Course detail

Electrodynamics and Special Theory of Relativity

FSI-TDEAcad. year: 2014/2015

The course represents the second part of the basic course of theoretical physics. It is concerned with principles of the electromagnetic field theory and the description using Maxwell's equations. Conservation laws of energy and of quantity of motion are derived, field potentials are introduced and electrostatic, magnetostatic and quasistationary fields are described. A great attention is paid to spreading of electromagnetic waves in diverse environments and also to the behaviour of the field at the interface between two environments. At the end of the course the motion of charged particles in electromagnetic fields, principles of the special theory of relativity and invariance of Maxwell equations under the Lorentz transformation are explained.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

prof. RNDr. Petr Dub, CSc.

Department

Institute of Physical Engineering (ÚFI)

Learning outcomes of the course unit

The knowledge of principles of classical electrodynamics and ability of applying them to physical systems in order to explain and predict the behaviour of such systems.

Prerequisites

Knowledge of electromagnetism on the level defined by the textbook HALLIDAY, D. - RESNICK, R. - WALKER, J.: Fundamentals of Physics. J. Wiley and Sons.
MATHEMATICS: Basics of vector analysis.

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course is taught through lectures explaining the basic principles and theory of the discipline. Exercises are focused on practical topics presented in lectures.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

The exam is combined (written and oral).

Course curriculum

Not applicable.

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

The course objective is provide students with basic ideas and methods of classical electrodynamics and enable them to be capable of applying these basics to physical systems in order to explain and predict the behaviour of such systems.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

Attendance at seminars is required and recorded by the tutor. Missed seminars have to be compensated.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

compulsory prerequisite
General Physics II (Electricity and Magnetism)

Basic literature

Feynman R.P., Leigton R.B., Sands M.: Feynmanovy přednášky z fyziky, Fragment, 2001 (CS)
Landau L. D., Lifshic J. M.: The clasical theory of fields. Butterworth-Heinemann, 2000. (EN)

Type of course unit

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. RNDr. Jiří Petráček, Dr.
prof. RNDr. Petr Dub, CSc.

Syllabus

1. Maxwell equations (in differential and integral forms), continuity equation for charge and current. Vector and scalar potentials
2. Conservation laws: conservation of energy and momentum for electromagnetic fields
3. Electrostatics: Coulomb’s law, Gauss’ law, Poisson and Laplace equations, boundary-value problems in electrostatics
4. Magnetostatics: Biot-Savart law, Ampere’s law, boundary-value problems in magnetostatics
5. Quasi-static fields. Skin effect
6. Wave equation. Fields and radiation of a oscillating dipoles
7. Wave propagation in vacuum, isotropic dielectrics and conductors
8. Index of refraction and dispersion relation. Propagation of wave packet in dispersive medium
9. Resonant cavities and waveguides
10. Boundary conditions at interface between media. Fresnel formulae
11. The special theory of relativity and Maxwell equations
12. The motion of charges in electric and magnetic fields

Exercise

26 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. RNDr. Petr Dub, CSc.
prof. RNDr. Jiří Petráček, Dr.

Syllabus

http://physics.fme.vutbr.cz/ufi.php?Action=0&Id=977

VUT

Faculties

University Institutes

Parts

Electrodynamics and Special Theory of Relativity

Type of course unit