Classical electrodynamics
Summary
The goal of this course is the study of the physical and conceptual consequences of Maxwell equations.
Content
I Maxwell equations: the laws of electrodynamics, differential and integral form of Maxwell equations, scalar and vector potential, gauge transformations, solutions of Maxwell equations using Green functions, Neumann and Dirichlet boundary conditions, vacuum solutions and solutions in the presence of charges and currents, retarded potentials, Liénard-Wiechert potentials, radiation emission by moving charges.
II Multipole expansion: electrostatics, magnetostatics, electrodynamics, dipole radiation.
III Electric and magnetic field in matter: derivation of macroscopic electrodynamic equations, continuity boundary conditions, waves in a medium, reflection and refraction of waves.
IV Special Relativity: Maxwell equations and the birth of relativity, Galilean and Lorentz transformations, four-vectors and tensor calculus, covariant form of Maxwell equations, relativistic particle dynamics.
Keywords
Maxwell equations, electromagnetic field, multipole expansion, special relativity, Lorentz transformations.
Learning Prerequisites
Recommended courses
General physics and mathematics courses of the physics bachelor cycle.
Important concepts to start the course
Differential and integral calculus. Newtonian mechanics. Electro and magnetostatics.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- Describe Maxwell equations and its physical consequences
- Formalize physical problems into mathematical equations.
- Solve problems analytically and/or numerically
- Formulate the basic consequences of special relativity
- Synthesize specific electrodynamic phenomena into precise mathematical language
- Describe physical phenomena in the language of fields and particles
- Derive specific consequences of Maxwell equations
- Explain the meaning of each term in Maxwell equations
Transversal skills
- Use a work methodology appropriate to the task.
- Continue to work through difficulties or initial failure to find optimal solutions.
- Demonstrate the capacity for critical thinking
Teaching methods
Lectures and problem solving sessions.
Expected student activities
Attendance at lectures, study of the lectures at home and problem solving during exercise sessions and at home.
Assessment methods
Final written exam
Supervision
| Office hours | Yes |
| Assistants | Yes |
Resources
Bibliography
"Modern electrodynamics", Andrew Zangwill, Cambridge University Press 2013. ISBN-13: 978-0521896979
"Classical electrodynamics / John David Jackson". Year:1999. ISBN:978-0-471-30932-1
"Le cours de physique de Feynman / [Richard] Feynman, [Robert] Leighton, [Matthew] Sands". Year:1995. ISBN:2-10-004504-0
"Théorie des champs / L. Landau, E. Lifchitz; [traduit du russe par Sergueï Medvédev]". Year:1999. ISBN:5-03-000641-9
Ressources en bibliothèque
- Théorie des champs / L. Landau, E. Lifchitz
- "Le cours de physique de Feynman / [Richard] Feynman, [Robert] Leighton, [Matthew] Sands". Year:1995. ISBN:2-10-004504-0
- Classical electrodynamics / John David Jackson
- "Modern electrodynamics", Andrew Zangwill, Cambridge University Press 2013. ISBN-13: 978-0521896979
Notes/Handbook
Moodle Link
In the programs
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Written (winter session)
- Subject examined: Classical electrodynamics
- Lecture: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: mandatory