Overview
This topic provides an introduction to Electromagnetism and Optics. Students study aspects of: Vector Calculus, Electrostatics (Electric field, Electric scalar potential), Electrostatic fields in matter (Polarisation, Displacement), Magnetostatics (Magnetic field, Magnetic vector potential), Magnetostatic fields in matter (Magnetisation, Auxiliary field), Maxwell's Equations, EM waves; Geometric Optics, Wave superposition, Interference, Diffraction, … For more content click the Read More button below.
Topic availabilities
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Tuition pattern
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Aims
This topic aims to provide students with an introduction to the closely related areas of Electromagnetism and Optics. Students will attend laboratories where Electromagnetic and Optical Phenomena will be investigated and practical experience with a variety of Optical Instruments will be obtained.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this topic you will be expected to be able to:
1.
Understand how electromagnetic forces are described in terms of electric and magnetic fields, and be able to use Vector Calculus to describe the basic properties of these fields, including their relationship to charge and current distributions, as well as to scalar and vector potentials
2.
Be familiar with each of the four Maxwell equations, and how these equations lead to the prediction electromagnetic waves
3.
Describe electric and magnetic properties of materials, and understand how the Maxwell equations can be re-formulated to describe electric and magnetic fields in matter
4.
Describe image formation in Geometrical Optics using both mathematical and graphical methods
5.
Demonstrate an understanding of general wave phenomena in Classical Physics, with specific applications to Physical Optics (Interference, Diffraction, Polarisation)
Assessments
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Requisites information
Pre-requisites:
Anti-requisites: