Classical Electrodynamics (2026/2027: Semester 1 – Fall)

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Cursusdoel

The course provides a solid, modern introduction to Classical Electrodynamics. Understanding its foundations, elucidated with key examples, will reveal concepts that pervade all of Physics, and increase its appreciation as a coherent body of knowledge, with a powerful, systematic mode of investigation.

After completing this course students are able to:
  1. explain the importance of electrodynamics, both for fundamental physics (field theory) and in applications (optics, electric power, telecommunications, devices, …).
  2. describe and apply concepts and laws of electrostatics (electric field, principle of linear superposition, laws of Coulomb and Gauss, div and curl of electric fields, Laplace equation in various coordinate systems, electric potential, work and energy).
  3. describe and apply concepts and laws of magnetostatics (magnetic field, Lorentz force, Ampère’s law, the law of Biot and Savart, div & curl of magnetic fields, and magnetic vector potential).
  4. solve problems in electro- and magnetostatics by applying the laws and mathematical methods and principles common to this field (principle of linear superposition, method of images, Laplace equation and separation of variables in various coordinate systems, multipole expansion, electric and magnetic fields in matter).
  5. work with the concept of electromagnetic induction (Faraday’s law, Lenz’s rule) and describe the unification of electric and magnetic forces through Maxwell’s equations.
  6. apply basic conservation laws (related to charge, energy and momentum of the electro-magnetic field, Poynting vector) to solve and analyse problems in electromagnetism.
  7. solve problems involving electromagnetic waves in vacuum and electric and magnetic dipole radiation.
Relationship between assessment and learning goals:
Description of assignment Weight Assesses which course aims?
  • Mid-term exam
  • Assignments
  • Essay
  • Final exam
 30 %
20 %
20 %
30 %		 2, 3, 4
all course goals
all course goals, with emphasis on 1
5, 6, 7

Vakinhoudelijk

Classical electrodynamics describes the physics of electricity, magnetism and electromagnetic waves (light). At the core are Maxwell’s laws, which contain the dynamical relationships between electric fields, magnetic fields, and their sources. It is one of the most profound achievements of the 19th century and its technological applications have dramatically altered the world. This theory unified all electromagnetic phenomena into a single consistent framework and thus inspired, influenced and even guided the systematic development of reasoning and methodology throughout all of physics. It still took many decades for its ideas - of fields being physical objects in their own right, capable of interacting with material bodies, exerting forces and carrying energy and momentum - to reveal their full significance and impact. Ultimately, it was Albert Einstein who realized what classical electrodynamics, if valid, told us about the very nature of space and time, and these insights formed the basis for his theory of relativity. This course will tell the story of electromagnetism from the perspective just sketched. Once one has understood the theory in its modern formulation, insights can be expanded both in the direction of fundamentals of (quantum) field theory in general, and in the direction of practical applications to be derived from Maxwell’s laws.

Format
Students prepare for class meetings by reading designated parts of the textbook and working on practice material. In class, instruction will be limited to brief lectures, highlighting key elements and replying to questions raised. Some of the contact hours will be devoted to presentation and discussion of materials that students are working on. Bi-weekly, a certain set of exercises are to be solved by the student at home; this work will be graded. There will be a written closed-book midterm exam. Each student also works on a portfolio of enhanced exercises. Lastly, there will be a written final closed-book exam.

Werkvormen

Lectures

Toetsing

final exam

Verplicht | Weging 30% | ECTS 2,25

assignments

Verplicht | Weging 20% | ECTS 1,5

Portfolio

Verplicht | Weging 20% | ECTS 1,5

*midterm FEEDBACK*

Niet verplicht

mid-term exam

Verplicht | Weging 30% | ECTS 2,25

Ingangseisen en voorkennis

Ingangseisen

Er moet voldaan zijn aan de cursus:

En er moet voldaan zijn aan minimaal één van de cursussen:

Voorkennis

The following courses are recommended: [UCSCIPHY12] Relativistic and Classical Physics and [UCSCIMATL5] Dynamical Systems

Voertalen

  • Engels

Competenties

  • Academisch schrijven

Cursusmomenten

Gerelateerde studies

Tentamens

Er is geen tentamenrooster beschikbaar voor deze cursus

Verplicht materiaal

  • DIVERSE
    H. D. Young and R. A. Freedman, University Physics with Modern Physics, Global ed. 14/E, Pearson-Addison-Wesley, 14th ed., ISBN-10: 1292100400
  • BOEK
    David J. Griffiths, Introduction to Electrodynamics, 4th ed., ISBN-10: 1108420419

Aanbevolen materiaal

Er is geen informatie over de aanbevolen literatuur bekend

Coördinator

A.E.M. van de Ven A.E.M.vandeVen@uu.nl

Docenten

A.E.M. van de Ven A.E.M.vandeVen@uu.nl

Inschrijving

Let op: deze cursus is niet toegankelijk voor studenten van andere faculteiten, bijvakkers mogen zich dus niet inschrijven.

Inschrijving niet via OSIRIS
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