in advance for them to solve and submit electronically for marking. Then we will have sessions in groups of not more than 20 students where the lecturer will discuss the problems and their solutions with the students.
Attendance Recorded: Yes


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 24

  4

      28
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 122
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Assessment 1 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :2    80       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Written mid-term assessment (unseen) Assessment 2 Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :2    10       
Written mid-term assessment (unseen) Assessment 3 Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :2    10       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.