640-245 Electromagnetism & Relativity

Physics 640-121 and 640-122 (or 640-141 and 640-142); one of mathematics 620-113, 620-123 or 620-143, or equivalent.

Mathematics 620-231 or 620-233, or equivalent.

The electromagnetism section of this subject will introduce students to Maxwell's equations in differential form. These equations provide a unified understanding of electrical, magnetic and optical phenomena as well as playing a pivotal role in science and engineering. The other section of this subject will explore Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity and its role in explaining concepts such as motion, space, time and mass.

Students completing this subject will be able to:

• explain the physical basis behind Maxwell's equations and the basic principles of Einstein's theory of special relativity;

• solve and analyse simple problems in electromagnetism by applying Maxwell's equations; and

• apply the principle of special relativity to simple problems, including the analysis of collisions and other phenomena involving high-speed particles.

In addition students will enhance their ability to:

• participate effectively as part of a group in tutorials; and

• plan effective work schedules and manage their time to meet the deadlines for submission of assessable work and prepare for tests and examinations.

Content includes scalar and vector potentials; dielectric and magnetic materials: field vectors; boundary conditions; magnetic circuits; energy density of electric and magnetic fields; boundary value problems; and electromagnetic waves; inertial frames; Einstein's postulates; Lorentz transformations; modifications to kinematics and Newtonian mechanics; causality and the speed of light as the limiting speed; four-vector formulation; high energy collisions; experimental tests; and introduction to the equivalence principle and general relativity.

Tests totalling up to 2 hours and assignments totalling up to an equivalent of 3000 words during the semester (20%); a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (80%).

• R H Good, Classical Electromagnetism. Saunders.
• E F Taylor and J A Wheeler, Spacetime Physics. 2nd edn, Freeman.